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from trickydik/Stan (1,152) 
on December 10, 2006 7:22:25 PM CST
(0)
no critique ,I love your style very nice and nice portfolio.......can this be achieved in PS 7 or only in the lateast version? Keep up the great work
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from l101man/Laurence (129)
on November 7, 2005 8:45:34 AM CST
(3)
I find this PP look rather amazing. It looks almost CG or like a picture on black velvet, as previously mentioned. I did notice what appears to be a flaw in the processing part of this picture. If you look at the rim of the ear, it appears there is a spot (along with some hair) that was not processed as the rest of the picture.
Yes, I too would love to know how to do this.
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from sholmes/Alexander (477)
on November 7, 2005 8:07:40 AM CST
(2)
You may love it or you may hate it but apparenly this technique leaves nobody indifferent. I think that I like it. Actually, I like it very much. It's so rear so see _really_original work on PS ...
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from zalmoxis/Darie (420)
on November 4, 2005 7:04:52 PM CST
(4)
I dont know how you did it but it looks TOTALLY CG
I mean the dynamic range is impressive.. contrast quite high, and the specularity in the soo-transparent glasses kind of give me the impression of unreal. In fact I never see such clean glasses with such clear glass(material) .. really makes it look CG (computer generated.. not PS, but lightwave/3dsmax or something)
Looks great!!!
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 4, 2005 10:21:09 PM CST
Darie: Thanks for taking the time to comment. It was all done in Photoshop CS2. Regards: Ray
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from andtototoo/Sandy (923)
on November 3, 2005 11:10:17 PM CST
(5)
I give you credit for creating a different style picture. However, I dislike the end result. It seems like the photo equivalent of a painting on black velvet. +2 for originality 1 for the result.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 11:22:28 PM CST
Sandy Thanks for taking the time to critique the image. I understand perfectly why you don't care for it as the style is not all that pleasant to view when done on certain images. Ray
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from endo/Enrique (4,031) 
on November 3, 2005 4:17:06 PM CST
(16)
Ray, while I have been a vocal admirer of your Rembranesque technique that I find superb, your last examples of very heavily PSed portraits don´t agree with me. I find the images grotesque and unappealing, albeit still interesting. I cannot think your parents are flattered by their images presented in this fashion. I recall an outstanding B & W photo of your father that, IMHO, is light years from what you are doing now.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 11:18:52 PM CST
Enrique: Thanks for voicing your opinion on these photos. I too like the more painterly style and I think I'll be attempting more of that type rather than these heavy handed images. Regards, Ray
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from acampos/Andres (47,547)
on November 3, 2005 3:16:43 PM CST
(9)
Dear Ray.
Your work is exceptional. The digital processing of the portrait is excellent. But it doesn't matter how good are your skills in digital manipulation, a good portrait starts from the beggining. I am sure that your original image is high quality too (light, pose, expression).
No space in my mind to suggest anything but admiration.
Congratulations - Andres.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 3:44:51 PM CST
Andres: I appreciate your comment and input and I truly appreciate your compliment. Ray
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from rdee45/Bob (10,864)
on November 3, 2005 3:13:02 PM CST
(7)
I'll call this "interesting" and leave it at that. Does mom know we're all giving her the once over? I'll have to admit your PP has a few wanting to know how it's done. People, explore photoshop a bit more and find a techique that works for you. I'm not sure that Ray wants to see a bunch of copy-cats on photosig for the next few weeks. Come to think of it, I don't either! ;-) p.s. don't worry Ray, I'll say nothing.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 3:42:38 PM CST
Bob: Thanks for the comment and input. You're right in that learning Photoshop as an imaging tool is time well spent and will help immensely. I learned the PS software from reading books and from the internet. Ray
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from alaei/Kiarang (19,906)
on November 3, 2005 2:27:07 PM CST
(7)
What are you doing Ray! this is a thing higher than "expose", higher than "capture", higher than "photography". it's just the "life". i can't believe but realy the glasses is shining.i realy want to know how you reach to this special sharpness and contrast of light and colors in your works. if it's possible, please tell me some more information!
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 3:36:41 PM CST
Kiarang: Thanks much for the comment and critique as it's truly appreciated. The sharpness and contrast are both done in Photoshop CS2 with the sharpness coming from the Smart Sharpen tool. The contrast is from curves and from the contrast box and the extra light comes from various masks which are different for each photo. As far as the method see my post a few below this one. Thanks again. Ray
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from tms13/Toby (686)
on November 3, 2005 2:25:44 PM CST
(6)
A great portrait (and the sharpness is entirely appropriate), but spoilt by the reflections in her glasses. These reflections obscure the eyes, and eyes are extremely important in portraiture. If you can re-shoot this with more attention to what's behind you, it has the makings of a real winner.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 3:30:43 PM CST
Toby Thanks for the timely comment and critique on the image. I know the glass reflection is a pain but I just wasn't up to dealing with it! Thanks again. Ray
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from charlesheckel/Charles (2,381)
on November 3, 2005 1:42:18 PM CST
(8)
I also like your post-processing and make no bones about it. The shape of your mother's mouth doesn't bother me--it looks habitual and natural. The reflections on her glasses are a problem--they really tend to keep us from engaging with her psychologically. The dead black background sets off the colors well, but it's rather funereal--you could choose a very dark, modulated brown that would set off your colors almost as well and keep your mother in this world. ;-) You have been very responsive to your crits with one exception--you haven't disclosed your method. If it's a trade secret, so be it, but I'd thought we were here to learn from each other.
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From rdee45/Bob (10,864)
on November 3, 2005 3:06:45 PM CST
Yes, the photographer is here to learn from your critique. Nice one too. Some secrets should be kept that way or we'd all be posting the same stuff.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 3:16:27 PM CST
Charles: Thanks for your critique and comment on the image. Your input and feel towards the photo is much appreciated. I know what I'm about to say is not what you ant to hear but here it is.......I have no method. At least not a methodical, action-like method that would work on all images. What I do is pick a photo, open it in Photoshop CS2 and begin with various modes and opacity, masks, rendering, filtering etc. I have no set steps at all. It really is an intuitive process and this is why it takes me so long for each photo...there are no steps that I foillow. I kow this doesn't help you but this is all I can give you as far as my method which is really quite nebulous. Ray
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From charlesheckel/Charles (2,381)
on November 5, 2005 12:17:42 PM CST
I realized immediately that this image is not the product of a simple filter, recipe, or action, and I'm not surprised at your answer. Nonetheless, I think you do have some idea of what you want to do to your image and some specific techniques for getting there. It might be interesting to write a short tutorial discussing specific techniques and what they accomplish, even if you can't say how they should be combined in specific instances. Just a thought.
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from verti/Verti (199)
on November 3, 2005 1:03:48 PM CST
(6)
Love the post precessing. Care to elaborate on that or give a link? I've seen this kind of PP many times before.
Very emotional photo but I bet your mom hated it :)
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:14:52 PM CST
Verti: I appreciate you taking the time to comment/critique the image. Thanks. She's a good sport about everything!! Ray
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from brucemacneil/Bruce (3,355)
on November 3, 2005 12:35:01 PM CST
(9)
Now, this has gone too far. The poor job of retouching the background destroys the photo. The heavyhandedness makes the entire image laughably trite.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:12:41 PM CST
Bruce: I appreciate your input on the image. And your total honesty. Thanks. Regards, Ray
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from dennisholt/Dennis (11,606)
on November 3, 2005 11:08:42 AM CST
(9)
Very impressive technique! I can't help but keep looking and looking and wish I knew your post-processing steps of this beauiful work. Was it all accomplished in CS2? At some point I hope you will attempt to explain your technique. The reflection in her glasses and the position of her mouth are the only changes I see that could be improved. 79 years old and she looks active and healthy. Inspiring and please keep posting.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:11:30 PM CST
Dennis: Thanks for your comment and critique of the image. Yes CS2 was used in the post processing. I appreciate your input. Ray
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from sdevashis/Devashis (1,602)
on November 3, 2005 10:25:44 AM CST
(8)
Flawless except -> The reflection on the lens -> Tight crop from bottom.
There are lot of things that is awesome in the picture..neednt metion those. Congratulations
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:09:05 PM CST
Devashis: Thanks for the critique and comment and I agree with you on the lens reflection but I didn't feel up to addressing it. Thanks again. Ray
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From rdee45/Bob (10,864)
on November 3, 2005 3:17:21 PM CST
I think the lens issue is not a problem but makes this even more interesting than it would without. Try to visualize the reflections gone....see what I mean?! Glad we cleared that up. (pun not intended)
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from babulbhatt/Babul (3,564)
on November 3, 2005 10:22:26 AM CST
(5)
this is a winner shot, but somehow i still don't feel like giving you a 3TU. there is probably lens flare in the shot or maybe the way you have processed it in PS. definately has caught attention of a lot of members on Photosig. Cheers :)
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:05:57 PM CST
Babul: Thanks for your critique and comments on the image. This type of image isn't for everyone as they are quite processed and sometimes they just don't work for all. I don't some of my own processed images! Thanks again. Ray.
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from bertys30/Dean (25,398)
on November 3, 2005 10:07:21 AM CST
(14)
Ok..I was watching your progress for some time. A month ago you had an ordinary portfolio with some good pictures but nothing special. Then you come up with some special ,beautifull, original ( at least original for my point of view ) post procesing...You start to post really a great pictures. I be probably be minority here but I think your last 2 are overdone. Don't get me wrong it is still great and deserve 3TU but I would like that you stoped in your progress few pictures ago :o)))..if you can understand what I mean. Your recent work is really inspirational and you deserve every possible credit for it. Only I think that your serie with the girl is apsolutly perfect this look to me little overdone... I could be wrong...Nevertheless this still deserve 3TU by a mile....Tnx for your great pictures and keep up :o)..regards Berty ( hope you have large family ;)
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 1:02:02 PM CST
Dean: Thanks much for taking the time to critique the image and for your unbiased input. Your right....I too liked the past images better myself as they looked more like the Old Masters than these latest two. In all probability I'll go back to the old technique or maybe no technique as the process is quite time consumming. Thanks again. Ray
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from theunis/Alfred (1,049)
on November 3, 2005 10:02:14 AM CST
(8)
You've developed a very special technique in your portraits. It seems to me more a paiting from an old master then a digital photo. I think that Rembrand used the technique to and that they calling it "claire obscure". It's a detailfull portrait,very sharp and tones that make it al little strange. It's not really my style but it's good work.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 12:53:27 PM CST
Alfred: Thnaks for the critique and comment on the image. It's truly appreciated. Ray
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 12:57:44 PM CST
Alfred: Thanks for the comment and critique as it's appreciated. Ray
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from jebir/Jens (3,705)
on November 3, 2005 9:59:28 AM CST
(12)
Ray,
while being a very eye-catching image, with very good sharpness and beaytiful contact with the subject despite the spectacles, I really think it looks 'over processed'. I don't have any other word for it but there are several strange things that makes her look filthy. For example the edge of her dress but laso her face in general. Also, to me, the over-all lighting on her does not really fit with the all-black background.
It looks like you have used RawShooter with a lot of fill light when developing the picture?
Looking at the other portraits you have shown recently, I am certain thet you would be able to make this one of the same class if you gave it some more care.
Cheers, Jens.
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 12:51:38 PM CST
Jens: Thanks much for your critique of the image. I appreciate your input and your feel towards it. With regards. Ray.
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from marclw/Marc (4,499)
on November 3, 2005 9:49:59 AM CST
(7)
Ray, I like the shot very much. Her face shows much character and strength. I think it is a very good portrait. And, it is REAL. I would have preferred that her mouth be in a different position. It looks awkward. It looks like she was caught saying something. The shot looks oversharpened too me too. Other than that, it is a striking portrait. Thanks
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From jabomano/Ray (2,578)
on November 3, 2005 12:47:23 PM CST
Marc: I appreciate you taking the time to comment and critique the photo. I know what you mean about the mouth but this is the only shot I took. Thanks again. Ray
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From cyberbrown/Gabriele (672)
on November 3, 2005 11:45:05 AM CST
You say you didn't do any retouch work on the skin.
Is that effect real? How did you achieve it? With some kind of contrasted lighting?
Could you please explain us how do you get this kind of portraits? :)
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From jandrade/Jose Paulo (37,561)
on November 3, 2005 12:02:14 PM CST
Hi! I think that this type of manipulation is called "dragan effect". You can do a google search and find the original photographer (he has a very good portfolio in photo.net) and a lot of actions for PS to simulate this "effect". Some like it, others hate it.
Jose Paulo
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From acampos/Andres (47,547)
on November 3, 2005 1:07:07 PM CST
Here is the link to Andrzej Dragan web site. In the "Works for sale" section you can buy the details about his digital technique.
I also found three action files for Photoshop: Dragan Action, Dragan Monochrome and Draganizer. You can downloaded them right here.
Enjoy it - Andres.
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From log/Louise (24,553)
on November 3, 2005 8:54:02 PM CST
I personally like it And your mother?
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From scottamy404/Scott (3,388)
on November 3, 2005 11:06:58 PM CST
Used too much of this action
http://www.atncentral.com/Pages/draganizer.htm
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