In need of honest opinions

[Boots21]

Im thinking about going into advertising, and have been tossing around retouching. I haven't really had many unbiased opinions on my work, so I figured this would be a good place to start. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks!


1) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../263154559.jpg
2) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../263155390.jpg
3) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../263156255.jpg
4) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../263157970.jpg
5) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../264052574.jpg
6) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../272165057.jpg
7) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../272165058.jpg
8) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../293893487.jpg
9) http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/v.../293893487.jpg

[igot2pman]

I dont know if your color managed or if that is just how you like it, but 2-5 and 7 look to be a bit on the warm side. And in some cases i even prefer the original. Watch your smoothing as there is a lot of loss in texture.

As for numbers 1, 6 and 8(9the same), they are good for a small thumbnail.

Hope it helps,
-Keven

[bkravchenko]

I agree, the skin smoothing needs some work. You are losing too much detail. Blurring the skin is not the solution to high-end retouching, it takes hours and hours of work. Look for the Dodge&Burn tutorial that is floating around on here. Its very helpful.

[TommyO]

Boots21,
I would suggest a portfolio which demonstrates a wider variety of skill sets. These seem to demonstrate a rather limited range of retouch, mostly tonal changes and blurring.

Try putting together a portfolio which represents all of the basic elements in retouch. This will ensure that your audience sees your range of skills and allows them to determine if it matches up with their needs. As it stands, you may be limiting yourself.