Self-portrait retouch - Please comment

[BriC]

I just finished retouching a photo of myself. I really enjoy portrait retouching. Any feedback and/or comments will be valued as learning tools. Thank you in advance - BriC

[maureeno]

Originally Posted by BriC

I just finished retouching a photo of myself. I really enjoy portrait retouching. Any feedback and/or comments will be valued as learning tools. Thank you in advance - BriC

Your cropping was excellent, BriC. For my taste, I'd like to see the colours brought out a bit more and some sharpening done all round, but that's just my view.

You're off to a grand start!

Maureen

[BriC]

Maureen -
Thanks for your input... To do as you suggested and bring the colors out a bit more, would you say to bump the saturation up a notch or two or would there be a better way to do this? Also, I have a hard time knowing how much to sharpen. I usually can't tell any noticable differance until the hard edges that you want to avoid appear. Could anyone give me a few example settings for the unsharp mask filter dialogue (that would appeal to this image)?

I was also pretty happy with the clone job I did on the pole over my right (picture left) shoulder. I feel like, for the first time, I have cloned out an object to a somewhat satisfactory standard. What do you guys think?

Thanks again, Maureen!
-Bri

[Duv]

Hi Bri! Great self portrait! I agree with Maureen. It needs a bit more "snap". Personally I wouldn't change the saturation but would work with Curves, maybe tone down the yellow and cyan in the skin tone and increase the contrast a bit. The top of the T shirt is blown out a bit, perhaps a bit of cloning or healing.
I'm looking for a male model..just jokin. Good job.

Cheers
Dave

[Kraellin]

see if this suits:

Craig

[skipc]

Curves in LAB Color, USM 20, 10, 0.

[maureeno]

Originally Posted by skipc

Curves in LAB Color, USM 20, 10, 0.

Maybe it's my monitor, but I really like this one! Colours are brilliant and the sharpness is perfect for my eye. BUT, that's just MY eye. I sharpened the tree trunk a wee bit, though.

Maureen

[Kraellin]

yup, pretty good. i'd add a little red to his left arm, though. new raster layer on top, paint in some red, set opacity of layer down to blend to suit.

Craig