Shadowy Edit or Original?!

[DGMPhotography]

Hey folks:

So here's a recent photo of mine, and I posted the original on Facebook, but then for fun took it to Instagram (and after some additional editing) really liked this filter effect.

I know Instagram filters are "bad," but I think it looks nice. But I can't figure out if I like this or the original better. I don't know who I am anymore!

Instagram:


Original:

 

[pixmedic]

original FTW.
in the instaruin picture, her eyes look kinda weird, and the face is too bright, and the shadow is too pronounced making the bright/dark areas too contrasty for me.
the original is much much nicer and far more natural looking.
you had it right the first time.

 

[Designer]

.. really liked this filter effect.

Can you explain what about the effect that you like and why you like it better than your original?

BTW: I like the original better also.

With the garish filter effect, her features and makeup look more "clownish" to me. IOW; use that filter for clown portraits. Or cosplay portraits.

 

[DGMPhotography]

Thanks for the feedback. The edited one just pops more to me. I guess that's the best way to describe it.

 

[FITBMX]

Yup, the original is the better. Good work by the way.

 

[pixmedic]

Thanks for the feedback. The edited one just pops more to me. I guess that's the best way to describe it.

I totally agree.
Pops right into the recycle bin.

 

[DGMPhotography]

Haha, fair enough.

 

[Designer]

The edited one just pops more to me.

Well if "pop" is what you want then "pop" it is. I think you're outnumbered though.

IMO a portrait of a lovely girl doesn't need to "pop".

Unless she is trying to pop.

 

[Studio7Four]

Well, I guess I'm the dissenting opinion: I prefer the Instagram version (disclaimer: except for the overcooked eyes). IMO, the extremely close crop probably doesn't do her justice, we don't get to see enough of her face to get an impression of "her". I think a wider crop would make the original a strong beauty shot.

Instead I'm looking at the individual elements of her face that are in the shot, and the Instagram filter brings those out more. I think this combination of crop and filter (and the increased tonal range the filter brings) make this a good fashion or editorial shot as it stands.

 

[DGMPhotography]

Well, I guess I'm the dissenting opinion: I prefer the Instagram version (disclaimer: except for the overcooked eyes). IMO, the extremely close crop probably doesn't do her justice, we don't get to see enough of her face to get an impression of "her". I think a wider crop would make the original a strong beauty shot.

Instead I'm looking at the individual elements of her face that are in the shot, and the Instagram filter brings those out more. I think this combination of crop and filter (and the increased tonal range the filter brings) make this a good fashion or editorial shot as it stands.

You put into words what I couldn't haha xD

 

[vintagesnaps]

The filter made her eyes more green, her lips more pale, and her face and the background more purple. Doesn't seem to help for a subject to look purple in a portrait.

Unless you're Andy Warhol and you go all out in color and take this from a photograph to a whole other type of art.