Grunge Portrait - Critique Please

[longside1]

Hi guys,

Just recently finished this shot, and would appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks.

[mistermonday]

Hello Longside, To me the image looks low key, sombre mood. I like it but it is not what I now as a "Grunge" look which tend to be dirtier with harsh shadows and high contrast. Is that the effect you wanted? Can you show the Before image so people can see what you transformed it from?
Regards, Murray

[LQQKER]

If you shot this image, you did a nice job with lighting and capturing a mood. I'm not sure I'd call it a grunge image, but it certainly is compelling. As far as the expression is concerned, it's difficult to determine if he's pissed off, an intellectual, manic depressive or someone with Tourettes Syndrome right before an outburst of obscenities. Regardless, I like it.

[rsvrdogg86]

Great photo.I agree with the comments about this not being quite grunge. It is a great start to get their tho. I did a QUICK one to get a little closer. Channel mixer layer set to mono and hard light, then quick Add Grain to a s neutral soft light layer...not exactly the definition of grunge but you get the idea.

[mistermonday]

I Draganized him. I am not sure if you would consider this grunge.
Regards, Murray

[0lBaldy]

I agree with all the comments thus far!

I like the image and think it is moody and has the power to draw you in! Good Job!!

I also thought it might be a bit better to display this dark moody picture by moving in closer, the elbow may be gone but the symmetry is still there.. (I darkened the far shoulder and brightened the eye highlights also)

The second version is what I would call "grunge"

[Der_W]

My try at "grunging" him ;-)

Used a black and white adjustment layer on "Soft Light" blending mode with the "Tint" checkbox checked, red pulled down, yellow pushed up.
Unsharp mask on the guy with low amount and high radius, than again with high amount and low radius.
Finally I used the surface blur to sharpen the image. Merged visible layers, set the mode to "Vivid Light", used the surface blur, again merged visible, desaturated and set the blending mode to "Overlay".

If I had done it more carefully I had watched out for clipping...

[Cupcake]

The Look of Grunge.

[skydog]

Everyone has their own view on Grunge...I like Jonas and cupcakes pics

[sky_roadster]

Originally Posted by Cupcake

The Look of Grunge.

My favorite.

[0lBaldy]

Originally Posted by sky_roadster

My favorite.

I agree.. me 2!

[daitri]

my try at grunge.

[Aldan]

There is couple of very nice modifications to the picture, in my opinion it would deserve just half of it.
I have merged origin with one of the "draganized" modifications and the attachment is closest to my liking.

[longside1]

Hi guys,

Some interesting comments and modifications.

If anyone is interested I don't mind providing the original psd as the modifications aren't being done justice due to the low quality of the attached jpeg.

Let me know...

[LQQKER]

I for one would like to see the original. If you are offering it for modifications and ideas, that would be fine.

[longside1]

Originally Posted by LQQKER

I for one would like to see the original. If you are offering it for modifications and ideas, that would be fine.

No problemo, I'll upload it to to the web tonight so you can have a play :-)

[kkamin]

Nice! Love the lighting and the mood.

[secretagents]

Originally Posted by longside1

No problemo, I'll upload it to to the web tonight so you can have a play :-)

It's been more than a week now and still nothing. What's going on ?

[longside1]

Originally Posted by secretagents

It's been more than a week now and still nothing. What's going on ?

Ahhh, i completely forgot, I'll upload it tonight I promise!

[bobmata]

Originally Posted by longside1

Hi guys,

Just recently finished this shot, and would appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks.

Love the tone with no overdooos...

[longside1]

Hi guys,

Below is a link to the PSD so you can have a play :-)

DivShare File - Waiting.psd

I must admit that I was probably wrong to describe the look I was after 'grunge' as what others have done is much closer to 'grunge' than my image!

Anyway, hope you like the psd!

[secretagents]

Perhaps what you did was not really "grunge", it is nevertheless very nice.

Thanks for sharing the original, I didn't think it would be that big (downloading it ATM).

[longside1]

Originally Posted by secretagents

Perhaps what you did was not really "grunge", it is nevertheless very nice.

Thanks for sharing the original, I didn't think it would be that big (downloading it ATM).

ha, comletely agree. I'm not really sure what genre my images comes under, but needless to say the look that i acheived is the one that I was after!

[skydog]

Secretagent - please provide your defininition of "grunge" so we are all on the same page.

thanks

[0lBaldy]

After re-evaluating your "look" I have come to the conclusion that what you might have been after is your own interpretation of a combo of the "looks" made famous by some other, to remain un-named, Photographers..

For my interpretation I used an action from "Richard Houtby" along with some blending modes and selective sharpening

[longside1]

Originally Posted by 0lBaldy

After re-evaluating your "look" I have come to the conclusion that what you might have been after is your own interpretation of a combo of the "looks" made famous by some other, to remain un-named, Photographers..

For my interpretation I used an action from "Richard Houtby" along with some blending modes and selective sharpening

lol, your diplomatic comment's are duly noted :-O).

I've been inspired by numerous photographers which have had a strong influence on my style. However, I'm very happy with look I've developed as it suits my photographic projects.

I'm going to have a good look at your mod now.