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Best Friends

© Elaine Hessler

Best Friends

Uploaded: January 06, 2013

Description

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: -1.00, ExposureTime: 1/25 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 400, FocalLength: 60.00 mm, Model: NIKON D5100

Comments

Elaine Hessler January 06, 2013

I need some help on this one, but I am not sure this photo is fixable. I think it is slightly blurred-I tried to sharpen it, but I don't think it helped. Any opinions on how to blur out the ugly cinderblock behind them? I am not sure if this is worth working on.... #1507447

Teresa H. Hunt January 06, 2013

I think it's worth working on. I know how to blur the background if you have photoshop. If you work with masks and layers its actually pretty easy. Just create a gausian blur layer and use a mask to erase it off the girls.

If you need more detailed instructions let me know. Or one of the PS guru's can help you.
#10502867

Dale Hardin January 07, 2013

This a cute image Elaine and is indeed "fixable", although I don't think the cinder block is the problem.

The image needs lightening up a bit and levels won't work very well in this case so have some other suggestions.

Apply the shadows/highlights tool with settings of about 20% to 25% for the shadows and just a bit, maybe 3%, to the highlights.

Then create a levels adjustment with the blend mode set to screen and turn the mask thumbnail black by clicking on control + I. Set the opacity to 50% and use a soft brush to lighten the eyes and the areas around them.

If you still want to soften the background, use the mask as Teresa mentioned or simply use the blur tool and brush over it. With the changes suggested, I don't think the background will be a problem anymore. #10503744

Beth Spencer January 07, 2013

I will wait to see the edits. Don't give up the girls are way too cute and happy. #10503982

Jeff E Jensen January 07, 2013

WLTSDS #10504112

Elaine Hessler January 07, 2013

Got it (Jeff)! I originally took this for Dale's B/W challenge but called it a loss due to it not being sharp. I was looking at it again last night and thought it was so cute, I really wanted to try to salvage it. Thanks-ill give it a go over the next few days! #10504165

Debbie E. Payne January 07, 2013

I think you will make this one work. It really is a lovely shot of both girls and the edits will make them even better. #10504406

Elaine Hessler January 09, 2013

Ok-here are the edits. Each time it gets easier-thanks for the details Dale.

Does this look flat to anyone?

Dale-just curious, why did you say "levels" wouldn't work with this? How does the shadows/highlights differ from levels?

Thanks! #10507489

Elaine Hessler January 09, 2013

Here is another version with a high pass filter, opacity at 38% using soft light blend. I am not sure if I did this right, but I can't find any photo discussions from previous photos I have posted and you have commented on. Do these comments get deleted once we remove our photos? Weird. #10507542

Dale Hardin January 09, 2013

That opened it up a lot but the difference in monitors makes it just a little too light. May have to adjust the shadows slider a bit less and tweak the other adjustments to suit your eye.

The levels doesn't work on this as well because it leaves everything with very high contrast. The shadows/highlights tool is basically an HDR (high dynamic range) tool that uses algorithms to blend the lights and darks. #10507656

lisa anderson January 10, 2013

The thing I find awkward about this photo is that your daughter's best friend has her arms crossed, which doesn't come across as relaxed...they're so cute together, I think getting a shot at another time...or maybe cropping it above the arms? #10507874

Dale Hardin January 10, 2013

Astute observation Lisa. I agree. #10508247

Teresa H. Hunt January 10, 2013

I like the edits. But I am curious to see Lisa's crop suggestion. #10508918

Elaine Hessler January 11, 2013

I've got three pictures for you, all with the levels adjusted. I think it is better, but the fact that my daughter is not sharp bothers me.

The first picture is the original crop. The second is with a square crop. The third is no specific dimension, but I made sure to crop out the arms. #10510626

Dale Hardin January 11, 2013

I like the square crop Elaine and don't worry about the sharpness. It can be fixed. I've taken the liberty and have the before and after here side by side for you. #10510656

Beth Spencer January 13, 2013

I like the square crop, I think it makes a really big difference! #10513952

Peter W. Marks January 15, 2013

On balance I also prefer the square crop although in the original the girl with the crossed arms is showing just a nice bit of self-confidence that in some ways adds to that image. #10516706

Susan M. Reynolds level-addict January 26, 2013

Nice save on a good photo of the two friends. I like the square crop with the adjustments made...and here I thought her arms were crossed because she might be cold like I a here in my frigid bedroom! #10538961

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