Just Checking on my progress....Please Critique

[lavega21]

Hi All,

After just reading and reading and going over tuts on the D&B technique, I've started this retouch. Now, I know there are other stuff that needs to be done before the final results but I would like to get some feedback on how i am doing so far. The changes has not been anything drastic.

I think I need to work on matching the skin color around the chin area and the below the nose. Please any feedback...What have I done well so far? What needs to improve and maybe a pointer on how to achieve?

Thank you all in advance for taking the time.


lavega21

Before: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/...2924d12b_b.jpg
After: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/...000f017a_b.jpg

[TommyO]

Very subtle, which is always good; very nice overall. Good lighting, good sculpting, good repair on her shirt. Since you chose to repair the scar on her arm, you must go all the way. It is still noticeable. Also (it's only noticeable since we have the before) some of her hair down her back looks a bit chopped off.

[gymnast61791]

IMO, made the T-zone highlights a bit too bright. Good job tho.

[flexmanta]

I like the fact that, despite your being on the initial learning process of d&b, you have not gone too far like most people do. I mean you have eyes for this and there's definitely potential.

Check your brush sizes. Looks like you are using too big and opaque a brush, maybe trying to cover a big distance in a short time. Remember each stroke should almost be unnoticeable if you are not using a "helping curve". So, go slowly, and try not to spill dodge or burn outside of the intended area. Good job.

[shelly_and_roy]

I just wanted to point out that there is an entire forum section devoted to critiquing.

[lavega21]

Thank you all for your replies.

Flexmanta,
You are correct on the brush size, I get the urge to do it fast and I start using bigger brushes to finish faster. I must defeat that urge :-)...When you say opaque brush, What do you mean by that? Does it have to do with the opacity or the softness of the brush?

thx,
lavega21

[flexmanta]

Yes yes, when dodging and burning you should control opacity, flow and airbrush mode of the brush.

Open a blank document and see what they do. Basically:

Opacity: Max opacity reached per stroke (without lifting the pen).
An opacity of 50% will require you to paint, lift and paint again over the same area to reach 100% opacity.

Flow: Times to paint over the same area without lifting the pen, required to reach the brush opacity value.
A flow of 50% will paint at a 50% of the set opacity, but if the brush passes over the same area for a second time, then you will reach the full opacity value.

Airbrush Mode: Changes the opacity value to a function of time and the flow becomes a factor. Time needed to stay over a pixel in order to reach brush opacity value.

http://help.adobe.com/en_US/Photosho...605325F2a.html

[lavega21]

Thank you Flexmanta for your response and the link...Very helpful.