Trying to improve my PP

so i wanna push my PP to the next level... would like C&C on the new edit from the original one and any advice on things i could still change...

here is the SOOC

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IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​085567055/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​859991074/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​860979974/

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The eyes are way overcooked on both versions. I liked that you brightened the face, but perhaps you went a bit too far, and it seems like the background is better exposed in the first edit as the colors look more saturated when they are darker.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16451885
The eyes are way overcooked on both versions. I liked that you brightened the face, but perhaps you went a bit too far, and it seems like the background is better exposed in the first edit as the colors look more saturated when they are darker.

Understatement of the week.

Removing the stray hairs makes her look cut out. I usually leave most strays because it just looks more natural to me.

Heck, I don't think your first image is bad. Lighting is just a little flat but still a nice shot.

k so i burned the face a bit and deleted the iris enhance which was the only thing i did to the eyes in both.. i merged down the stray hair layer so i cant bring that back but i could post the SOOC pic to show just how much there was...

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​860979974/

i liked the first picture the best too, other than being maybe 1/2 stop under on her face. sorry i know its not what you wanted...

the PP shot looked way blown out on the face. i didnt (dont know) know the eyes were overworked. i thought that might have been as a result of the face lightening...

bartc wrote in post #16452086

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​860979974/
IMG_3580 edit 3 by BartCepekPhotography, on Flickr

This edit looks less enhanced, I like it better than the original two posted. Good progress

^^^ what would you suggest i change next...

hows this look

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …kphotography/10​879019296/

I tried something with some cloning of the background, I hope you like it - not sure if you like the amount of "enhancing", some people prefer a more natural look

The last one by Eva is very green. Very.

<Eve> wrote in post #16458132
I tried something with some cloning of the background, I hope you like it - not sure if you like the amount of "enhancing", some people prefer a more natural look

Edited the wb slightly, anyway the idea was more to show the different background thanks for the hint though kirk

honestly the background is not bad but i do like the waterfall i had event though it was quite bokeh'd ... thxs for the different takes on my photo

How about just increasing exposure about a half stop or so then adding a vignette to darken the bg back down a little? That way, you don't loose all those freckles that she is probably renowned for.

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Yep, ^ this edit is best

As far as skin smoothing, if any was felt necessary, I don't think personally I'd go any further than this edit as it still shows her freckles just to a lesser degree.

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I gotta agree with Gene...you took a perfectly lovely lady and produced something less so.