cc on pp... please? :)

[JimMcrae]

I took these shots at the weekend and have two specific question about the respective shots.

#1 Loose strands of hair sticking out and magnified by the hair light give her a sort of 'scarecrow' look, but should I go to all the hassle of cloning it out (or whatever) and does it really make that much difference? What would you do?

#2 Along similar lines, the bottom of her dress is all crumpled with sitting around, but does it have a negative effect on the shot? Bear in mind that my pp skills suck, so we're talking a major task for me to sort it! :)

All other c&c much appreciated, as always. Cheers!

#1
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4338912567_ea546a5b2e_b.jpg

#2
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4339646532_ed540575ec_b.jpg

[seaside]

How you choose to PP the images is really up to you and what the images will be used for. I think they're very nice and natural with the hair the way it is. However, editing it would not be all that difficult because of the solid color background. With most portraits I usually PP the color of the teeth and white of the eyes. Also, some selective sharpening in these areas too.

The wrinkles in the dress could be a challenge to PP. Maybe selectively use the shadow/highlight tool to make them less obvious. However, there are other ways and sometimes trying different techniques is required to find the best method.

[anthonyi]

I had a v.quick edit to take out some of the most obvious flyaway hair in #1...judge for yourself whether you would find the effort of an edit worthwhile for the final image...I would always say 'yes'.

[JimMcrae]

How you choose to PP the images is really up to you and what the images will be used for. I think they're very nice and natural with the hair the way it is. However, editing it would not be all that difficult because of the solid color background. With most portraits I usually PP the color of the teeth and white of the eyes. Also, some selective sharpening in these areas too.

The wrinkles in the dress could be a challenge to PP. Maybe selectively use the shadow/highlight tool to make them less obvious. However, there are other ways and sometimes trying different techniques is required to find the best method.

Thanks for that Chris, some good points. I know I really should make the effort with the dress anyway - probably the best way to learn too - but I just haven't got the heart when it comes to pp. Too lazy! :)

I had a v.quick edit to take out some of the most obvious flyaway hair in #1...judge for yourself whether you would find the effort of an edit worthwhile for the final image...I would always say 'yes'.

Your edit certainly looks a lot neater and probably therefore better than the original, but there's a wee part of me that likes the straggly hair in that it's 'different', if you know what I mean? Probably not... :) I'm going to try the edit later anyway and let her decide which one she prefers, although I know she'll prefer it with the hair clone out! Did you just do it by cloning?

Many thanks for the comments anthonyiand taking the time to do that.

Edit: P.S. Wanna' have a go at the dress? :) I'm joking!

[anthonyi]

Your edit certainly looks a lot neater and probably therefore better than the original, but there's a wee part of me that likes the straggly hair in that it's 'different', if you know what I mean? Probably not... :) I'm going to try the edit later anyway and let her decide which one she prefers, although I know she'll prefer it with the hair clone out! Did you just do it by cloning?

Many thanks for the comments anthonyiand taking the time to do that.

Edit: P.S. Wanna' have a go at the dress? :) I'm joking!

Actually, I do know what you mean...I do quite often get comments about my wife's sometimes unruly hair - to me it's a part of her so I used to leave it in. However, there's no denying you get a better quality image if you go against that instinct and PP it away as if it was an image of a stranger.

So, regardless of whether this model is close to you or not, I do see both points of view. For me, these days, the PP wins as I do want the highest possible quality end result.

[JimMcrae]

Actually, I do know what you mean...I do quite often get comments about my wife's sometimes unruly hair - to me it's a part of her so I used to leave it in. However, there's no denying you get a better quality image if you go against that instinct and PP it away as if it was an image of a stranger.

So, regardless of whether this model is close to you or not, I do see both points of view. For me, these days, the PP wins as I do want the highest possible quality end result.

Yup, that makes perfect sense. I know I should really get rid of the straggles... so I will! :)

Thanks again.

[anthonyi]

Here's another quick edit, this time on the dress creases. It's not complete but gives you an idea of what you might think about in respect of this image. I hope it's of some help.

A

[JimMcrae]

Superb mate! Do you mind if I ask how you did it?

[anthonyi]

Not at all, a mixture of cloning and some dodge and burn.

What software do you use..Elements/GIMP/CS?

[JimMcrae]

Not at all, a mixture of cloning and some dodge and burn.

What software do you use..Elements/GIMP/CS?

I use CS2 and actually understand this! That's a first. :)

[rw2]

Here is one from me.
Lightened eyes and teeth, slightly softend the picture, and cloned out some of the hair.

[JimMcrae]

Thanks for taking the time to do that rw2, but I think it's a bit overdone. I know a lot of people like this sort of thing and I understand why they do it for glamour stuff and all that, but I think it looks a bit plastic. That's no criticism of your edit but just my opinion. Cheers! :)

[corkneyfonz]

I like the van de graff generator look which makes the portrait less formal, The dress problem has been tackled in an old thread around Oct last year. Unfortunately I can't find it, nor can I remember if a solution was eventually found. Given my limited editing skills, I regret that I'm unable to offer a quick fix.

[corkneyfonz]

Update, just had a play, make a duplicate copy and a layer mask from the arms upwards. Then select the backgground layer and use the filter, blur, surface blur and a radius of 13 pixels and 18 levels. Use the normal blend mode. It's not perfect but it gives a newly ironed look.

[JimMcrae]

I like the van de graff generator look

Update, just had a play, make a duplicate copy and a layer mask from the arms upwards. Then select the backgground layer and use the filter, blur, surface blur and a radius of 13 pixels and 18 levels. Use the normal blend mode. It's not perfect but it gives a newly ironed look.

Ha! "van de graff generator"... You've got a way with words mate! :)

I'll give that a try later as I'm currently whitewashing 'everything' in my studio (spare room). I'll re-post when I've done the business. Thanks once again Corkney! :)

[jetcode]

IMO the hair cloning looks manicured as if a pair of scissors clipped the loose ends around a bowl. I also think brightening must be realistic or the effect of a manipulated portrait becomes more apparent.

In the fashion world big bucks are spent on hair, makeup, and wardrobe ... I like the original because it's real and IMO there's nothing wrong with touch up (a few strands out of place, brighter smile) but if you are going to go the fashion route the hair (and everything else) must be right in the camera's eye before the shutter fires.

[JimMcrae]

Well, I took the plunge and altered both, although still not sure on the 'van de graff' one? The first took about 5-10 minutes and corkney's magic around 30 seconds (good one mate)! Now, I wonder how she'd look with blue eyes? :)

Thanks to all for you c&c and any more welcome.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4344125843_748085103b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4344855718_ff009371a9_b.jpg

[corkneyfonz]

Glad you like the results. If you wanted to change the eye colour. First create a new empty layer above the original background copy. In the layer blend mode select colour. You can then pick a colour from your swatch and just paint the area with the replacement colour on the new layer. Any errors can be corrected with the eraser. When used with white paint it desaturates the image which means it’s a quick fix for cleaning up teeth and can also be used to create b/w selective colour effects. Use a soft brush and change the opacity to suit your taste.

[JimMcrae]

Glad you like the results. If you wanted to change the eye colour. First create a new empty layer above the original background copy. In the layer blend mode select colour. You can then pick a colour from your swatch and just paint the area with the replacement colour on the new layer. Any errors can be corrected with the eraser. When used with white paint it desaturates the image which means it’s a quick fix for cleaning up teeth and can also be used to create b/w selective colour effects. Use a soft brush and change the opacity to suit your taste.

I don't think I'll bother with the eyes but this is really useful info, stored accordingly. Nice one mate!

Cheers!

[vk2gwk]

The original with the stray hairs is no longer available but looking at your edit, Jim. I notice visible "editing" like brushstrokes and lighter patches. I think you should paint the background black in those spots (on a separate layer). Apart from that it looks really good.

The second is a very nice formal portrait. I understand that the issue was some creases in the dress. Instead of doing a lot of difficult processing would it not have been a lot easier to just take an iron, get rid of the creases and shoot again..?.. :)

[JimMcrae]

The original with the stray hairs is no longer available but looking at your edit, Jim. I notice visible "editing" like brushstrokes and lighter patches. I think you should paint the background black in those spots (on a separate layer). Apart from that it looks really good.

The second is a very nice formal portrait. I understand that the issue was some creases in the dress. Instead of doing a lot of difficult processing would it not have been a lot easier to just take an iron, get rid of the creases and shoot again..?.. :)

Therein lies my problem. I uploaded these two shots as both had minor problems (stray hairs and creased dress). I was reluctant to edit them because they were relatively minor, but also because my editing skills are about as much use as a concrete parachute and my monitor's a cheapo. I seriously can't see the brush strokes you mention, but I've had this problem before where I've edited something, thought it was okay, only to see brushstrokes/splodges when printed out. I'll be needing a new monitor/computer then! :)

So, I was looking for feedback on whether the problems were considered serious enough to warrant editing and hopefully get tips on how to go about editing them (without mincing them up). As for asking her to iron her dress, she's the original fiery redhead - she'd likely have punched me!

Cheers for the comments mate.

[vk2gwk]

I'll be needing a new monitor/computer then!
I saw great improvement in my display after I downloaded a 16 shade grey scale and adjusted the brightness and contrast settings so that I could see all 16 shades. Also depends on whether you are looking at the screen in daylight or during the evening. This morning I could only see it because I knew it was there. Last night it was fairly obvious.

..... As for asking her to iron her dress, she's the original fiery redhead - she'd likely have punched me! ....

I did not say that she should have to pick up that iron..... :twisted:

[JimMcrae]

I saw great improvement in my display after I downloaded a 16 shade grey scale and adjusted the brightness and contrast settings so that I could see all 16 shades. Also depends on whether you are looking at the screen in daylight or during the evening. This morning I could only see it because I knew it was there. Last night it was fairly obvious.

I did not say that she should have to pick up that iron..... :twisted:

Ha! Aye, good one Henk. "Excuse me darlin', d'ya mind getting yer kit off so I can iron it?" Great line: I should try that with all the girls! :lol:

I tried your suggestion to paint it black - like the Stones - and could see the problems you mentioned. As you suggested, couldn't see it at work (daylight) but can tonight. Is this better?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4344125843_58676300ae_b.jpg

[vk2gwk]

It really looks good now - no trace of the PP. Well done, Jim.

Great line: I should try that with all the girls!
Works best with girls with a long term view.... :)

[JimMcrae]

It really looks good now - no trace of the PP. Well done, Jim.


Works best with girls with a long term view.... :)

Oz really isn't that different from Scotland in that respect then! :lol:

Thanks again mate.