Trying to learn Photoshop - PP critique

[Theantiquetiger]

I have posted this on two other forums, one says its way over processed, over sharp, and over saturated. The other forum says it is great.

I am digging it (and that basically all that counts), but I am trying to learn PS

Untouched
old cowboy untouched by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

PS edit
old cowboy in PS by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

 

[DanOstergren]

Personally I would tone the editing down. I just don't think this amount of processing does anything to compliment the photo. I feel that subtle editing brings the most out in a photograph.

 

[Islesfan91]

the first photo, to me, seems a little too bright, but the edited version looks very heavy handed. Very dark angry harsh lines.

I'd try for something in between the two

*still a beginner, take anything I saw with a grain (or bag) of salt.

 

[runnah]

 

[binga63]

just deepen the first shot a little bit, and reduce the magenta slightly and then leave alone.... the second edit is too harsh ... you are doing your subject no favours with the second edit

 

[KmH]

Untouched

Using ACR:
Set WB. Added a slight global increase in mid-tone contrast. Sharpened: Amount - +25, Radius 1.0.

Using Photoshop CC
De-saturated the sclera and teeth.
Sharpened each iris.
Using a selection that excluded his facial mask and the crown of the hat I added some lens blur.
Used the Patch tool, Spot Healing Brush on various parts of his face and on the crown of the hat.
I added a very narrow black border.

 

[Derrel]

The second shot shows one side of the face looking fairly normal-ish, while the opposite side looks VERY much "worked"...that much disparity in skin color,tone,and contrast looks decidedly over-done. The T=shirt hue is an unknown variable--I am not at all sure WHAT color it was supposed to look like...

Here is a more natural look, with LESS of a tanned, less-leathery skin coloration, but the red in the shirt left alone...

Here it is with the skin tones left looking a little bit more tanned.