Practicing my post processing

[Kbarredo]

Which one is better out of the 3 images. Im not too good on pping skin tone but here they are. Any books or recommendations?
original

1

2

 

[nyamy]

I like the original best. she's got great skin.
but I know close to nothing about pp, so take that for what its worth

 

[Malone]

I don't see any reason why you would want to PP her skin tone! She has gorgeous skin!

But, I do like her hair better in the 2nd photo; it has a richer color.

The 3rd photo, she looks way too washed up. Totally stripped all the color from her skin. I imagine this is what she'd look like for her funeral!

 

[iNick]

I'd say #1 because her hair has more definition to it but to be honest, i hate the framing. Its awkward how her shoulder is cut off and how she is looking up at you like that.

 

[TheBiles]

She looks like a zombie in the last one. I personally like the second because I'm a sucker for vibrance.

Sent from my HTC Glacier

 

[SabrinaO]

#3 is awful. What did you do? I like the original just add some curves. Why do you want to change her skin tone? What are you trying to fix/change?

 

[Kbarredo]

Well the second one I just turned down the mid tones. The first one was actually an already edited one the true original was zoomed way out with the road showing hence the awkward framing. It had the least pping I just adjusted the grass color and up the saturation a little. The last one I just auto leveled, contrast and auto color corrected. I figured it would do a better job than me, I guess not. I also can't add curves manually I have elements and I can only choose pre set stuff.

 

[Malone]

I also can't add curves manually I have elements and I can only choose pre set stuff.

Gimp will let you add curves manually, no?

 

[Kbarredo]

Don't know never used gimp.

 

[CCericola]

Definitely try Gimp. It's free so go for it. The lighting is really flat. I think you would be much more successful by trying some more dramatic lighting. When I was in college my professor told us that "when you use auto you are saying that the computer knows more than you. If you believe this then head down to the registrars office and change your major" Have confidence in your artistic ability. The computer is only a tool. Trust in yourself that you know more than the computer.