First attempt at high key image.

I saw some nice post processing work in a different thread and though I'd give it a go with this picture of my daughter.

The original shot was taken outside with my 20D and 50mm f1.4 lens, 1/500 @ f/5 ISO 200. Converted from RAW in CS2.

Grateful for any comments

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I love the idea, but I would bring the highlights down a little bit, and I can't help but wonder what selectively coloring the eyes would do. I think you've got a great picture and you should be very proud of it.

Mike

I see what you mean, I probably have overcooked it. I did consider colourizing the eyes but I had converted to grayscale so it wouldn't let me use hue/sat (unless there's another way I don't know about).

Here's the original shot. Feel free to adjust it.

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here's my quick go. some cloning to even out skin tones and a masked levels layer.

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Your High Key shot is VERY impressive. I like how it accentuated the reflection in Her eyes as well. You've got a Keeper here.
-Bruce

I think the you hit the mark with the high key image.
Very nice reflections in the eyes, as stated already by BP.
MBbeach's attempt is very spectacular as well.

would you mind sharing a few more details on how you achieved this?

This is a great shot, and a great manipulation! I would love to try it!

jules

One remark: teeth are too dark and it doesn't look good...

yeah, I was just thinking the same thing. Lightening the lips/teeth would help a bit. I think your want those big, beautiful eyes with all their reflections to the be focus. If there was just a hint of the shape of the mouth (like the eyebrows and nose) it would be better, I think. My eyes are drawn to the dark mouth a little too much.

otherwise, it's a great concept.

High key..........how is it done?

Thanks for the constructive comments- I'll have a go at adjusting the mouth. It's great to get feedback, it's funny how sometimes you don't see something then someone points it out and it hits you right between the eyes!

This is what I did. Not sure if it is a conventional method or not.

Convert to greyscale>copy background layer> set blending mode to screen (about 85%)

Then by accident I applied gradient map in an adjustment layer (default black gradient set to reverse) and found this brought out they eyes more. I applied this 2 or 3 times to get the result posted.

If anyone has a better method (and I'm sure they do) I would be glad to hear it.

Here is the shot reworked as suggested.

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