Which do you prefer..PP c&c thanks!

[linpelk]

I just got Photoshop cs4 a couple of weeks ago. I've never used it before and I'm making my way through the Scott Kelby book(in addition to lots of YouTube videos), but in the meanwhile I'm super excited about new ways I am seeing my pictures. I've only had aperture so you can imagine how cool all of the effects are for me (i.e. free actions I've downloaded...ok, I hear all of you professionals gagging) I realize that people new to PS tend to overdo it and I promise it will only be for a short time, but I was wondering if you could tell me which of the following of the two options you prefer (if any). Also, what do you think of the photos themselves. Thanks so much!
1a

1b

2a

2b

3a

3b

 

[Sherman Banks]

I just got his book too and am loving the fact that I can now use Bridge effectively to manage my files (only chapter I've gotten through yet). Anyways, your first shot is out of focus and I'd quite like the look of the 2nd option if it were in focus(like an old school picture in my grandma's photo album). The second shot looks better in the first option, if you're going to desaturate the color that much, you might as well go B&W. The third shot however, I don't think either work well. The first lacks saturation, and the second looks strange with the blue. Not sure what to recommend as the shot itself looks limited on color but this may be another that works better in B&W.

I'm really looking forward to improving my post production too, hopefully this book helps. What process did you use for the antiqued look of the first shot?

 

[puyjapin]

imho the second image is the better of them but there seems to be a lot of blown highlights. perhaps darken the highlights a bit to see if you can bring back some detail

 

[stsinner]

2a is better than 2b because the cute feet make the picture!

 

[adamwilliamking]

The second shot looks better in the first option, if you're going to desaturate the color that much, you might as well go B&W.

huh? please, no one should follow this piece of advice.

 

[alarionov]

I like the vintage look of 1b

 

[linpelk]

huh? please, no one should follow this piece of advice.

I'm so glad to hear this since I LOVE the look of desaturation.

 

[linpelk]

2a is better than 2b because the cute feet make the picture!

I personally like 2a because of the shoes too which is why I went with desaturation rather than B&W. I wanted the color of the shoes to show, but didn't really want the picture in full color.