the wee man

[russfaeudny]

I'm fairly new to photography therefore I would appreciate anyone sheding some light on how to improve the above? Have elements 4 for trying to improve the finished article and the image isn't yet cropped. Basically pulled the latest money drain to the window and got as close as I could. Any suggestions to improve the basic image?

on a previous posting I had attempted to make an image b&W and there was a comment about it looking grey, grateful to receive comments but not sure what to do about them. Have I made him look too washed out?

To me (the newbie) it looks fine but I'm looking to learn to get the most from my photos

thanks

 

[swag72]

Just had a little play. Happy to remove the edit if you don't like it.

 

[V8burble]

But not much help Sara if you don't let the OP know what you've done :shrug:

For me the original is quite nicely balanced, it just wants a touch more contrast still, although not far out. For me the edit has gone a bit too far and has removed far too much detail from those eyes. Probably a bit of work with the dodge tool could bring them back again.

 

[swag72]

But not much help Sara if you don't let the OP know what you've done :shrug:

Sorry, didn't think about that bit!!

I'm not good enough with PP to explain what I did to be honest I always go through the same sort of workflow, so tweaked the levels, then curves. I upped the contrast a little and sharpened around the eyes.

Dodge and burn ............. Sorry but I can not use that for love nor money, I try and fail miserably.

Not much help really then. Soz. I just found the original post a bit washed out that was all.

 

[Merovingian]

There's not much in it. Maybe the 2nd edit, with the eyes from the original for me.

 

[just_dave]

I have to say I prefer the original (no offence swag72) just my prsonal opinion.

Lovely pic.

 

[Bobby G]

Another approach, self taught so there's probably an easier way

1 Layer via copy, then click on bottom layer & sharpen
2. Click on top layer and erase the iris on both eyes
3. Click on bottom layer and adjust shadows
4. Click on top layer and adjust contrast
5 Flatten image
6. Layer via copy and add Guassian Blur to top layer
7. Erase eyes & nostrils
8. Reduce opacity of top layer (to 26% in this case)
9 Flatten image & save

 

[Bobby G]

sorry, deleted original by mistake

 

[V8burble]

Yep, like that edit a lot, and good to see a nice description to boot

 

[russfaeudny]

Thanks guys and gals, appreciate the comments will keep trying