Keanu

Uploaded: March 19, 2012

Description

Exif: F Number: 4, Exposure Bias Value: 1.33, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

Debbie E. Payne March 20, 2012

Sue --I like the image but I can see that it is a selection dropped into another picture. I love that is is very colorful and the background is so subtle. I can see a line from the top of his left ear to his sweatshirt. You need to smudge that or clone some more native color in to lessen that halo effect there. His right ear (our left) has been cut off somewhat and needs to be rounded out just the tiniest bit. Keep at this, I am sure he and his family will love this shot. #1450818

Teresa H. Hunt March 20, 2012

I agree with Debbies comments.

I also think his skin looks over softened almost doll like. I know this is a style. But it's a style I don't really care for. But if that's what you were going for, then don't mind me. :) #10046443

Teresa H. Hunt March 20, 2012

I just realized, I didn't notice this was a composite until Debbie said something. I noticed the halo she mentioned, but thought it was from darkening the background. :) #10046446

Anthony L. Mancuso March 20, 2012

Agree with the ladies' comments Sue..I'm wondering if the softness of his face is an intentional painting like effect or if you did it to cover skin imperfections. #10046576

Jeff E Jensen March 20, 2012

Yup, I also agree with the ladies. #10046674

Rita K. Connell level-classic March 20, 2012

Sue this is a great shot but to me the biggest distraction is the treatment to his skin and eyes, a little over done. I believe the halo is due to you darken the background. #10046684

Michael Kelly level-deluxe March 20, 2012

Interesting Sue. Very different comp. and I do see the artifacts. I have a hard time getting my eye across the BG to the portrait. I am unusually opposed to a flip of people shots but that might help this one out. #10046976

Beth Spencer March 20, 2012

I agree with what the others said. I do like how the background is subtle and he stands out. #10047071

Stephen Shoff March 20, 2012

When I opened the image, my immediate and primary reaction was to the off-center placement and it was a favorable impression. My second was to the skin texture and was less favorable. But I'm not a "people" photographer, mostly because I can't reach conclusions about what is "good" vs "not so good". So I'll leave all those evaluations to those in club that do.

It may be that there is just a little too much separation between the [ultra-sharp] subject and [blurred] background and looks a little unnatural.

Nicely composed and a great setting, Sue. #10047198

Dale Hardin March 21, 2012

An appealing photo Sue and I'm sure he will like it. But, like the others, there are some areas that could be changed to help the shot, while still keeping your vision.

The halo issue is one that can be easily fixed. When making your selection, don't put it on another layer. Instead make your selection and then use it as a mask. On a duplicate of the original of course.

Then all you have to do is use a black brush in overlay mode and brush over the edge of the selection. You don't have to be careful, it can overlap.

Agree the softening is overdone, but then again that might have been your aim bacause as Tony noted, it appears you've used a filter for effect.

The soft background is another good feature, but again overdone to the point of not being realistic. A gradient would have helped create a gradual diffusion.

Compositionally, I prefer the 8x10 in portrait mode but if you are going for a location shot, then this is OK but would suggest moving him a bit to the left closer to the ROT postion. As is, one's eye tries to run off the edge.

All these things will go unnoticed by the image recipient because it is a nicely composed appealing shot. #10048061

Aimee C. Eisaman March 22, 2012

As soon as I opened this I saw it as an artistic edit and I personally like the look to his skin for this shot. I do agree with Debbie that this would be a perfect capture to select and drop into an urban scene. I see two issues that jump out right away. One being the halo effect on the right side of his face (camera right). The other is the thumb on his shirt. It drew my attention because I was trying to figure out if it belonged to him or the shirt. :~) #10049336

Peter W. Marks March 23, 2012

Well, I was happy enough with this image until you guys started pointing out the defects! All I had spotted was the halo although the background blur also did appear slightly un-natural.
This is the type of clothing advertising image I have seen in magazines and then an over-blurred background is deliberate so that one concentrates on the product not the location. #10051241

Ellen H. Robertson level-classic April 01, 2012

I too like the look of his skin. I also like that he is defiantly the center of attention. #10070823

Sue C. Cole April 01, 2012

I just wanted to check in real quick and let you know I have been way to busy lately. I will take all of your suggestions and start my edit on this but first I have a few edits for clients I need to finish up with. I did; want you to know this is not a composite, the BG is real and blurred using camera DOF. I did rush to edit and do see the lines that need to be fixed. I need to try and not rush things so much:) Thanks guys! #10071128

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