Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Not to bore everyone but trying to duplicate some processing. Does this have the same feel as "Crab" ?

(Download)

Crab

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Strictly regarding processing, this one seems a little bit more contrasty (on her face). Can you re-post "Crab" below the little girl?

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Is it just the brighter skin? Of course they need to be downloaded unfortunately.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I think there are details that look sharper on the boy's shirt and face, softer on the girl's. But I'm going to stop now, because between eyesight and a 14" (though high res) viewing machine, that's the best I can come up with :)

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Thank you Linda.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

You seem to be handling the high contrast look fairly well, so I don't know if you need the following advice - don't overdo the contrast when it comes to complexions.

That's not a criticism of either of these photos, but they're both young and have smooth complexions. If the subjects' complexions have any amount of mottling or wrinkles you really need to ease off on the contrast - at least for those parts of their faces.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Understood...thanks R.G.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Hi, Frank,
it is only in the facial skin tones where reasonable comparison can be made, and, IMO, both images manifest essentially the same DR, as well as approximately the same tonal spectrum in facial skin tones.

If your intent was for closely similar tonal rendering, I'd say you accomplished that.

Dave

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Exactly what I was wondering. Hard to tell when you have looked over and over. Thank you Dave.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Frank, I am not sure why I prefer Crab so much. I think part of it has to do with lines. The little girl is square, the boy is dynamic because of the angles (my opinion anyway). And I do not know why, but there is something about his eyes that grab.

So... I think composition is a massive factor on the boy image that is not present in the girl (and can't be, with that given image - it isn't just cropping).

But there is still something going on with the boys eyes that I can't pin down - a very positive, grand thing.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Thank you for the detailed response Piet. I'll agree that Crab's composition has much more impact.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

About the boys eyes... I am thinking they are stronger because of the forward tilt and the shadows that are introduced as a result (for what it is worth..)

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I see these as two completely different photos. The top photo is a nice shot of a very cute girl. It might be a bit overexposed for my taste; but that is largely irrelevant. The thing is, that top has the girl centered in the photo and does not have nearly the impact that the second shot does. If I were that girl's mother or father, I'd be thrilled to have the first shot in a family album. The second shot would also be great for the same family album; but because of that look and the composition with the boy off to the side; it conveys emotions that appeal universally whether you know the lad or not. Both good photos. The second shot brings smiles to anyone who views it. The first shot would have that effect only to a more limited audience. Please understand that I'm commenting only on the photos and not on the individuals. I'm certain that she is a lovely girl who makes people smile all the time.

Another point is that the wave that is coming ashore in the first photo is a distraction. It runs right through her head. The second shot has a pleasant muted and uniform background that has no distractions at all. We get the boy and the crab and that is all we get, and it is also all we want. It is an awesome portrait.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

All great points ebrunner and completely understood. Good to have you back and hope you can hang around.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

If all you wish to know is do they look as if the same process was used then you have succeeded admirably.
Your probably at the outer limit of contrast for the little girl.
So no critique cos assuming you did not post for that?