Lit only with candles and a single softbox on the upper right side.
Monochromatic levels
S-curve in curves
Duplicate layer with hard light
Layer mask to keep the background candles
Selective dodge and burn
Healing brush for some blemishes
Smart sharpen
Statistics
Place: 64 out of 121 Avg (all users): 5.6183 Avg (commenters): 6.4348 Avg (participants): 5.2750 Avg (non-participants): 5.6929 Views since voting: 6810 Views during voting: 1121 Votes: 448 Comments: 29 Favorites: 5 (view)
Either the lighting or the post processing is coming across very harsh here. Combined with the model's expression and the other compositional elements, this doesn't evoke pleasure to me at all. So (unless you're being ironic) I think you missed your intended mark. The model's skin looks mottled, perhaps even diseased on my monitor, and the angle evokes a "skewed" or disoriented mental state.
You definitely win the "most interesting skin texture" price! My only complaint is to have her looking away from the camera. I think either eyes closed (implying bliss) or looking demurely into the camera would have worked better. But still a great image - 9
There is a contradiction in this image for me. The model seems to be relaxing, but her expression is one of distraction. The post-processing takes on almost a grunge feeling which doesn't tie in with the message you are trying to portray. On the other hand, it is this contradiction that draws you more into the image and makes the viewer wonder... "What's on her mind?"
On a different subject, this processing would kick ass. It's gritty and edgy and I normally love that, but on a soft subject with a soft title, it is a bit conflicting. I like the pose and the crop very much - your model seems very at ease with herself and the camera which is either great acting or very admirable self-esteem. In either case, that comes through in the photo and it's very appealing.
beyond that, the technical aspects are good. the focus is soft and flattering, the lighting is nice (aside from the harsh shadows from the edit) and the crop frames the mood nicely. the fact that your model is adorable doesn't hurt either. ;)
interesting angle, good crop. had preferred if she had looked just a little more forward, now she looks more bored than relaxed. i assume the hard gradation is intentional, but had preferred the skin to look smoother.
This is cool. I like the atmosphere portrayed. Where this picture looses points is in the B&W conversion. It might have been better in colour, but the skin looks all blotchy. This wouldn't be too difficult to correct in post processing with a gausian blur or selective channel B&W conversion.
I like the crop & composition.
I love this shot and i am not sure I can explain why. Maybe its the grain and the angle of composition. Maybe it is the look in her face...her attitude. The short fingernails and lack of make up. The strength of character. She tells me that she is who she is and she is good with that. I like her. It is all of these things combined. Very nice.
I think I would have preferred her eyes to face the camera and be gently lightened for contrast. I also think that the B&W conversion has left the models skin unfortunately blotchy and the great looking candles have been lost in the background.
I think there is a lot of potential in this shot, the candles, the lighting the model, the pose, but the PP needs further work to bring out the best.
I quite like this - the angle makes you take a closer look - the candles in the background give it a grounding in reality while the woman herself seems lost in thought. Nice balance, very good toning/processing.
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