I know you must be sick of these...

[srwatters]

But one last question.

Over-processed or good job?

Original proof


Finished product


I promise, new model next week!

[jeffkohn]

IMHO it's a little too much touchup in the area under the eyes. Completely removing those lines under the eyes just doesn't look natural to me, everybody has those and when they're not there it doesn't look right. I'm guessing you used the healing brush to remove them? Immediately after doing so, try using the Fade command to reduce the effect somewhat so that there's still a hint of the line there but it's not as deep.

[mramos]

I prefer your original. The processed one looks too bright on my monitor.

[LoungeLizard]

Well, I've read the two posts (Jeff and Miguel) and agree with them. Prior to reading them, my comment was going to be about her skin tone. One of the things to watch out for in postprocessing is how much you're affecting skin tones. The softening and "plastic surgery" is fine, but on a young woman like her I don't think it's necessary - and it sometimes tends to change not only the look, but the shade, of the skin.

Aside from that, how can I get tired of good shots from you and good learning opportunities? See, when you post something and get feedback, we ALL learn from it!

[brad]

I agree with all that have gone before... the one thing I try to watch when I'm doing it is to pay attention to the already bright areas.. such as on her raised hand in this shot. Your "after" shot has the shine on the hand too bright, almost blown out.

I like bright shots and high contrast.. so its hard for me to remember to watch out for those spots. :)

[srwatters]

Of course I saved the versions without the eye surgery. I'm torn here. I went back and looked closely at some of my favorite 'glamour' images and almost every one has nearly the same under eye work done. I'll ask Catheryn which version she likes and that's what she gets. The customer is always right, correct? Here's the same shot without the surgery.

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

IMHO it's a little too much touchup in the area under the eyes. Completely removing those lines under the eyes just doesn't look natural to me, everybody has those and when they're not there it doesn't look right. I'm guessing you used the healing brush to remove them? Immediately after doing so, try using the Fade command to reduce the effect somewhat so that there's still a hint of the line there but it's not as deep.

Have you tried this advice yet - it works well (but I do it using layers). Create a duplicate layer and "fix" the wrinkles, lines, bags under eyes, etc. Then change the opacitiy of the new layer until you get the look you want. It allows to to remove them so they are not distracting features, but still leave them so the person looks "normal".

In the first image they are too prominent, and in the second image they are noticably absent. The fix and fade method will give you a good compromise.

[srwatters]

A compromise. Used the layer method on the jpeg, since I'm at work at don't have the tifs here. This is a 33% opacity on the 'fixed' layer.

BTW, thanks to all you guys for helping me to improve. I'll do my best to give back as I learn.

[markperez]

I'm never sick of picture of pretty girls

[wyatt]

Lookin' good man. Still think ya need more USM on (at least) these web images. Skin tones look a little red. Is it just me? Knowing the work you've put into your system, I'm curious 'bout what I see on mine.
And a little more "pop" in those shots wouldn't hurt. Several ways to get there.


Wyatt

[Bill Huber]

For what it is worth, I think it is one of you best shots, I like the pose and the the look.

I think it is more of a taste thing then anything else but I still like a little more richness in the color and a little more contrast.
Here is the the 2 side by side. Levels, it was clipped on each end, contrast adjustment, color balance just a little and then my people setting in NeatImage.

But I still think it is one of your best.

[Jim Victory]

FWIW I have a calibrated Graphics Monitor that is calibrated weekly and the skin tone look fine to me.

[DeLeon]

I dont get tired of them...I enjoy them. I learn alot from looking at these when you post them actually. Nice work!

[brad]

Originally Posted by Bill Huber

But I still think it is one of your best.

I agree with Bill and I love what he did with it.