A portrait for C&C

[Desi]

Hi folks.

This is a portrait of my Aunt and Uncle taken in Cambria on California's central coast.

I made it my goal to try to get a good portrait of them while they were visiting. I want to give them a large copy of this photo as a gift.

What do you think of the shot?

What changes would you have made? A re-shoot is not possible. This shot was taken in somewhat overcast skies. I did not have a flash with me (which was a mistake given my goal).

Given that I can't do a reshoot, do you have any suggestions on post-processing? I made a huge mistake and shot this at ISO 800 because I was out shooting in the late evening the night before and forgot to change the ISO. I've done noise reduction. I tried reshooting after I realized my error but the sun came out and caused aweful shadows that I couldn't overcome since I had left my flash at home.

Thanks for your thoughts.


DSC_0872.jpg by Javier Descalzi, on Flickr

Oh, here is another one from that day. A candid. I've since cloned out the dude on the phone, but that is not availlable to me today.

DSC_0858.jpg by Javier Descalzi, on Flickr

 

[The_Traveler]

I think this is quite a good start, just a bit of PPing will make it perfectly fine.

What I would do is:

• separate the couple from the background onto a new layer
• darken the background.
• Lighten the couple.
• dodge their eyes
• do local contrast enhancement (look that up) on the couple
• Merge all to a new layer.
• warm up everything.
• Crop to 8 x 10
• vignette the sky.
• Get printed on a matte, soft-surface paper to lower the contrast.

View attachment 6115

 

[Desi]

Thanks Lew,


I'll give these changes a try tonight.

 

[LuckySe7en]

I think it's a great picture. The shadows aren't too bad. I use LR so I would first bump the exposure, add some contrast, give it a little fill, increase the saturation a little, very little. From there I would take a break, drink a beer and come back to it.

 

[Actinometro]

Those are very good shots :thumbup:

 

[Desi]

Thanks Actinometro and LuckySe7ev.

 

[jake337]

I'd be happy with those!

 

[Frequency]

I really like your image for the following reasons:

#1: none of your concerns are reflected in this image
#2: The couple look so happy, which induce happiness in the viewer
#3: They are well placed in the frame
#4: Eye contacts
#5: The light blue background adds to the happy mood
and if you want a less sweet comment: Look at those hands part...a confusing mess, a bit

Regards