Black & white portraits
Nov 24, 2013 18:07:22 #
i wonder what you make of these 2 quite different shots, both quite processed in the gimp and ufraw. The girl i wanted to process out all background distractions, its quite a long way from reality but i think its striking. The other is my father in-law. I was aiming for an emotional gritty film noir feel. I sharpened and resharpened and set the black and white levels to try and boost the contrast. So what do you think. Both shot on a Pentax k200d with the samsung 18-55mm kit lens and a manual flash mounted on the hot shoe.
Nov 24, 2013 18:58:34 #
I really like the second photo. I think he looks very pensive and it gives a truly real impression. Film noir...I think you got it. The problem I have with the first portrait is that it does not look real (like you mentioned) but more distracting than that to me is the fact that you can't see the eyes. They are the key, for me, of any portrait. You do have the catch light in the eyes; but the actual eyes are invisible which is a distraction to me.
Nov 24, 2013 19:02:57 #
I would like to see more of her eyes. Looks spooky to me.:) The father-in law is pretty good. Would like to see the case a little brighter around the eyes too. I most shots the eyes tell a story.
Erv
Erv
Nov 24, 2013 19:16:04 #
I will have to have another go at the first one, a friend just called it creepy and I think that is probably due to the eyes. I don't think I would have put a picture of her up if it had been recognisable. I was thinking on the lines of an art deco silver statue. Will be interesting to see other view points her mum loves it.
I think stans expression made me want to process it this way. thank you for your thoughts they are very encouraging.
I think stans expression made me want to process it this way. thank you for your thoughts they are very encouraging.
Nov 24, 2013 19:29:42 #
blackest wrote:
i wonder what you make of these 2 quite different ... (show quote)
The portrait of the young lady is missing the the small reflective sparkle of life. The sore focus was nicely done. A white card, or tin foil below her face, out of view would have added the sparkle in the eyes. A little Lightroom enhancement will correct that problem.
Rocky
Nov 25, 2013 04:49:39 #
reworked to give better eyes but it doesn't have the same look. It might be preferable thou.
Dec 3, 2013 13:52:27 #
blackest wrote:
reworked to give better eyes but it doesn't have the same look. It might be preferable thou.
Blackest, I prefer the first photo of the girl. To my taste I find the second too high in contrast. I really like the photo of your father in law .
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