[nichpr]

I shot this for the November Monthly competition. I posted it quickly with minimal post processing - just levels and some spot healing if I remember correctly. [the first shot]

I then took the opportunity to work with the shot a bit more and cropped from the left side and added a blur layer to soften her skin. [the second shot]

Was this a net improvement? Could/should I do more and what would you suggest?

Thanks
- Paul

Whisper 1


Whisper 2

[stupot]

I like this shot Paul, it captured the theme beautifully and i like the second slightly diffused version. Cant quite decide which i prefer though.

[j sotelo]

if what you wanted is to soften her skin you did a good job, but try this:

background layer...

copy background layer
(apply the blur to this one and press ALT + New Layer Mask, this will reveal all in your Layer Mask so just use a Soft White Brush, go over just her face, start the opacity at about 30% and play with that setting.
you can use black to correct anything.)

I did some healing before applying blur

[Dave]

The kind of shot that could work well in Stock Agencies ?

[JMitchell]

Decent re process, but you've changed some things I wouldn't. Leave his ear. I might be inclined to chop some of the RHS off, up to where her hair starts to curve back in towards her face, and the blur is too blurry, I'd use sotelo's method.
But still good. Sorry if I sound mean





Jack

[Rob Barron]

Must say I don't think the blurring is needed, the girl has a lovely complexion anyway and the blurring effect looks unnatural. Your original shot is just as nice as any of the other versions, if not more so.

I could be persuaded by your crop though, for me that looks a bit better than having his ear in the shot. Overall though this is a really good picture, I love the expression on her face and the position of her hand. Very nicely done

Cheers,
Rob

[j sotelo]

you can also try the Portraiture Plug-in by Imagenomic you'll love it.
it really softens and cleans the skin.