[Rufus]

Too much hassle. But today, Alan, (my guitar luthier hero/friend), asked me to shoot his kids.
Here is one. I'd value some opinions please.

[Rufus]

And here is the man himself............



http://www.projectguitarparts.co.uk/

[jericho]

I find the shot very endearing Rufus. Is there a way to soften it up, or would that change the look you are going for?

I think it has great potential as a b&w as well!

[jericho]

I played with it a bit and used a B&W conversion mixed with Grey/purple and black and then added some levles to the lowlight. What are your thoughts Rufus? I enjoy it when you process my stuff so I thought I would try one of yours.

Cheers,

Jerry

[Toad]

It is a classy photo in color, and the B&W also is a nice take.

[Rufus]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeelllll now!

Jerry, you've given me a problem. Which do I present to Alan? Both, I guess.

Toad.

Thank you man!

[jericho]

In either case Ruf, its a fantastic shot. Nicely composed... she is a natural!

[Rufus]

Thank you. Here is my tinkering result:

[jericho]

I love the softness of it. Nicely done. Mind if i ask how you did it?

[Rufus]

Hmmmm, glad you like it Jerry. As to how, well........That's a tough one. It took a little while to get it that way, mostly trial and error, and lots of biscuits.......

Am I being evasive?

[shuttertalk]

Hey I like both black and white and the "golden" one...

[jericho]

Am I being evasive?

You havebeen evasive enough while at the same time remaining a gentleman.

[slejhamer]

In the diffused/glowing version, reducing the brightness on her arms will bring the emphasis back to her eyes. I'd also crop some off the top, as presently 1/2 the picture is of her hair. A closer crop, with her positioned off-center, might add an interesting dynamic:

[shuttertalk]

Nice, Mitch!

[jericho]

I would love to know how you did that softening and toning. makes black and whites look incredible as well.

"learn learn learn.... its off to work I go"

[StudioJ]

I dunno if I like the diffused one Rufus, I think the effect has reduced the detail, due to the increase in contrast. It might just be me though. Lovely picture though, she has a lot of character.

[Lak]

Maybe reduce the saturation a bit, and overlay and warm filter?? Might be a good idea to try get rid some of those stray hairs on the left arm, I think it would look better. hehehe, just my 2 cents. But I have to agree that the black and white photo looks veryy nice.

[StudioJ]

I seem to be missing images, I can't see a B&W image anywhere, I'm assuming its one posted by Jericho? Nothing is showing up not even the little red cross of death.

[shuttertalk]

4th post down?
http://www.pbase.com/image/33292816.jpg

[Lak]

Yeah i was referring to Jericho's post.

[StudioJ]

Nope, when I click on "quote" it shows it in the source but perhaps it might not show up as pbase is a banned domain here.

[shuttertalk]

ah... ruffy's had similar problems in the past... i think it's with the ISP, as some people can see it...

only surefire solution is for posters to use the img upload function, or to host it on a more friendly site, such as photobucket.

[de_axeman]

Very sweet photo of the girl - I especially love her eyebrows - they're just right for her.

All the post processing is interesting, but I like the original the best...

[peter]

did you airbrush top get that effect ?

[matthew saville]

I really like the soft focus version, and I've been trying to find that effect in PS. Is there no straightforward "soft focus" filter or plug-ing? I assume I have to get into the diffuser stuff you were talking about... Slej or Rufus care to "enlighten" us?

-matt-

Great photo, by the way! Captured the moment...