First BW for C&C PLEASE!

[kass617]

This is obviously just converted from a color pic. First time I really tried to pp a BW pic... I was going for a high contrast look...and I know I cut off the elboy, but she's a squirmy one, lol... all C&C is welcome and appreciated!

 

[Derrel]

Good expression you've captured. A little tiny bit of catchlight cloned onto the lower eyeball would probably make this shot look a bit better, but I would not go overboard on the size of the pasted-in catchlight, or it will look faked to the visually sophisticated viewer. The overall contrast of the image looks roughly like traditional fine-grain B&W film would look, so the monochrome conversion is a success on that level.

Although many might not agree, I think the composition is a tad bit "tense" ,and although it's not generally traditional, this is the kind of shot where cropping a little bit more off the left side, maybe even into the top of the baby's head, would give a better overall, total balance to the shot, with the baby's line of gaze factored in.

I just held up my cropping L's on my big monitor...I think cropping well into the baby's hairline, almost down to the bottom of the hair on the forehead, is also a viable, worthwhile alternate crop on this shot. Might be worth a look or two to see what you think about it cropped a couple different ways.

YMMV. Best to You,
Derrel

 

[kass617]

Good expression you've captured. A little tiny bit of catchlight cloned onto the lower eyeball would probably make this shot look a bit better, but I would not go overboard on the size of the pasted-in catchlight, or it will look faked to the visually sophisticated viewer. The overall contrast of the image looks roughly like traditional fine-grain B&W film would look, so the monochrome conversion is a success on that level.

Although many might not agree, I think the composition is a tad bit "tense" ,and although it's not generally traditional, this is the kind of shot where cropping a little bit more off the left side, maybe even into the top of the baby's head, would give a better overall, total balance to the shot, with the baby's line of gaze factored in.

I just held up my cropping L's on my big monitor...I think cropping well into the baby's hairline, almost down to the bottom of the hair on the forehead, is also a viable, worthwhile alternate crop on this shot. Might be worth a look or two to see what you think about it cropped a couple different ways.

YMMV. Best to You,
Derrel

I'll try that idea about cropping... I'm too new to start "breaking the rules" lol. This is already cropped from the left, I was originally trying to get her between a couple out of focus toys, but the blur on the toys was a bit distracting. Should I try maybe sharpening the eyes a bit more in PS? I thought I had them in focus, but now looking at it again they seem a bit soft. Any more recommendations would be great.

Thanks

 

[kass617]

just a bump to see if anyone else can chime in with some tips/comments.

Thanks

 

[Taylor510ce]

Try adding. Filter in post or tweak the colors. Adding a red filter many time helps with the skin by removing any flushed areas. Just tinker with different colors. Not bad thouhh other than what you stated.

 

[kass617]

Ok here's an edit

1. Catchlight added to other eye
2. Red filter added before BW conversion
3. Cropped
4. Sharpened eyes

 

[misstwinklytoes]

very nice!