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So I've been without a camera for a number of weeks now which means photoshop has been getting a touch neglected.

I decided to get out an old pic I haven't previously PP'd and keep myself aquainted with PS.

Let me know what you think criticism wise.





larger image.

http://static.flickr.com/56/131815883_4180065974_o.jpg


thanks Michael

Maybe a little dodging and burning to add more depth would be good Michael. Especially around any mild shadowing or midtone areas, this will add dimension.
I find as a rule a lot of mono conversions lack contrast. This can easily be overcome by going a bit more on the extreme side of contrast enhancement at first and then backing off bit by bit to come up with a more striking result.
Most conversions today, through lack of experience, seem to end up with a flat looking image. correct me if im wrong.

Cheers Jethro

Where in particular would you suggest I dodge and or burn for future reference?

For the record I also wanted to keep a bit of detail on her skin with this BW conversion the curve was at a pretty steep angle so I had to tweak it alot to get a happy medium between contrast and detail.

I love it just as it is. Great shot of a beautiful woman - fantastic sharpness, control of DOF and expression. If I was nitpickicking I'd like to have both eyes sharp, but in all honesty it doesn't matter here - it's a lovely portrait.

The only thing I can say against this photo is the angular shadow on her neck. Other than that it's great. Pretty model, good depth of field, good depth to the shot (ie the model is very 3d, rather than flat looking) I think the pose as well as the lighting contribute to that.

Michael, I hope you dont mind an edit this is more contrast IMO



Everyone has a different slant on BW i must say.
By the way your image is as SAS.
Jethro

No offence Jethro, but I prefer the original image. I think her skin looks much nicer in the first, and yours has brought out some dark areas on her face which weren't a problem to begin with.

As you say, everyone's got their own take.

Thanks for your input everyone it's very helpful!

I can't understand why I didn't see this oppertunity the first time I looked through these photos months ago.

perhaps its like leftover food after a couple of days in the fridge it tastes even better?

Great tone, compositional control (though I may have been tempted to drop the camera view height just a fraction) and DOF michael beautifully taken portrait.
cheers
marco

Michael wrote:Thanks for your input everyone it's very helpful!

I can't understand why I didn't see this oppertunity the first time I looked through these photos months ago.

perhaps its like leftover food after a couple of days in the fridge it tastes even better?

Lol, I get the same thing going through old shots days/weeks/months later dude

IMO it's a great shot, Michael. The only thing I can nitpick is that for my tastes the DOF is a little too narrow. Otherwise it's great!

I like this a lot, maybe if they eyes were a little lighter with more detail, but anywho! Great shot!
~William

Thanks everyone

The suggestions are something I will try to remember to incorporate into future portraits.