This may not be in the right forum, but I think this one will work...
Ive been wanting to do this for a while now and am just now doing it. It wont meet any current challenge so I figure Id just ask you all: what do you think? Tell me what I did wrong/right:
Could never get that plugin quite right. I have my own technique for this look. Albeit, it hasnt proven very well in challenges. Thanks for the comment and help!
I love it! Soup's right, the eye could be dodged just a tiny bit, although I kind of like the darkness of his look....but to be drawn straight to it with a slight dodge on the iris and over the eye could be better
I love it! Soup's right, the eye could be dodged just a tiny bit, although I kind of like the darkness of his look....but to be drawn straight to it with a slight dodge on the iris and over the eye could be better
Fantastic! Thanks all for your comments so far. I went ahead and overwrote the previous version with changes to the eyes and highlights on the hands. Never realized how dodging the eyes made such a difference too!!
This is a great shot Brandon. FWIW here are some steps I've picked up to do similar things, but I think this way gives you better control:
1. Duplicate the original layer before you add any effects plugin or otherwise. Then add the effect to the duplicate and you can then change the opacity of that layer to let a percentage of the original through. This, IMHO, gives you greater control and it is very easy to tone down anything that may look 'overprocessed'.
2. Instead of dodging the eyes directly, again duplicate the layer and change the blend mode to 'screen'. This gives you a a much brighter duplicate. Then apply a layer mask and reverse it. This then hides the screened layer. Next using the brush tool 'erase' the mask around the eyes or whatever parts you want to brighten. Once again you can then control the amount of effect by increasing the opacity.
If any of this is not clear I could probably find the original tutorials for you somewhere.
This is a great shot Brandon. FWIW here are some steps I've picked up to do similar things, but I think this way gives you better control:
1. Duplicate the original layer before you add any effects plugin or otherwise. Then add the effect to the duplicate and you can then change the opacity of that layer to let a percentage of the original through. This, IMHO, gives you greater control and it is very easy to tone down anything that may look 'overprocessed'.
2. Instead of dodging the eyes directly, again duplicate the layer and change the blend mode to 'screen'. This gives you a a much brighter duplicate. Then apply a layer mask and reverse it. This then hides the screened layer. Next using the brush tool 'erase' the mask around the eyes or whatever parts you want to brighten. Once again you can then control the amount of effect by increasing the opacity.
If any of this is not clear I could probably find the original tutorials for you somewhere.
Thank you so much for your help and tips! I have never used the blend mode 'screen.' The main effect here is the background layer copied and changed to a multiply layer, shadow/highlight on that layer, sharpen, and highlight. Other changes are normal. But I havent done that to the eyes before. Thanks for that!
Also, I appreciate everybody's comments and help. Its not often that the end result of a photo is exactly what I wanted, and I think I can say that I got it on this one!
