need comments/suggestions on this photo

[photosbysergio]

I did a photo shoot yesterday and this is one of the images I am working on. This one is a close-up but I have many others and am just wondering if I am heading in the right direction with lighting and skin tones. I removed a few blemishes from the face and softenned it up just slightly but I don't want to over do it either. Next I plan to remove some of the dark spots under the eyes but I am taking it one step at a time. trying to learn photoshop in my spare time.

[bondarnes]

I think you are heading in the right direction. Personally I feel the strong color of the background pulls my eye away from the face. I also prefer a little higher lighting ratio. PS hint: you can use the scratch and dust filter to remove the chin stubble if you want it gone. Most guys want to keep it though. Most women want it gone. We always use the "Golden Rule". The one with the Gold makes the Rules.

[Stephen H]

I'd reconsider the softening. What I notice is that the hair beside his eyebrows looks nice and sharp, but his eyebrows are fuzzy, as are his nose and chin. This could be a focus issue, not enough depth of field or something, but could just be softened too much in the wrong spots. I think I'm make him a bit smaller compared to the frame, too.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by Stephen H

I'd reconsider the softening. What I notice is that the hair beside his eyebrows looks nice and sharp, but his eyebrows are fuzzy, as are his nose and chin. This could be a focus issue, not enough depth of field or something, but could just be softened too much in the wrong spots. I think I'm make him a bit smaller compared to the frame, too.

It's probably just my old monitor, but I don't see the softness you describe. And in portraiture if the eyes are sharp then the image is good.

[photosbysergio]

Thank you for the input. I'm always eager to learn as much as I can. I was quite pleased with the shoot.

[jimbob01]

Excellent image just as it is.

[Robin Binder]

Nice Head Shot, you can see both ears and I'd love the see this in a black and white.

[photosbysergio]

Thanks for the compliment Jim and Robin.

[lightsnshadows62]

Great image as it is

[bluemoonlight61]

I think the image it's great no need to add o take off anything!!

[photosbysergio]

Thank you!! Fredy and Laura.

[kdr0014]

The focus looks great, the comp looks good, but you might have a couple color shifts in the skin. Maybe a little magenta and a touch of cyan. Although it might be the yellow background that is messing with me. I like the yellow...very stricking. I'd like to see a little more contrast in the eyes for sure. Very nice.

[photosbysergio]

Originally Posted by kdr0014

The focus looks great, the comp looks good, but you might have a couple color shifts in the skin. Maybe a little magenta and a touch of cyan. Although it might be the yellow background that is messing with me. I like the yellow...very stricking. I'd like to see a little more contrast in the eyes for sure. Very nice.

He is a dancer/actor and He applied some type of makeup on his face so that may be the clolor shifts you are seeing.