CC Requested: I would like some feedback on this image please. It was part of a gallery of 20 images presented to a client. She did not like 12 out of the 20 including this one. She...

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

I would like some feedback on this image please. It was part of a gallery of 20 images presented to a client. She did not like 12 out of the 20 including this one. She commented that they are look dark and too edited. I asked if she meant the skin tones were too dark or the surroundings and she said both. I would like to be open minded about how I could improve. Mid day sun, natural light, 5-in-1 Silver side towards them at my feet to add a little light to their faces. F5.6, 1/320, ISO 200, 82 mm, hand held.

Cheese

Dr Rae wrote:

I would like some feedback on this image please. ... (show quote)

Take a look at how this one differs from the skin tones and background lighting of the 8 she did like, and you will have your answer.

Perhaps she is just trying to get out of paying for your work.

Guzser02

It sounds familiar. It sounds like the client that needs to say something bad in order to get you to throw your arms up in the air and say: don't worry, its on me!
These are good, clear, proper exposures.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I see nothing wrong with your exposure.

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

That was my thought as well. But if there something to learn here I'm all for it.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Dr Rae wrote:

I would like some feedback on this image please. ... (show quote)

The exposure looks correct to me. Perhaps a tad bit more diffuse fill. But the white cloth looks fine with detail. I'm guessing that they are both just really dark. Note lighter tone showing a bit on palm side of fingers. That is the way they are. Actually, I'd be more concerned with the placement of the tree behind the lady's head. If anything on my monitor the background is a bit too bright. But it is not the subject so no issue to me.

rcarol

lamiaceae wrote:

The exposure looks correct to me. Perhaps a tad bit more diffuse fill. But the white cloth looks fine with detail. I'm guessing that they are both just really dark. Note lighter tone showing a bit on palm side of fingers. That is the way they are. Actually, I'd be more concerned with the placement of the tree behind the lady's head. If anything on my monitor the background is a bit too bright. But it is not the subject so no issue to me.

I personally think that the exposure on the dark skin tones needs to be lightened to bring out the detail in their faces. While you could argue that the overall exposure is correct the skin tones are too dark in my opinion. I've added my rendition of the couple after processing it to my liking.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

rcarol wrote:

I personally think that the exposure on the dark skin tones needs to be lightened to bring out the detail in their faces. While you could argue that the overall exposure is correct the skin tones are too dark in my opinion. I've added my rendition of the couple after processing it to my liking.

I totally agree with the client that pics are too dark. Nice edit considering you were working with a small thumbnail . I was going to do an edit but was going to ask that he post with the store original option. Shooting people of color is not easy and almost always need careful post processing

For a shot like this you need to at least turn the highlights all the way down and the shadows almost all the way up. From there you can add clarity, vibrance and sharpening to taste.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

rcarol wrote:

I personally think that the exposure on the dark skin tones needs to be lightened to bring out the detail in their faces. While you could argue that the overall exposure is correct the skin tones are too dark in my opinion. I've added my rendition of the couple after processing it to my liking.

I agree with the client.
Great post processing !! rcarol

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

Dr Rae wrote:

I would like some feedback on this image please. ... (show quote)

Maybe this?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

While busy re-editing, remove the distracting leaves / branches at the top-left edge the frame and remove both dark items above the father's shoulder and at the left edge of the frame.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

The was a question the other day here about photographing people of color.
Not easy. I like the original Maybe a bit more exposure. Do you have a raw version
I think you dont.
This is a still from a camcorder at a marathon start. Where the people are placed needs
some light. I find shooting with a camcorder easier pushing the gain. Yes ISO can be pushed
and maybe that is what the photo needs.
Of course this attractive couple have dark skin. And that is who they are.
You might try PS Image pull down menu/adjustments "shadow and lights"
This has a number of options to work a subtle lighting. It changes the shot
when you select it and then their are sliders etc. Use it all the time.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I like your photo and also like your cropping,but am I missing something? When you say "this attractive couple have dark skin" I don't see anyone fitting that description except for the athlete in the purple.

rcarol

CHG_CANON wrote:

While busy re-editing, remove the distracting leaves / branches at the top-left edge the frame and remove both dark items above the father's shoulder and at the left edge of the frame.

I thought about removing the leaves in the upper left corner but decided that they are necessary to keep the viewer's eye from exiting the photo. Without the leaves, the eyes will wander from the subject to the upper left then off of the image. With the leaves in place, the eyes reach the leaves and are prevented from escaping the image.

Dr Rae Loc: Sarasota Florida

Dr Rae wrote:

That was my thought as well. But if there something to learn here I'm all for it.

Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.