This is my second attempt at retouching with the more professional method of d&b. Here is my retouch -

Full shot:
http://a97.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/56/l_cf9cc0fd06b5aff42b33c23ead8d9f08.png

Face:
http://a180.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_ce44351953549279027e78c682d54c7b.png


I wish I could upload the 1.9mb PNG file. These are just myspace links.


I got the original photograph from themodelfactory.com


I think it looks pretty professional. I could see it in a magazine spread... or maybe I'm deluding myself. lol

I don't really go for pictures like this and so looked at it strictly from the retouch angle. And while you did a fine job, even leaving the shadow on his face, the overall picture is still flat (a tad over exposed). You might want to work on the saturation and contrast a bit.

Janet

I dont' really see much of a difference except it seems you evened out levels. It's improved and the little flaws have been cleaned up but have you thought of taking it to the next level to make it art and not just a picture?

I dont' really see much of a difference except it seems you evened out levels. It's improved and the little flaws have been cleaned up but have you thought of taking it to the next level to make it art and not just a picture?

art and not just a picture :) don't get me started

dvool, welcome to RetouchPRO :) hope you enjoy your visits here!

The Janitor (Doug Nelson) prefers not linking to images on other servers, since those links can break and that makes the forum thread essentially useless for future readers.
(check my Sig for how to resize and post here)

After you post your less than 100K version here, you could also post a larger version at ImageVenue.com (3Meg max, free) or pixentral.com (2Meg max, free) or photobucket.com (1 Meg max free,... 5 Meg PRO)-- then post a link here in this thread to the site that is hosting your larger version just like you did for the myspace links.

art and not just a picture :) don't get me started

Get started Godmother.. Tis a place for critiques :wink:

I also agree it looks flat..

Thanks for the feedback JanetPretty. I did boost the contrast from the original picture, but I think you are right, it is still too flat.


Madclark - well, yah I basically removed the flaws in his skin, brought out his eyes a little more, brought out the shadows and highlights of the shape of his body and face. Maybe you can tell more from the larger pictures from imagevenue below.

My goal was to mainly do beauty retouching, like enchance the picture to a more professional level without making it seem obviously photoshopped. With that goal in mind, the only artsy-ness I could really take the picture would be dramatic lighting and color. I am open to any suggestions you are thinking of though.


Godmother, I watched one of your beauty retouch videos on youtube. It was very helpful in understanding the process. Thank you.


0lBaldy - Thank you! And thank you for the helpful information. Wow 3-mb free uploads at ImageVenue - that's awesome! Thank you again!



I made the image less flat like you guys suggested. Basically just playing with the curves for lighting contrast, and then that made his skin too red, so I desaturated and took some of the red out.


EDIT: I completely forgot about his hair. I worked on it and gave it more shine - updated the links and the attachment.


LARGER VERSIONS
Before:
http://img214.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=91568_before_122_3lo.jpg

After:
http://img239.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=93670_after3_122_147lo.jpg

Your latest post looks much better.. Looks like you are on your way! Good luck!

Thank you 0lBaldy. :)

I would agree the 2nd post is much better.
A couple of things I noticed....
... the blown out whites in the window will always throw off your corrections for overall exposure and tonality. You should mask it and change it so the tweaks affect only the model and his immediate surroundings.
... the small amount of stubble on his face really does not do much for him. If it were more, it may look nice. So, I would remove it. Not to the point of looking fem, just to where it looks like a very very slight shadow.

Otherwise, nice job and keep posting !

Try paint with light

I would agree the 2nd post is much better.
A couple of things I noticed....
... the blown out whites in the window will always throw off your corrections for overall exposure and tonality. You should mask it and change it so the tweaks affect only the model and his immediate surroundings.
... the small amount of stubble on his face really does not do much for him. If it were more, it may look nice. So, I would remove it. Not to the point of looking fem, just to where it looks like a very very slight shadow.

Otherwise, nice job and keep posting !

Thank you!

Good point about the window. I didn't think of that.

He may look better without the stubble, but it doesn't bother me with it. :)