Raw conversion to .tif
Create new layer just neck and head
Neck and head: slight levels adjust, contrast +4, desat 100%, slight levels adjust
Base image: auto levels, contrast +4
Merged all layers
Resize
Sharpen 15
Save - no compression
Neat Image
Save for web
I know some don't like selective desat, but when I came upon this idea it solved my problem. My original version was a bit more frightening and was called 'Hypnotized' which was changed to 'Mesmerized' which I also was not happy with. Came up with this idea and title while doing a critical audit in the plant and had to try it. No matter how this scores I am very pleased with the results.
POST CHALLENGE: It is very difficult for me to be in front of the camera. This really is a telling portrait considering the state of affairs of late. I appreciate and thank you all for the comments.
Statistics
Place: 144 out of 236 Avg (all users): 5.6380 Avg (commenters): 7.3333 Avg (participants): 5.3438 Avg (non-participants): 5.8874 Views since voting: 895 Views during voting: 412 Votes: 279 Comments: 14 Favorites: 0
144 out of 235....??? This is unbelievable. This is a beautiful picture and I really liked your choice to selective desat in different way (by choosing subject to be b/w over background).
Very creative Chris! I see what you mean about people not getting it. I got it right away and thought it was well done. I like the composition, focus and tones. It is a little eerie though; almost corpselike. Now, go take some vitamins;)
Great entry! Monochrome portrait against the colorful background as well as the "Thousand Mile" stare all contribute to tell the story of the title you chose, "DRAINED".