What about these ugly shadows

[tigerphoto]

In the pic attached, how would you all suggest that I get rid of these ugly shadows and make the pic really stand out? Do I leave the shadows?

{Bare with me. I'm having problems attaching a file}

[Flora]

Originally Posted by tigerphoto

{Bare with me. I'm having problems attaching a file}

.... Might be the wrong extension (allowed extensions: bmp doc gif jpe jpeg jpg pdf png psd txt zip) or the wrong size (size limit = 100KB)...

[tigerphoto]

Its a jpg. It's saying that the attachment is in progress, and it has been in progress for the last couple of hours.

[Flora]

... I might be wrong, but it sounds like a 'hung' process ....

You could try to stop that and start the 'attaching' procedure anew...

[tigerphoto]

Here we go.

[Flora]

Originally Posted by tigerphoto

In the pic attached, how would you all suggest that I get rid of these ugly shadows and make the pic really stand out? Do I leave the shadows?

In my opinion, the only shadows that have to be minimized are on the face and body of the model..

In the left image in my attachment I lifted all the shadows... It's a beautiful picture and the magnificent background steals the show a bit...

In the right image, after lifting the shadows on the model, I actually deepend the shadows in the background to make the model stand out more...

[Swampy]

Nice Flora

[oltenius]

I think the shadows are a good choice behind the beautiful girl. So, I improved the lights only on the body and I reduced a bit the shadows in the left side of the photo.

[maureeno]

Originally Posted by Flora

In my opinion, the only shadows that have to be minimized are on the face and body of the model..

In the left image in my attachment I lifted all the shadows... It's a beautiful picture and the magnificent background steals the show a bit...

In the right image, after lifting the shadows on the model, I actually deepend the shadows in the background to make the model stand out more...

Your deepened shadows version looks MUCH better, Flora, that your first version.

Maureen

[Daviskw]

I guess we all have about the same ideas.. cool pictures wish i was there...

I do like the shadows playing on the skin. It would be great for a close up with palm or fern fronds across her pretty face or body.

Butch

[Flora]

Thank you Swampy, Maureen!!!

....Yes, I prefer the deepened shadows one too... even though I see that everybody who worked on this one couldn't resist the temptation to unveil that magnificent background a bit .... just like uncovering a tiny bit of Paradise!!!

[tigerphoto]

Flora you and davis are the best mind detailing the steps used? By the way I'm using PS7.

[Flora]

Thanks tigerphoto!

Working with PS CS2, in my previously posted image I'd used a Shadow/Highlight Adjustment to balance the shadows ... but, since tigerphoto is working with PS7 here is my alternative way:

Selection of the shadows

To not lighten the already lighter parts of the picture, I wanted a rather clear edged selection of the shadows... so I used a Threshold Adjustment Layer. (Attachment 1)

The edges are very clear but also very harsh so I Merged Visible (*), blurred the merged layer, Ctrl+I inverted it (now the shadows were white), and clicked Ctrl+Alt+~ to select its Luminosity.
Top image of Attachment 2

With the selection still active, I:

1) clicked on the 'eye' on the left of my 'merged and Thresohold Layers' to make them invisible,
2) activated the Background by clicking on it
3) Ctrl+J pasted the selection on its own Layer (Bottom image of Attachment 2)
4) changed the Blending of this new Layer to Screen.
(Attachment 3)

Deepening the Shadows

After finishing retouching, I created a new Layer on top, made an oval selection around the model and transformed the selection to fit her position.

1) Ctrl+Shift+I inverted the selection (now everything around the model was selected)
2) Strongly feathered the selection (80 Pixels)
3) Changed the Blending of this new (vignette) layer to Soft Light and decreased it 'Fill' to 95%
4) Duplicated this Layer twice more changing Blending and 'Fill' value as in Attachment 4

My final result Attachment 4

(*) Merge Visible:
Keeping the Alt key pressed, open your Layers Palette's Menu and, click on 'Merge Visible'.

A new Layer containing all your corrections will be created on top of all the other Layers ....

This procedure enables you to carry on with your restoration from your advanced point... without losing any of the previous steps/Layers... thus giving you the possibility to retrace your steps and making changes wherever necessary.... even after you've 'finished' the job....

Hope this helps