Different style ideas for this shot?

[PeteM]

Hi - first post here. I'd like some style ideas on a shot I recently took. I did some light skin retouch, levels, sharpening - the basic stuff. I also used a slight cross process layer and desat on the image. I'm pretty happy with it, but would love to see other ideas from the experts. (I'm more of a photographer than retoucher!)

I'd love to see samples to give it more of "high fashion" look and feel. Thanks in advance.

[pellepiano]

I went for a red blurry background to add some depth. Some PWL and cleaning up.

[Gary Richardson]

No big changes, just altered the lighting a touch to give (hopefully) a slightly more dramatic look.

[keiser]

Okay,

Changed background, hair color, suit and tie color.
Darkened image
brightened image
etc, etc.

[Peter S]

Well it is a different style I suppose. He looked far too smooth to me.


Just messing about.

Peter

[grannysdc]

Originally Posted by PeteM

I'd love to see samples to give it more of "high fashion" look and feel.

But is it "High Fashion" Peter_S?

[pellepiano]

More paintinglike ...

[Peter S]

Originally Posted by grannysdc

But is it "High Fashion" Peter_S?

Ahhh very good question.

I don't know, whats your opinion?????

Peter

[grannysdc]

Originally Posted by Peter S

Ahhh very good question.

I don't know, whats your opinion?????

Peter

Well, he sort of looks like my first boyfriend.... Who was HIGH a lot but definitely not up on Fashion..

Now, to get back on topic...

I will be the first to admit I have no idea what "High Fashion" is ( some examples would be nice ).. But here is my version of the picture.. My thoughts are there is too much blank space.. unless it is for a cover or something like that... Sooo, I cropped it just a bit along with some judicial darkening and lightening

[pellepiano]

High Fashion is generally referred to as haute couture, exclusive clothing as opposed to mass manufactured clothes (pret a porter).

Seems to mean different things to photographers though. Ive seen many and long discussions without any final answer.

[grannysdc]

Maybe the OP meant the "GQ" look... (If that is still around?)

If not then long eyelashes and black lipstick would not be out of line... Maybe Peter_S is on track then..

I sort of thought it meant something outrageous like the stuff that would not be worn on the street except by the young and brave, If it looks like the example below then I might have to revamp my submission! Naw, on second thought, I would rather just forget it!

For a man it might look like this?

[PeteM]

Thanks all for the examples. Yes I was thinking like something in "GQ" for lack of a better term.

[grannysdc]

BTW PeterM... I think you are a mighty fine Photographer.. That is a very nice Portrait.. Good Job!!

[Alison]

I messed with a levels adjustment layer, shadow highlight, a bit of skin smoothing and virtual photographer (fall colours)

[Alison]

Or what about a B&W version.

[Mining Art]

I think Alison's BW is the best way to go, in square format even better. I removed the hair sticking out from his cheek, removed the makeup, changed the jacket color to balance with his skin tone and a few other bits.

[grannysdc]

I like the B/W Alison, Super Job!

Very GQ

[Alison]

Thanks Mining and Granny - I used a B&W adjustment layer in PS3.

[byRo]

Pete, welcome to RetouchPRO

A very nice image to work on - although, in future, you could remember to post the original as well as your retouched version. That way we could have a few more alternatives.

I didn't change too much:
1) Changed the background lighting;
2) Cropped to put the features on the "golden mean";
3) Enhanced lights and shadows;
4) Cleaned up the colours;
5) Toned down the tie

and

6) Fixed the ruffled suit behind the neck and shoulders (folks fix the faces but forget the clothes )

Did a sepia-ish version too.

Rô

[PeteM]

Very nice.

Thank you all. I will be sure to post a full size next time!

It's interesting seeing all the interpretations of the same image.

[scottyb70]

Here is my version.

[scottyb70]

Oops I guess it isn't GQ ish.

[palms]

I thought i would add my opinion, then thought i would try and do what i thought ! ! ! ( not my usual cup of tea but) I have enjoyed myself for a couple of hours, so as you can see there are 3 versions
first one is the one all variations come from, I tidied the eyebrows up, tried to make the hair a more uniform colour, then used cspringers skin repair action ( brilliant for me as not sure of what/ how to actual do the skin thing ) As i liked pellepiano's background changed that to red.

on the second i used cspringers contrast mask twice

and third a black and white
phew as i said probably not the best work flow but hopefully more GQ than womans weekly ! ! !

forgot to add Byro is right about the clothes but that was way beyond me, that suit collar is not sitting right

Palms

[Ant]

You don't retouch to "high fashion", you shoot it that way...

...sigh

[palms]

Originally Posted by Ant

You don't retouch to "high fashion", you shoot it that way...

...sigh

You are right, but for some of us we would be out of a hobby and we might turn to crime ! ! would you want that on your conscience

Palms

[Gary Richardson]

Originally Posted by Ant

You don't retouch to "high fashion", you shoot it that way...

Do please get off your high horse Ant, you must be getting a nosebleed by now.

Originally Posted by PeteM

I'd love to see samples to give it more of "high fashion" look and feel.

I don't think anyone's suggested that any high end fashion shots are done this way Ant, they are just attempting to recreate the "feel" of such shots. However far short we may be falling.

We all know your feelings on such matters, but as this is a Retouching forum, we will continue to try and help people use retouching methods towards their requested aim despite your disapproval .

[Ant]

I'd rather you all turned to crime. I can deal with that. You know how many people come here and ask for help or advise and then never return? I'm sure you've noticed and I don't think it's because they have gotten an answer to their question and are off with no thank you or anything. I imagine them saying "Dear God, sorry I asked. A blind 8 year old could get me there." [Next internet search] Everyone likes to "play" with images but for some reason very few get any better nor show much talent or taste, unlike other sites, making the reputation of this site worse.

BTW, my high horse is a shetland pony.

[Daviskw]

Just another version

Butch

[cheshirepoet]

I thought I'd have a quick go at this, basically increased contrast and added a little warmer toning, also cleaned the face up just a bit more. Great photo btw!

[Gary Richardson]

Originally Posted by Ant

BTW, my high horse is a shetland pony.

Just so long as it hasn't got thick horseshoes.