Critique Needed! :o)

[psdbunny]

Hello everyone,

Though I've been using Photoshop for a few years now, I'm pretty new to cosmetic retouching. The attached photos are my first try using actual retouch techniques and I'd appreciate your honest feedback (please be kind!). Thanks so much in advance and have a blessed day!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/...10e85a4a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/...61038971_o.jpg

[TommyO]

First, welcome and congrat's for posting.

I'm sure you will get some interesting feedback on the nose !
The other facial changes seem purposeful and we can at least tell what you changed.

Overall, I think you did well in keeping the skin tone identical to her "as shot" skin tone. Sometimes that can be hard to do.
Some of the areas look a bit soft to me.... around the eyes and the neck.
I would also approach the shadows on the upper eyes some more. Although difficult to alter, it can be done.
Otherwise, a very good first try ! Keep up the good work.

[psdbunny]

Omg, sixty-one views and only ONE comment? :o( Tears...softly...falling.

:ol

Tommy, thank you for replying! I agree, the neck does seem soft, but I saved a mid-way point photo in which it's more textured, but didn't seem to get good feedback on that one...my friends seemed to think the neck looked too creased. I also have a photo in which her eyes (and entire face) are less softened and slightly more textured, but I don't think that was as pleasing for her as a result. I'd like to lighten up some of that shadow, too, especially along the left eye (our left). I'll look into how to do that and repost. :o) I hope that more people reply...I think getting critiques from people seem to be a tough go no matter which site I'm using, lol. Thanks again Tommy! :o)

[TommyO]

Don't be discouraged... sometimes it is just like that, slow, especially during the week. Weekends seem to get more responses from the regulars. So, be sure to check back Sat or Sun.

It is often helpful to state your experience level, what your overall goal was with the image, and of course, what type of feedback you're looking for. Sometimes leaving it wide open causes some viewers to hold back their ideas, thinking they have a narrower knowledge/experience to offer. You could edit your original post to add some of these points.

I'll be on r&r for a week or so, but will check back when I return ! Good luck !

[Richard Quindry]

All in all, I think you did a very good job. I find the skin color pleasing.

Some minor changes that I think would make it even better are the following:

I think the hair needs to be sharper - at least near the face. The sharper hair can be painted back in from the original photo. A little sharpening could be added to the eyes and lips.

I'd like to see a bit of a catchlight in the near eye to give it more life.

Maybe make the arm and hand slightly darker as the eyes are drawn to light objects and it competes with the face.

As far as the nose goes, I'd think I'd bring it back a little closer to reality.