How Am I Doin'

[midnitejam]

Originally Posted by GeoM

lots of good comments and work here
I'm stoked, I just found this place, I hope it doesn't look bad my first post is criticism, but this is the place right?

A couple things I first noticed, I haven't seen mentioned or worked.
Her hair picked up that common muddy green in the shadow values.
I think I like Vicki's version most and she cleared that up and a couple others but perhaps a deeper shadow value too was used.

I'm not sure anyone but Leah cleaned up that vein in her eye, I'd fix that.

Anyway, thought I'd start somewhere, I'll try to post something next time.

GeoM, your comments are welcome here
MNJ

[Gary Richardson]

Hi, like some of the others, I thought the selection was a bit harsh, and also that the general composition was too dark. By keeping the background similar in tone to the original, hair selection is kept easier. I enclose a quick effort below. I made the selection using extract, made a background based on a colour taken from the original. Then I softened the bright highlight on the woman's cheek by colour brushing at low opacity with a colour taken from her cheek. Then I lightened her eyes and sharpened focus around them. Finally I put a soft drop shadow behind her to soften transition into the background.

[midnitejam]

Hi gang,
I'm casting my vote for the best of all the reproductions. I cast my vote for VIKKI's rendition. IMO her repro stands alone in a class of it's own.

I thank everyone very much for their interrest and for sharing their ideas with me. Actually, Every piece of advice offered presented improvements. This was an appreciated learning experience for me.

ThanX,
MNJ