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from bcskier/Arie (6,354) 
on November 25, 2010 5:52:14 PM CST
(3)
Nice shot. I like the tones and light. However the shirtsleeves are blown out. Hopefully it can be fixed in raw conversion. Regards, Arie
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from marshall/Marshall (11,954) 
on November 25, 2010 10:53:58 AM CST
(7)
Hi Tommy - Considering this primarily as a promotional piece, as it is offered...
The texturing added is a completely valid photographic style. (In this it seems I disagree with Stephen.) Here, I think it is additive to the final effect, but I do agree that it is a little bit too strong. You could reduce the effect by half, still keep the eye in the frame and enhance the photograph (and yes, in this person's it is still a photograph), but without having the texturing itself be quite such a draw.
There is a trade-off to be considered when using a photo like this where the subject isn't looking into the camera. Personally, I think that photos like that often work (Outside Magazine's photo issue once described their rules thus: if the person's smiling, s/he is not looking into the camera; if the subject is looking into the camera, then s/he isn't smiling. Who knew.). Nonetheless, there is something immediately eye-catching and even arresting about a more-direct gaze. In this one, her faraway look is appealing, but it counts on people looking at the photo and finding their own engagement.
As a design thing, you may want to have a version that is entirely self-contained, not relying on the back of the piece to get the prospect to you or your site. Thus, you probably want at least a version that also has your web address and contact info (maybe just e-dress and/or phone) right on the front.
Bottom line is that the photo takes good advantage of the flattering light, while the angle and spacing work well for this kind of promo. As a standalone photo, I might like her just a touch more to the middle - perhaps a slight crop from top, left, and bottom gets that done.
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from deleted207185/deleted (13,289)
on November 25, 2010 4:35:35 AM CST
(8)
No way. Very little wrong with the picture, though the sky adds no value expect to take up frame space, which could have been given over to the principle subject. What doesn't work for this particular picture and the purpose you propose is the treatment. Can you honestly see anyone wanting to have an image in a frame that has been artificially aged, as if not enough care was taken of the image? Your subject gives the impression of a clean living, caring person which is great by you, but .... you don't need it, let your photography speak for you don't bull it up with tricks and effects, they are used by people who are less than compotent photgographers, ie don't look at my photography, ignore the subject but I'm good with photoshop (of course ignore my comments if photoshop and not photography is your USP).
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:36:17 AM CST
Hi Stephen,
i am really surprised by all of the comments on the texture added. i really appreciate it and find it eye opening. since using textures, i may have overdone them as i tend to do with anything new i start trying. with seniors in particular, this is something i get comments on all the time that they love. but as with anything that is meant to enhance an image, done too strongly or much can indeed draw attention away from the image itself. probably what i've done here. it is good to get so many comments concerning one particular area. it really helps and i'll watch it more closely next time. thanks so much! tommy
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From marshall/Marshall (11,954)
on November 25, 2010 10:55:18 AM CST
Can you honestly see anyone wanting to have an image in a frame that has been artificially aged, as if not enough care was taken of the image?
Yes, though I don't do this work and would defer to Tommy's experience of his market.
What is "USP" and why does one have to do "photoshop and not photography" instead of using photoshop to enhance the photography one wants to present?
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from tvernuccio/Sheila (37,104)
on November 24, 2010 11:55:22 PM CST
(11)
hi Tommy, Her beautiful expression and the way you captured the breeze gently blowing her hair are the two aspects of the image that make this such a strong, expressive portrait.
The out-of-focus green grasses add foreground interest and the triangular-shaped tree line adds interest to the middle ground; however, that dirty looking stuff that you overlaid onto the sky and within the trees are extremely distracting to me. They are quite effective at competing with the lovely young lady for my attention.
Strengths of the composition include the off-center placement of the model, as well as giving her plenty of room in the frame to look into.
You have a good focus on the model with the background nicely blurred out. Colors are well balanced; however, the sleeves of the young lady's shirt are burned out, giving too much emphasis to her arms. This is especially problematic since her eyes are so dark.
In terms of expression and mood...3 TU. She looks so relaxed, serene, and happy. Her surroundings are beautiful, and the mood of the image is peaceful and carefree.
If you got rid of those extremely distracting scratches/blotches at the top that you added in...I would have rated the image 2 1/2 TU.
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:38:35 AM CST
hi Sheila,
as always, excellent critique. probably one of your more helpful ones to me, i'd say. especially about the shirt vs the eyes. i will work on that, something i could probably fix in post or at least make less obvious. it was a very cloudy foggy day as you can see and reflectors were of no use so this completely natural lighting which as you see, without the intervention of a reflector can be less than desirable. thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. tommy
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from sumit/Sumit (283)
on November 24, 2010 11:30:28 PM CST
Besides the effect you've applied here, this is a very good capture. Awesome job! :)
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:39:02 AM CST
Sumit, i really appreciate your input. thank you very much. tommy
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from darrell/Darrell (8,177)
on November 24, 2010 10:57:14 PM CST
(7)
Of course another awesome portrait but the vignetting you have been using looks like a bad effect or noise. I think you should do away with it but it might be a trend that I don't know about. Nice job Tommy.
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:40:08 AM CST
if you refer to Stephen's critique and my response I explain what I was doing, but as I stated, i am very thankful that I got so many comments on it. it made me realize maybe it's overdone here. tommy
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from photoforfun/Jack (631)
on November 24, 2010 10:38:40 PM CST
(8)
I am not fond of the vignette effect you have added. I would leave it out but if you really want it do the entire pic excepting possibly the subject. That may give it a bit of a vintage look. It appears there could have been a little breeze and that worked well for you as the subject and her hair are great. Cropping just a little on the bottom would also balance the edge of the grass vs the bush too - right now that line is too centered.
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:41:37 AM CST
Thanks Jack, actually the texture was added in such a way as you suggest, however the areas which are visible just happen to be farther from her. but as I've discussed earlier, i think next time i'll use the effect less noticably. thanks, tommy
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from canechaser/Jesse (4,258)
on November 24, 2010 10:32:31 PM CST
(4)
great job.. i really like the work you have done here.. great composition and the colors all look spot on... exposure is spot on as well.. i get the watermark, but dont feel it works well as it seems to overpower the great shot just a bit... crisp, sharp and clean.. nice job... thanx for the post
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:43:19 AM CST
thanks Jesse for your critique. it is well appreciated. tommy
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from stmv/Sebastian (59,814)
on November 24, 2010 10:17:44 PM CST
(6)
decent treatment, but if I was her, I would not want your logo so plastered across the image, unless you are using it to build up your own business.
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From thpeterson/Tommy (1,931)
on November 25, 2010 8:42:28 AM CST
well, i just wanted to use it for a promotional situation. normally i would never cover an image in such a way. thanks for the critique. tommy
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From sheenawilkie/Administrator (0) 
on November 25, 2010 10:55:43 AM CST
I love it Tommy, but a couple of little suggestions. Have the texture go right to the edge, don't show the edge so much. It will be more authentic looking. And add a little black in a curves adjustment layer, it will give it a bit more pop, and you'll get a little more definition in the sky. (Whites are a bit hot, did you try recovery in RAW?)
I think the responses here are interesting, you're getting photographers telling you one thing, but we know the clients like this look. It's like skin softening, and I know I have commented negatively on it in the past, but lots of my young models love having their skin look like plastic haha.
Hmm such an interesting topic I made forum post about it!
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