--LUNA--First C&C Submission Ever

[LuckyStar08]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3505688074_4cf03360c1_o.jpg

[LuckyStar08]

One hour & nothing...but there have been several views. Maybe someone could at least tell me why I'm not getting any critique? I have been so nervous since I joined this forum to post a picture for CC...I'm starting to think I should have just stayed in the CC closet. :)

[tonydee]

Don't stress about it... that's normal! It's easy to get too much expectation. Some people even like to see things a couple times hours or days apart so they know whatever they're feeling isn't fleeting... as we educate ourselves we need to be open to new things, but sometimes they take a while to sink in. There are also people who're prefer learning from watching, but are not confident - or perhaps more self-aware than the likes of me - and prefer not to put forward an opinion....

Anyway... my thoughts:
- lighting seems strange... highlights suggest it was pretty frontal, there are a couple unusually small catch-lights in her left eye, but nothing much in her right. I think that's because the eyelash is covering them somewhat, or perhaps - given EXIF confirms flash was used - did you PP the catch-lights out? Her right eyebrow is also distractingly bright.
- not a fan of having her shoulder brighter than her face... draws attention away... some PPing would help
- a critical aspect of perceived sharpness around the eyes is the ability to distinguish the individual eyelashes... not so good here
- we're not really seeing detail or colour in the eyes
- the necklace and hair suggests a style of dress and appearance that doesn't mesh with an apparent lack of lipstick.

Cheers, Tony

[LuckyStar08]

Tony thank you so much!

[LuckyStar08]

Here is the original. I loved the look on her face but didn't like the fingers. I was worried I went way too heavy in PP. That is why I posted it for critique. Thank you again Tony.
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2109/12362071/21990548/363489561.jpg

[tonydee]

Can't see it, but I guess you know that and am sorting it out. I'm off to bed though (after 8am here)... will check it out later. Cheers, Tony

[LuckyStar08]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3506752061_89da51491d_o.jpg
Here is my 2nd edit based on your advice.

[bensherman2]

Liking the 2nd edit, can see more detail in her right eye. Nice shot - keep it up!

Matt

[LuckyStar08]

Liking the 2nd edit, can see more detail in her right eye. Nice shot - keep it up!

Matt

Thank you Matt.

[tonydee]

Wow... you sure know your post-processing! The eyebrow's much better, the lipstick looks great, and the viewer is allowed a stronger connection to the eyes. So, I think the 2nd edit's a winner. Only suggestion is to soften the lines under her eyes a touch more... not saying hide them, but the contrast is so high that for a moment there's I was wondering if it was a hair. I quite liked your background before, but now you've removed it I can see doing so keeps focus on the model. Great work. Cheers, Tony

[brennasg]

second edit much better! I found the first one too soft and I wasn't really focusing on anything.

I also like the new background better, and agree about the left eye(her left) I thought it was a hair.

Great job! Keep posting:) Sometimes its really frustrating when you have a million views and no comments.. but a lot of people would rather look and silently judge your pick, I guess they aren't confident in what they would say? I don't know..and sometimes you will wish certain people didn't say anything at all! haha..

[LuckyStar08]

Wow... you sure know your post-processing! The eyebrow's much better, the lipstick looks great, and the viewer is allowed a stronger connection to the eyes. So, I think the 2nd edit's a winner. Only suggestion is to soften the lines under her eyes a touch more... not saying hide them, but the contrast is so high that for a moment there's I was wondering if it was a hair. I quite liked your background before, but now you've removed it I can see doing so keeps focus on the model. Great work. Cheers, Tony

I totally see what you mean and did just that...it looks much better. I think when you've worked on a photo for awhile you maybe get use to see some things and it's always good to see it again through fresh eyes. Thank you so much.

As scared as I was to post a photo for critique, it wasn't as bad as I had prepared for.

[LuckyStar08]

second edit much better! I found the first one too soft and I wasn't really focusing on anything.

I also like the new background better, and agree about the left eye(her left) I thought it was a hair.

Great job! Keep posting:) Sometimes its really frustrating when you have a million views and no comments.. but a lot of people would rather look and silently judge your pick, I guess they aren't confident in what they would say? I don't know..and sometimes you will wish certain people didn't say anything at all! haha..

Thank you. :)
I wish I had caught the line under the eye before I posted the second edit, but I'm glad it was pointed out to me.

[tonydee]

I think when you've worked on a photo for awhile you maybe get use to see some things and it's always good to see it again through fresh eyes.

Ain't that the truth... I only need 5 minutes and sometimes I might as well be drowning :-).

As scared as I was to post a photo for critique, it wasn't as bad as I had prepared for.

Hope we get to see plenty more. Doesn't often get nasty around here, honest ;).

Cheers, Tony

[grimm5577]

the skin near her shoulder/neck has some odd color differences. otherwise i like it. 2nd edit much better.

[LuckyStar08]

the skin near her shoulder/neck has some odd color differences. otherwise i like it. 2nd edit much better.

Thanks Grimm,
As you can see from the original, I took fingers out. I worked for quite awhile to make it smooth and unnoticable. I haven't perfected it yet. :) Thanks for your comments though, much appreciated.

[Lightworks Imaging]

I agree on the lack of lip color. Seemed to immediately draw my attention there. Second thing I noticed is the "dull" eyes. No catchlights make for a lifeless image IMO. The pose makes her face look wide. Nice detail in the hair, and the shadows are about right. I don't see the color difference in the skin, but that could be my less than stellar monitor. Not a bad shot.

[LuckyStar08]

Thanks Tinner

[BT3916]

Well I am brand spanking new, and I just want to say thanks for putting your picture up, I have already learned a few things and can feel my eyes getting trained to catch little subtle differences, and 2, great job editing your photo and and improving it! Keep up the good work.