Critique Welcomed You Lookin' At Me Still?

[Chris Dodkin]

Went back to my first week of sooting with the X-Pro1, and re-processed this street portrait using the latest ACR for CS6, and NIKs various filters for sharpening and B&W.

I feel things have moved on in a year and a half, for the software tools, and for my personal PP journey

X-Pro1 and 35mm Lens @ f/2.8

Taken in San Juan Capistrano - CA

 

[Brian Moore]

It would be interesting to see the before and after, Chris. (Was this one in color before?)

 

[Hamish Gill]

I'm with Brian!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I remember it well. This one looks wonderful.

 

[Glenn Clabo]

Nice shot.
I do that every once in a while and find it interesting. I'm with Brian and Hamish though.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Ah I see, I missed the first. First thoughts you had been to a cowboy convention . Often a good idea returning with learnt skills, it can at times also be the case where you wonder how you got such a good rendition first time round
and did not save a pre-set which is annoying.
For that clean look this portrait is superb.

 

[Pete Askew]

Very nice Chris. I remember the previous one being more gritty. Anyway, I like the tones of this one though.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Thanks everyone - here we go 20 months apart

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Ah, maybe the first one ain't that bad!

 

[Pete Askew]

I think I prefer the toning at least.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Mmmm - me too

I thought I was doing so well with my PP as well - oh cr@p!

 

[Pete Askew]

It is good to stand back every now and then though isn't it. I find the same.

 

[Paul Lange]

It is still a fine image Chris, very fine.

 

[Keith Hollister]

In general, I prefer the earlier one as well. Great portrait, two comments ...

1. I actually would prefer it untoned, but that's just my personal preference. I find toning shots with people problematic.
2. Not sure how you processed the original, but I'm guessing there was some global contrast/sharpening applied and it is not particularly attractive in the OOF background. The new one is better there because I suspect you did not use the filter/technique that makes the face & beard so interesting in the original.
3. OK - 3 comments. I would also consider trying to slightly burn down the bright blob stage left of the guy's face. It seems to be a little lower tonality in the original but might could go a hair lower.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Really an eye opener. Both are great but I like the grittiness of the first which suits the subject for me.
Put them away with a reminder and do a version in 12 months time, or after they are forgotten. Could Be interesting.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

From memory the original was processed using Topaz filters - as that's all I had at that time

It has rather busied-up the background, which annoys me now - so I was careful in version 2 to avoid enhancing the contrast in the bokeh.

But I do rather like the gritty feel in the face because it goes with the character

A work in progress then I guess - the original merited a prize at the local photo show in San Diego, so it's more than paid for itself already

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

From memory the original was processed using Topaz filters - as that's all I had at that time

It has rather busied-up the background, which annoys me now - so I was careful in version 2 to avoid enhancing the contrast in the bokeh.

But I do rather like the gritty feel in the face because it goes with the character

A work in progress then I guess - the original merited a prize at the local photo show in San Diego, so it's more than paid for itself already

Con grats Chris nice one.

 

[Aldous Lau]

Nice shot Chris, love the details on the face

 

[Graeme Harvey]

Cracking capture. toning etc. down to personal preference, but the photograph is a real corker. I doff my hat to you m'sieu!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Ta muchly gents