Still a beginner ... ready to learn

Hello everyone!

This is only my second CC post, so please don't be too evil However, please let me know what you think and how I could improve the shot.

Thanks,
Keith

Canon 10D w/ Tamron 28-70 f/2.8 XR DI
1/3 sec @ f/2.8
ISO 400

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overall it is a very nice shot. Was it your intention for it to be a little soft?

Not really, the TIFF is a little better, but I just don't know all the PS techniques to make it jump off the screen. I'm definately open to suggestions.

Quite nice.

There is three main adjustment that needs to be tweak inmost cases level/curve (to adjust the shadow midtone & highlight), channel to balance the colors, and USM ( unsharp mask). There are scripts/action plugins for PS that you can use that will make some of the adjustment easier. I've been using the sharpening script from thelightsright.com and it works pretty good. But, the most important thing is practice and more practice and you'll find a workflow that works for you.

Here is a quick adjustment I made. If you don't want it posted let me know and I will unpost it.

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There is a definately a difference. Did you use your plugin or just raw talent?

mostly plugin.

I'm just a novice. Still learning. Much of what I've learn is from POTN.

That's why I'm here... Thanks for your time.

I'm not sure about the arm so I've cropped it a little tigher, to me she looks more relaxed without the arm. A beautiful woman and you've photographed her well Keith. Adjustments were selective smoothing of the skin with a noise filter, whiten and sharpened the eyes and a slight curves adjustment.

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And a slighter cooler version...

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Jake:

I do like the crop, but skin smoothing is just a bit too unnatural looking for my tastes. But thank you for mentioning the noise filter. I was able to almost duplicate your adjustments. I learn something every day.

Thanks,
Keith

lol it's funny you mention that the skin smoothing is too unatural, I went just a little bit further than I would have had it not been for posting on POTN. I've seen them pushed so far here that skin looks plastic.

Glad you've done ok with it

Jake one would work for a fashion magazine i think looks nice!

i did a curve/ convert to lab/ did a unsharp mask on the lightness channel, 95/1.5/1, use the blur tool on the forehead and face skin just to smooth the skin abit hehe

was just doin some testing, hope u dont mind.

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i think it would have come out much nicer if u had used a smaller aperture than 2.8, so that both of hers eyes would be in focus, just my thoughts.