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Photography Question 

Christopher Schmidt 		 

Which edit is better


 
 
This is a photo of my cousin's baby taken by a friend. I edited the first image...basically sharpened, adjusted levels, vignette. My friend sent me the second photo insisting that my edit was bad and the tones are way better on his...for a child??? My laptop screen is pretty lame so I'd like some feedback on both as to the good/bad on both. There is no doubt that the eyes pop more in the second photo, but to me it seems the skin tones are blown out. Thanks all.


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August 15, 2009

 

Jon Close 		  The customer is always right. ;-)
Your image is probably "correct," but is a bit dark (at least on my monitor). His is too light overall, but I'm guessing he likes it better because the eyes are brighter and look really good. Somewhere inbetween would be best, if you could selectively lighten/brighten his eyes like your friend has, a little less so for his face, and leave the background a bit darker to draw attention to the baby.

Some might think the drool at the corner of his mouth is cute, but not me. I'd clone it out, but only if the customer (your cousin?) agrees.

That's my opinion, I could be wrong.


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August 16, 2009

 

Bobby R. Strange 		  I pretty much agree with what Jon said. I think the first one is a little dark as well, with the other being a tad too bright. The happy medium that Jon suggested would look nice I think.

I too would clone out the drool. I've left it in on baby portraits before, but for me it depends on if it adds to the overall cuteness :)


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August 17, 2009

 
- Carlton Ward

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Carlton Ward's Gallery 		  I think the background on the 2nd edit is too light and more distracting than the 1st image but I agree with Jon that a happy medium of the 2 for the child with a little work on the background (more blur & darkened) would be much better.
my .02
Carlton


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August 17, 2009

 

Christopher Schmidt 		 
 
 
Thanks for the responses. I added a modified edit. I'm not versed with using layers so I think I'm going to have to work on that. I basically adjusted shadows, brightness and added another vignette over the first to darken the background. What do you all think? Thanks again.


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August 18, 2009

 

Christopher Schmidt 		  I also agree with the point on the drool...IMO better without, but my cousin thought the picture was cute.


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August 18, 2009

 
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