Musicians

These two photos are straight off the camera. Other than a little red eye in the first image, are there any further Photoshop improvement suggestions?

Thanks for looking.

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The first one has attractive lighting. However, standing alone, one wonders about the red paint.

The second has a more compelling subject, but suffers from being a direct flash shot.

Both need to be placed within a context, in my view. Your title said musicians. I expected to see instruments. However, it's not clear that these fellows are musicians without them. Get a guitar or drumstick in the image. Even a kazoo would do, albeit out of character.

Thanks for taking the time to make these comments Joe.

These are part of a selection of publicity shots for two rock bands and as such didn't need them holding instruments. I cannot recall what I did with the lighting on the second shot though - I think it was pointing to the ceiling. I'm pretty thick (and fearful) of all things lighting so would appreciate suggestions as to how I should have lit the subject. Thanks again.