Advice appreciated

[fridayphunnies]

Just looking to see what others think , Photoshops madness ? Gaudy?

[Mhappy]

Is that a Shadow/Highlights, Brightness/contrast combo in #1??
I don't like it - it's giving my eyes a headache! (I really don't mean it to sound harsh... you're asking for advice and I'm not one for beating around the bush)

#2 - looks (IMHO) too blurry for a close up. You captured a pretty smile though! Is she picking her ear?? :oops:

[gonzogolf]

Too much for me on the first one. I'm not sure how you would use it. I dont get the ear thing in the second, not flattering

[bastozzz]

The first picture is a bit unique. If it's your style and you love it, then great. I agree with Mhappy on the 2nd image.

[fridayphunnies]

Thanks guys , used a preset in light room for the first one, is a bit hard on the eyes indeed.

[CTP]

Try the first in BW with clarity a little strong, the color is too much for me.

[sapearl]

No. 1 is pretty garrish - but some folks go for that effect. If you wanted to included one, it would be ok as a gimmick but certainly no more than one. The 2nd is an ok conversion.... a bit flat on the lighting and also needs a boost in contrast/brightness. The yellow and red filters in photoshop could have been used to bump her skin tone into a more pleasing range.

I agree with Mhappy on the second though. Your timing was right on for a cute and warm smile; does a nice job of capturing her "essence." But either there is camera shake or AF a bit OOF. Still not too shabby though from a timing and composition standpoint.

- Stu

[Svetlana]

#1 isn't working for me, it hurts my eyes.

#2 she has a cute smile and you did a great b/w conversion but the finger in the ear ruins in for me.

[Mhappy]

Now, if you can move her hand down a bit so it looks as if she's playing with her earring... now THAT would be a great 'essence' shot!!!!!!! :D