C&C - Processing

Hey all. I would like some C&C on the processing of this photo... skin smoothing, etc.... This is the first one I've taken beyond basic adjustments. I know the dof isn't really deep enough, but I'm looking for tips on the processing. I use LR3 and haven't figured out a good way of getting the dark circles out from under her eyes (not shadows) and I'm having a hell of a time cloning out the dried boogers, so have left them in for now. I'll revisit those later. Thanks for your time!

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Byte size: ZERO

Ah, good, for a second there I thought the first one was SOOC. Looks like a fine start.

Both seem underexposed. Work on correct exposure first, then processing...

Looks about 1.3 stops underexposed to me. I also feel that there's a bit too much green in the processed image -- for example, look at the hair.

argyle wrote in post #13925356
Both seem underexposed. Work on correct exposure first, then processing...

It wasn't a posed or planned shot. I had been shooting something else and hurried with the settings before the moment passed, thus the too shallow depth of field as well. I was lucky to get any kind of focus with how quick it was.

Thanks for the input guys. I've increased the exposure in the processed image, above. Is that any better?

Thanks toasty... good eye. That's exactly what LR3 said, lol. I see what you mean about the green. Could that be because of the saturation on the hair mask? The entire photo is +12 towards magenta already, which after increasing exposure, is showing up in the skin. I'll have a look at that after supper.

Keep the comments coming. It's how I learn.

MedicinSC wrote in post #13925841
Thanks toasty... good eye. That's exactly what LR3 said, lol. I see what you mean about the green. Could that be because of the saturation on the hair mask? The entire photo is +12 towards magenta already, which after increasing exposure, is showing up in the skin. I'll have a look at that after supper.

Keep the comments coming. It's how I learn.

Hmm, yeah I'd maybe take down the saturation on the hair a bit. Where I was seeing the green was in the neutrals in the background. It's just a tiny bit green looking to me. Could very well be that my monitor is off. Still need to buy that Spyder

Looks pretty good for a first pass. I'd brighten those big blue eyes though.

I really like it! I think it looks good!

The only two things I see...You should leave the freckles. It adds more character to the kid. The hair color seems off. Other than that,good PP.

whoty wrote in post #13927708
The only two things I see...You should leave the freckles. It adds more character to the kid. The hair color seems off. Other than that,good PP.

Agreed. My biggest complaint was the freckles are missing on the PP'd image.

Still think the eyes need some work.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

you guys are phrickin good! I know jack about portrait editing but I think freckles are one of humankinds most delightful attributes....I would opt not to edit them out so much....

Qbx wrote in post #13928951
Still think the eyes need some work.

Did you bring up overall exposure some more, or just for the eyes?

I'll work on it some more when I get home from work tomorrow morning. Thanks guys!

And, what did you do to diminish the dark circles under her eyes? Anything I can do in LR3? I don't have PS yet.