Stuck on composite

[petersweden Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close petersweden]

Hi guys,

I am doing a fantasy inspired composite of a martial artist against a sunset. It does not feel right, but I can't figure out what I should fix. Any ideas on what should be changed?

Thanks,

[klev Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close klev]

Re: Stuck on composite

Your shadows are way too deep. You have too high of contrast in the shirt. I tried to do a quick version, but I don't really care for the results I get trying to retouch with a notebook trackpad at the moment.

Don't make each adjustment like it's your last. They are cumulative. When you work that way, the first might look fine to you. By the time you get further in, it looks wrong. I'm positive it didn't start that way. Your shadows on the face are also too saturated.

[Repairman Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Repairman]

Re: Stuck on composite

1.Where's the light source for the back of his neck and the sword blade? 2.If that's the sun I wouldn't have clouds appearing to be behind it and if it's a flash of light I wouldn't have the rays diffused like sun beams through clouds! 3. How come the light source has not hit the ground or the man?

[skoobey Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close skoobey]

Re: Stuck on composite

Well lighting on him is completely different from the rest of the image for starters. And highlights on him are too blue.

Where is that light from the right coming from? It looks odd in a sun lit image.

[petersweden Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close petersweden]

Re: Stuck on composite

Thanks for good feedback. I tried to make a few changes: less contrast on man, added inner glow to left side of man, darkened right side of man, scaled back the light rays, added light source for neck, removed inner and outer glow on sword.

Anything that should be changed?