My first attempt on "real" retouching

[quadupix]

This is my first time trying my hands on some "real" retouching using all the techniques and info provided on this forum. Please tear me apart! Honest C & C please....

[madclark]

Desaturation looks fine. Gives it a nice moody edge. I would sharpen the eyes a touch though to make them pop. You may want to explore levels of desaturation or overlaying different color casts as well for a project like this. You don't want the image to look grey and flat. Maybe leave the eyes and lips more vibrant or overlay a blue color cast to match the product packaging.

The hair fixes on the left and right are obvious. I can easily see edges where you cloned or painted. Hair is difficult and there's no straightforward method that suits every situation. I would suggest cloning with the blend mode set to lighten on a lower opacity brush. Should do the trick.

The masking on the product looks OK, but from a design standpoint it's very odd that it's just floating in the air. I would suggest two things - either tease it so it's actually just off the side of the picture some or use a semi-transparent graphic behind it to anchor it, a white swoop or something.

By the way, who's the model?

[quadupix]

Originally Posted by madclark

Desaturation looks fine. Gives it a nice moody edge. I would sharpen the eyes a touch though to make them pop. You may want to explore levels of desaturation or overlaying different color casts as well for a project like this. You don't want the image to look grey and flat. Maybe leave the eyes and lips more vibrant or overlay a blue color cast to match the product packaging.

The hair fixes on the left and right are obvious. I can easily see edges where you cloned or painted. Hair is difficult and there's no straightforward method that suits every situation. I would suggest cloning with the blend mode set to lighten on a lower opacity brush. Should do the trick.

The masking on the product looks OK, but from a design standpoint it's very odd that it's just floating in the air. I would suggest two things - either tease it so it's actually just off the side of the picture some or use a semi-transparent graphic behind it to anchor it, a white swoop or something.

By the way, who's the model?

Thanks for the constructive criticism. Your suggestions are well noted. You’ve been very helpful.
Regarding the color, I actually tried giving it a blue-sh tint by filling a blank layer with light blue and setting the blend mode to color but I didn’t like the way it looked.

The model is a friend of mine. I also shot the product and edited it before using it for the comp.

[madclark]

Maybe the blue overlay is adding to the grey feeling. Remember, blue and orange, being opposite on the color wheel can neutralize each other. I would try using a hue layer and selectively desaturating reds.

Handsome guy. Is he on Model Mayhem? My profile is here.

[TommyO]

I would agree w/ Madclark. The hair may be a little smooth on the sides. The small hairs on his left shoulder & neck area need cleaning up. Highlights may be just a tad too light. A final sharpening may be in order. Otherwise, very good for your first go at it.

[quadupix]

No he's not on MM. He used to model years ago. He's over 40 y/o with lots of kids...he's aged well and I think he still has it in him. I coerce him to model whenever they come over to visit.