Just a snap

[Autumn]

My grandson was watching TV so I got my camera out to try to get some "Natural" looking pics.

He turned to look at me and this is the pic.

I have cropped it and used the Iris and teeth whitening on his eyes, but have done nothing else.

I know the pose with the chair arm in the way is not ideal, but I would welcome adivice on what (if it is necessary) I should do to improve the image.

Please remember, I am not a Portrait Photographer and do not know what to look for. I am just a snapper, but would be interested in your views. There are very many professional and experienced photographers in this forum - please don't let me down. I really want to know. I know people talk about "Form" on their faces, but I don't really know what they are talking about.

Thanks.

[ash]

Re: Just a snap

Come on Audrey, I think your making an easy cop out here saying your not a portrait photographer. Ive just been browsing your gallery and there are some wonderful shots using LIGHTING to its full potential, so you have either been very lucky capturing some of your gallery shots or very lazy shooting this portrait there's a clue in there somewhere.
To me the face looks quite flat and if I only had this to work with the chair arm has to go. Also the expression is quite nutural, its neither happy or sad.
Try another crop in b&w and have a play with highlights and shadows having a tweek here and there. Im dying to have a go but Ide like to see what you come up with.
Ash.

[Autumn]

Re: Just a snap

Come on Audrey, I think your making an easy cop out here saying your not a portrait photographer. Ive just been browsing your gallery and there are some wonderful shots using LIGHTING to its full potential, so you have either been very lucky capturing some of your gallery shots or very lazy shooting this portrait there's a clue in there somewhere.
To me the face looks quite flat and if I only had this to work with the chair arm has to go. Also the expression is quite nutural, its neither happy or sad.
Try another crop in b&w and have a play with highlights and shadows having a tweek here and there. Im dying to have a go but Ide like to see what you come up with.
Ash.

You've cheered me up no end by saying I've used lighting to its full potential, because seriously, I must have been lucky. I know what I like, but do not know what I should be aiming for and I think by saying the pic is flat gives me a clue. I will have a go with the s & h and see what I come up with. Thanks for taking the time Ash.

[Pops]

Re: Just a snap

With candid portraits I don't believe that facial expression is all that important and much prefer to see a natural pose like this one. I think he still has the 'far away intense' look from watching the tv. The chair arm of course really must go.

Must say he scrubs up well

[Autumn]

Re: Just a snap

I've cropped the pic and in LR2 -58 shadows and -8 darks. What do you think and would you do any more?

Thanks for your input Pops. I am inclined to agree with you. I don't like to see too much done to young skin - perhaps it's because I don't know how to get the best out of the software.

Perhaps it needs lightening a bit.

[Pops]

Re: Just a snap

What I would do with this now is to reduce saturation a bit and leave it at that.
Of course others will have different suggestions so you could hang on a bit and see what else crops up.

[Caz]

Re: Just a snap

What I would do with this now is to reduce saturation a bit and leave it at that.
Of course others will have different suggestions so you could hang on a bit and see what else crops up.

Nope, I agree with Pops - reduce the saturation a little...

A good natural capture, like the catchlight in the eyes

[Autumn]

Re: Just a snap

Thanks Caz, I have reduced the saturation by -12. The catchlights were from the windows.

I tried to selectively reduce the sauration of the red in CS3, but messed it up so I left it. It was difficult for me around the hair line.

I've finished with it now.

[Barr1e]

Re: Just a snap

I've cropped the pic and in LR2 -58 shadows and -8 darks. What do you think and would you do any more?

Thanks for your input Pops. I am inclined to agree with you. I don't like to see too much done to young skin - perhaps it's because I don't know how to get the best out of the software.

Perhaps it needs lightening a bit.

My sort of pic.
If only I could get my granddaughter to sit and relax like your subject I would be in heaven. We are visiting her tomorrow and will possibly come back exhausted. She is such a bundle of fun.

Very nice indeed.

Regards. Barr1e

[Josh Bear]

Re: Just a snap

Hi

The reworked one is much better than the first due to the lack of distractions like the arm of the chair. The last thing I would suggest is a slight softening of the skin. If you have lightroom then select the areas of the skin and then reduce the clarity slider. If you don't have lightroom then I am sure Photoshop has something.

I used this effect recently on a portrait of my daughter and it worked really well.

Best regards

Josh