New ones of Kelly--which is stronger?

Sharkbait · Aug 14, 2004

'Bout 5 1/2 months along now, and Kelly's really starting to show. I can't decide which photo is stronger (if either). Basically the same photo, the first was desaturated completely, then a diffuse glow filter was applied.

This one was desaturated by about 60% and sharpened:

So what are the problems with either or both?

Osmer_Toby · Aug 14, 2004

for this kind of shot i'll always prefer black and white. take away color and all you have is emotion.

Sharkbait · Aug 14, 2004

How's the b&w work with that diffuse glow applied? Seems like people either love it or hate it. :|

doxx · Aug 14, 2004

I like the b/w white pic better - she looks softer, the
skin tones in the half de-saturated version look dirty.

Try to keep the face (or at least the eyes) sharp(er) in
the b/w shot.

Osmer_Toby · Aug 14, 2004

ya, i think in this shot especially, the diffusion works overall. i agree with doxx re: keeping the eyes sharp.

she has glow all her own, too. it is so true that pregnant women become even more exquisitely beautiful as their time progresses...
you a lucky man, my friend!

Lu Tze · Aug 14, 2004

i don't like diffuse filters in general but yup, the B&W is much better in this case - it softens the edges and gives the subject the tenderness it needs; the colour one is crisp and detailed texture is not what you want in this case, just soft shape...IMHO :blulsh2: also, i think the eyes are sharp enough as they are - no change needed there...and, congratulations!!!

:cheers:

Bioviral · Aug 15, 2004

B&W usually looks better when it's sharp.

mentos_007 · Aug 15, 2004

actually Sharky, I prefer color one

This gives emotions of happiness...

danalec99 · Aug 15, 2004

BW would be my pick. But do you have a version with out the soft filter?

Karalee · Aug 15, 2004

danalec99 said:
BW would be my pick. But do you have a version with out the soft filter?

Id be interersted too - I just feel like she somehow gets lost in the white.

oriecat · Aug 15, 2004

Yeah, I agree Kara. Her head looks normal and her body is too bright and full of white areas. Makes her look disconnected to me.

Sharkbait · Aug 15, 2004

Yup, here's the original file, completely untouched (other than the resize). No color correction, no filters, no nuttin...

Sharkbait · Aug 15, 2004

FWIW, here ( http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=80266#80266 ) are a couple of the other portraits I took during the same shoot. I like these MUCH more than the two from this thread. I just can't find a way to post-process this one that I like. :?