Hey guys,
Someone criticizes me for overly retouched my image, especially those black and white, Well is this true?! and how can I improve my B&W photography?
Hey guys,
Someone criticizes me for overly retouched my image, especially those black and white, Well is this true?! and how can I improve my B&W photography?
I think it depends on what you're trying to do, Amr. This image is so dramatic and he looks so imposing, that it makes the man look powerful and impressive. It is almost like CGI in that it conveys an idealised picture of someone, projecting a particular atmosphere or "vibe" but gives little clue to the man's real character. Rather, he looks like some stereotypical strong guy in a Hollywood movie. In that sense it is not really a portrait, especially with his eyes, the "windows of the soul", hidden. It might be perfectly fine for a model's portfolio. He looks similar in other images in your portfolio, including colour ones. Perhaps his skin texture looks oddly even, like sandstone - but perhaps that IS his skin texture.
IF this were to be a portrait of a real man, to be looked at repeatedly, and conveying his personality - THEN it is overly staged, his glasses are a problem, the pose is too symmetrical - AND perhaps too many "flaws" that tell us he is real have been processed out, draining the image of any humanity.
Thank you so much, Chris. I appreciate your time and your help. I was looking for perfection to the maximum of what I can and it seems that this is especially inappropriate with portrait photography. about eyes, the "windows of the soul", I really agree with you. about skin texture is really very tough, I use a one light source from the top shows it more harsh.
Chris said it perfectly so I'll just say ditto!
Thank you so much, Ruth.
I think this is a great execution of heavy post processing, my only critique would be that the detail pulled out of the cheeks right below the glasses isn't flattering.
I agree with you, Francisco. thank you so much.
If the question is, is it over retouched, then no, I don't think so. If it's is it over staged, then maybe, depends on how its to be used. If this were a headshot, I'd say its a bit dramatic, but it looks like a kick ass portrait of a groom to me. Love it!
John
www.armatophotography.com
Thank you so much, John.
Amr, I have already voted this highly and love the image. As the artist, only you can determine if it is overprocessed or for that matter if it does not meet your vision for this image. As Chris points out it really depends on your goal for the image.
For me the way you have stylized the image makes it stand out from the norm and it matches the vibe of the image overall.
My question to you - do YOU feel it is over-processed or is the result what you were aiming for?
There are so many opinions out there but really the only one that matters is your own.
BTW - I still love this image and applaud your creativity.
Thank you so much, Alan. I appreciate your time and your help. for me it is good, but sometimes we are emotionally biased to our work too much.
Hey Amr, Apparently you are going to be the recipient of my morning coffee induced phylosophy post this morning. :)
You as the artist need to feel good about your work regardless of others'opinions. Don't fall into the trap of creating art 'directed' by feedback because then it's their vision and not yours. If you look at this image and the first thing that pops into your mind is 'overprocessed' instead of 'nailed it!' then pull back on the edits.
Getting feedback is great and a good idea for improvement. I post with questions all the time! Glad you did here. At the end of the day though, regardless of everything people say here, it is that feeling you get in your heart about any image that matters.
Just to let you know what I think when I see this image... "Interesting artist with a definite vision and style. Cool image. Nailed it!".
Thank you for your support, Ruth. it helped me put things in perspective. ِand about your post have been most helpful. thank you again.
I love it but ..but black and white includes midtones..the nostrils could some midtones... Be critical of your work...criticize yourself don't be afraid and also create 2 edited images...and see where you can adjust ...most important ..do not fall in love with your images..let it play out by itself.
Thank you so much, Eddy.
nope not at all...retouching is an art in itself and personally im a fan of your work its nice and clean and print ready not sure who said over touched maybe they just like a more raw image imperfections and all but from my perspective keep doing what you do and don't try to please other people unless its an editor purchasing your work
Thank you so much, joseph. this is a personal project for my portfolio that no one has hired me to do.
Then please ignore all my carping, Amr! Good on you. And I'll just steer clear of Mr Badass. ;-)
Over retouched? No, I don't think so. I like the image.
Thank you so much, Dave.
The forehead needs a little more character and detail and the cheek area below the glasses feels unnatural, what I do sometimes is do the full retouch like this, and then I let a little of the original file back through, it is still retouched, but the truth of the face is there too. I think this image is strong, and I like it a lot. 2 little things and you are gold!
Thank you so much, Cindy.