Hello everyone! I'm so thrilled to have found this site. I've been a photographer for many years and retouching for a couple. More recently though, I've really been honing my skills and developing my techniques. It's a true passion for me and now I'm trying to build my portfolio to start a fulltime career doing this.

I definitely have certain areas that I need to work on, since I have taught myself everything that I know, and that's where this site comes in! I need to learn about re-adding texture mostly. I'm pretty good at maintaining skin tone (in my opinion) and some texture, but sometimes when it comes to heavier retouches, it's just not that easy!

I'll start out with a photo I took a couple weeks ago which needed some curves, skin retouching, etc. I'm open to all constructive criticism and compliments :happy:

Thanks!

I had to link to the photos externally because I couldnt' get my files small enough to embed...I've looked at the threads about optimizing photos to size in order to attach them to threads, but it seems that there are only instructions for PCs...does anyone know how to save for web to 100k on a Mac version of CS2?

BEFORE Photo #1 (http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/MaryBefore01.jpg)
AFTER Photo #1 (http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/MaryAfter01.jpg)

the images arent loading for me .. but from what you said about being to heavy when retouch, and adding in texture, i can only assume taht you are cloning and healing alot.

my advice would be to dodge and burn more than anything. i dont believe in adding texture, unless the picture itself has been damaged somehow. and even then i would think twice about it.

try to post the pictures up again .. i would love to see your work.

Sorry for the broken links...all fixed now.

I never ever use the healing tool anymore, fyi. I used to when I first started, but now I'm very proficient with the cloning tool at very low flow/opacity levels. I also use dodge and burn, but need to practice more when it comes to evening out skin tone.

Now that my links are up, I'd love some direct feedback. :wavey:

Thanks!

Hello
I like the pose and the background.
I think you have done a good job on her face.
Maybe work some more on her neck.
Cathy

good job indeed ..

i agree with cathy and would work more on the neck.

way to keep it natural!

Thanks for the positive feedback. Is there anything besides work on the neck that I can do to improve my technique?

nice job. neck needs a bit more work. color of hair in spots is green. overall, nice color moves. watch all your masks though - (straight up from left eye and shoulder). shoulder is burning out a bit too. personally, i'd like less red, but that's subjective except for the shadow area of her face - a bit on fire it is. spot on her lip is grey and troublesome. might take a look at right of image - tad green/yellow to me. better neutral.

((Fill flash))

Thanks for the nitpicking...that's EXACTLY what I want. I'm so used to untrained eyes giving me compliments, and I need an objective view.

Regarding fill flash, I was using a 550EX, but was limited to what position I could use it in, because I was adament about getting the skyline in the background through an unopened window, without major glare. I knew I could fix the backlit aspect with curves. :)

((carefull. strobe have a built in slave? could have put it outside window, maybe even have her hold it. sometimes you won't capture all the detail without fill. my guess as to your color shifts too when you opened it up))

ANT: nice picture on dealing with certain problems within the pciture...I have made an attempt on this picture...hoepfully it's ok :D


Gerry

I can't help much with advice, I'm in the learning stages as well. You made a remarkable improvement. Your client will be pleased. As you mentioned, the untrained eye will not see what you perceive as flaws, especially if they do not see the "before" version.

The only nitpiks I could add is in posing. Bring her nose toward you just a bit, you don't want the nose to break the eye. Also, have you ever used a reflector as opposed to flash? I love natural lighting. In regard to the post production work, I'd like to see more saturation in the background, (nice view btw). Some feel this might take away from your subject, but I believe if you are going to show it, show it well.

Nice work

Crystal