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kissing my baby

© Rita K. Connell

kissing my baby

Uploaded: May 01, 2010

Description

Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 105.00 mm, Model: NIKON D300

Comments

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 01, 2010

I am a day late at gettig a w/b done so here is mine using a gradient map. I am going to add one I did with changing it to b/w tell me which one you like better. I am not very good at b/w's so I am not a good at judging which is better. I have also added the color and a pencil drawing one also. #1264558

Dale Hardin May 01, 2010

Cute image Rita and I like how you've included variations. I assume the first was the gradient map and the second was the b/w rendition. The second is best 'cause the first needs a reduction in highlights. If that's done, then they are identical.

The pencil drawings is well done. Which method did you use to produce it? Here's something to try. Blend the pencil sketch with either the black and white or the color version using the multiply blend for some nice detail. Use opacity if necessary. #8583345

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 02, 2010

thank you so much she is our youngest at 19 months and she really doesn't mind me taking her pictures she is quiet funny at the end of all the comments I will post another of her showing her with her conflict smile between her batman shirt and her purple tutu sitting by a wood pile.

as for the gradient map is there any way to reduce the highlights I like the deeper tones of it. I need to figure this out more people are asking for B/W. I used the topaz pencil drawing on it and here is one with the multiply blend at 47% opacity tell me if you think it needs more less #8583783

Dale Hardin May 02, 2010

Rita, simply use the darken highlights slider in the shadows/highlights tool and then tweak using levels if you wish.

On your first entry, you'll notice that the flower on her headband is blown out so reduce the highlights to bring back the detail.

Also on your blended image is looks as if you used the hard pencil filter. The result would be a bit more natural using the soft pencil when blending.

It's so nice when you attempt all these suggestions and share them with the club. It really helps us decide what kind of results we can expect when attempting changes of our own. Thank you. #8583994

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 02, 2010

ok I will try working on the gradient map one. here the question I just got the topez filter and trying them out. when you say hard pencil to use a soft pencil blend I don't see where that option is unless I should have used a soft blend instead of the multiply blend.
you are so right Dale this is the process that really helps us grow. thanks for helping to understand this better. #8584027

Jeff E Jensen May 02, 2010

This is a really nice image Rita. Thanks for sharing all of the versions. I think using the soft light rather than the multiply will put your final image right where it needs to be. Well done! #8584838

Dale Hardin May 02, 2010

Rita, in Topaz Simplify, the last two entries are sketch/hard pencil and sketch/soft pencil filters. I'm assuming from the result you submitted that you used the hard pencil version. #8584888

Teresa H. Hunt May 02, 2010

Rita, this is the sweetest photo. I agree with Dale that the w/b adjust is better than the gradient because of the highlights. I notice the blowen out highlights in the flower, her headband, and the stuffed animal.

I'd like the see the pencil drawing with the soft pencil. I think the blended one looks to textured. Her face looks like it has wrinkles. But I'll bet the soft pencil will look better.

She looks adorable. :) #8584900

Michael Kelly level-classic May 03, 2010

Great series and learning experience as well as some wonderful renditions of a fine photograph. I like them all but for the same reasons stated the w/b is the better of the B&W shots and the pencil treatment is very cool and worked very well with this shot. Can't wait to see the difference with the soft mode used. This may be a shot that gets me to buy Topaz as it really makes this a special image. #8586574

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 03, 2010

thanks Mike and Teresa I appreciate your comments, ok I really don't have much time with getting ready to leave for two weeks. but here is a try at the soft pencils. Not sure if I like it better or not. tell me what you think and I have added the one of her sitting by the wood pile as I said a conflict of batgirl or princess tutu....LOL #8586966

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 03, 2010

Question if I would want to enter a picture that I have done like this one in pencil drawing where would you enter it. for example this one: people, ditgal darkroom, #8586993

Teresa H. Hunt May 03, 2010

Oh my she looks like a character. I love the one of her sitting by the wood pile. Her expression is priceless.

The soft pencil does look better. I'd enter it in Digital Darkroom. #8587079

Jeanine M. Bailey May 04, 2010

Very cute series Rita!! :) I LOVE that expression in the last post!!! :):):)

I agree that the soft pencil looks better!! :) #8587796

Anthony L. Mancuso May 04, 2010

Great series Rita..I actually like the original gradient map version, it seems to have a bit a more contrast than the other b+w version..you could just do a selective decrease in highlights on the blown out areas....the batman one is super cute.. #8588260

Rita K. Connell level-classic May 04, 2010

thanks teresa, Bean, and Tony as the b/w goes I favoring with Tony I will have to work on the highlight when I get back.
Valerie is 19 months and so darn cute her personality is so funny she know how to turn on the charm and she really does well with me taking her picture. #8588407

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic June 01, 2010

Such a darling granddaughter and such beautiful images!
Well done!
~♥~Lisa #8658919

Rita K. Connell level-classic June 01, 2010

thank you so much Lisa it has been a while since we visited I just visited your gallery earlier today I made several of your pictures one on my favorites. it is always a joy to look at your picture. thanks so much Lisa for taking the time to comment she truely is a cutie. #8658957

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