HELP, I'm blind.

[Benny Pedersen]

I was away (May 6, 2007) for shooting photos.
One of them is now in my gallery.

Anyhow, today I have one of these days where I can't
figure out anything. Should I use more or less color,
contrast and so on... :confused:

I increased the exposure in the RAW dialogue.
Later in PSE5 I both decreased saturation,
and increased the contrast.

So before I deliver them pictures, I would like to
ask you a question: Have I done this photo to light,
or should I leave it more dark?

http://hjem.get2net.dk/b_pedersen/tut/_MG_7723_96dpi.jpg

Benny,
PS.: It is the same girl as: (
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/uploads/15054.jpg
), but this time she forgot her axe...

[Rusty]

Benny,

I believe richer color may make it look artificial (photoshopped). What I see here is clear and natural and fits well with her appearance.

I would have to see "more dark" to comment but, in my opinion, this is beautiful the way it is.

Rusty

[AngelicKim]

I have to agree with Rusty here. It looks perfect the way it is. However, with not knowing what the girls actual complexion is or the actual lighting when it was taken and not seeing it darker makes it hard to give you the right advice.

[kimi_boo]

OK, I'm bored and I played....

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1GiowHq06OruPRXnGVbpDMN822_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1GiowHq06OruPRXnGVbpDMN822)

[kroberts]

Benny,

Like the others, I think the picture looks good just the way it is!

[Benny Pedersen]

I have to agree with Rusty here. It looks perfect the way it is. However, with not knowing what the girls actual complexion is or the actual lighting when it was taken and not seeing it darker makes it hard to give you the right advice.

Thanks all for replying.

The complexion was skin tone, something like this: ( :p ).

I don't know the english word for the thing, but it was in a normal church, and she told that priest that he had baptist her, or something like that.
After that we (I was) eating lots food :D

Kimi: Not sure, but I saw you increased the contrast even further...

Benny

[lindajay]

Benny, I prefer it as it is in your original post. The young lady's skin looks so beautiful. I wouldn't change it. Making it more contrasty or darker would make it too harsh, in my (not that expert) opinion.

[Daviskw]

Hi Benny

I think it is a very good picture you have just as it is

But just for fun I thought I would get ridiculous… and make a little illustrated effect.

Butch



http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1w9xdaFDc7tH8xcc9F2cM8OKsYe3q1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1w9xdaFDc7tH8xcc9F2cM8OKsYe3q1)

[Daviskw]

Hmmmm I did not consider the theme of the picture… maybe the background I chose would not quite fit....:rolleyes:

But all kidding aside you may want to consider replacing the background

Butch

[AngelicKim]

Butch, that looks awesome. But like you said, not for this situation.;)

[Benny Pedersen]

Hi Benny

I think it is a very good picture you have just as it is

But just for fun I thought I would get ridiculous… and make a little illustrated effect.

Butch



http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1w9xdaFDc7tH8xcc9F2cM8OKsYe3q1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1w9xdaFDc7tH8xcc9F2cM8OKsYe3q1)

Look good :D . I think you have used the smoke tool with a red filter. A lens flare, ehmm (no, maybe a brush). The third thing you made is something with her skin? Maybe you could write it more tutorial?

Here's my "tutorial": Split the picture in two layers "A" and "B". A is converted to black and white. Adjustment layer is contrast. Above it is layer "B" with the colors only. Blend mode is color. Adjustments layer is Levels. Decrease the middle Level slider.

Daviskw: Before we consider power on to many red lamps, and so on... take a look at her dad, here: http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=20264
:cool:

Benny.

[Daviskw]

Maybe make it the never ending battle of Good and Evil
and of course good wins in this case

Butch



http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1hmJi4P5GWyZZwObfGtj2UgRhWNQF1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1hmJi4P5GWyZZwObfGtj2UgRhWNQF1)

[Benny Pedersen]

God idea, God and evil :p:twisted: - god wins.
(she actually, not just said the word Yes in that church, she also ment it).

For those who want try the tutorial, or just want useful Action (ATN file),
See below attachments.

Color And Luminosity.ZIP
An ATN file, but without thumbs (Since not needed for PSE5, a "thumbs.psd" file is not constructed).
The "Color And Luminosity" Action is creating 10 layers. Delete the 8 upper layers, we only need the two bottom layers named "Color" and "Without Colors".
Select the layer named "Without Colors" > New Adjustments Layer: Contrast: +12 > Group it. Select the upper layer named "Color" > New Adjustments Layer: Levels: Middle slider: 1.5 > Group it.

_MG_7723_.zip
The origin picture (but resized, so it should fit size with the other image(s)).

This is not useful: The first image that I posted in this thread should fit in size. To compare what I did with your result, Drag and (Hold Shift), then drop the other image into the same PSD file. Since I did other things, then it's not useful. E.x.: I also toke back some of the source gold color, reduced noice, lighten the eyes a bit using the (mask + screen mode, method), and reduced some details on the wall.

This is useful: Try Compare the two layers "Color" and "Without Colors" along with masks, With/To the lower layer (source layer) named "Background Layer".

Benny

[AngelicKim]

Benny, thanks for the tut and downloads. Can't wait to check it out in the morning, too tired tonight.

Dad looks pretty tough, I can see the pressure to make the photos perfect.:D :D :eek: Nice car Dad has too.

[Benny Pedersen]

Yes!

Got my eyes back, so now I see, changed contrast from 12 to 14.

I guess my tut would be useful for similar pictures.

Benny