V portrait

[Chantelle]

The background behind her wasn't very attractive, so I put an effect on it to make it that little bit more interesting. What do you think?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3962216096_296b2af526_o.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

Good to see you experimenting with some of the filters in PS but if you have the psd still open or saved I think I'd just go for a guassian blur in the background myself and possibly darken the background as well due to the bright buildings competing with the model.

Love the V framing though. You got her eyes just right also I think.

[Barefoot]

There used to be a television show here in The States called "Father Knows Best". :)

This is a really nice image that could be improved by following MA's advise on the GB and darkening of the background. She is a stunning model and the light on her face is beautiful. I hope you have more shots of her that you're willing to share.

[Mad Aussie]

I hope you have more shots of her that you're willing to share.
Lonely BF? ;)

[JAS_Photo]

I agree with M.A. THe model and framing are very lovely. The background effect makes my eyes hurt though.

[Mad Aussie]

I agree with M.A. BF sounds lonely!
:laugh:

[Chantelle]

Coudln't figure out how to darken it down more than that without it looking funny/not right. but is that better?


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3965542358_33fe9ce226_o.jpg

[Mad Aussie]

Yeh it would be hard to darken the white building. Maybe try even more blur.

[Marko]

Like the framing and sharp eyes for sure. The background still seems to be distracting though.

[tomorrowstreasures]

try this for darkening:using layers and masking in ps --- ctrl j to duplicate current layer --- then, go back down to the layer you just duped... while there, use your exposure control and darken photo - then, go back up to duped layer and - press the letter b on your keyboard for brush - paint away using black --- at this point it will be a trial as i cannot remember if you paint what you want or what you want to get rid of... hope that helps

[jlabel]

Well if you did the most difficult which is masking, then the best filter I woulkd recommend is Lens Blur. It would result in a pleasant blurry effect resembling to short DOF and the background would be no more a problem.

[Chantelle]

Ok more blur...the problem with making it darker is that it ends up a dirty looking colour, and she ends up with a glow around her.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3966487659_f97876a03a_o.jpg

[jlabel]

Well not really, your mask is not sharp enough, however the glamour look isnt bad

[Bart]

Good composition! The girl, the texture of the stone, nice and sharp.
I like the second image (with less blur) the most.

[Marko]

This last version is the best one imo.:highfive:

[shutterbug]

I love this portrait. I agree that the background is still a bit distracting. Duplicating the layer and then masking the areas you want untouched is definately the way I would go. I would try a levels adjustment or even just changing the blending options. If the effect is a little too strong, just lower the opacity.

Fantastic shot, lovely girl.
:clap:

[edbayani11]

the practical way to darken the white building is to use the burn tool, set to softest, 125px size and 10% exposure and set the range to highlight. brush away the white bg. don't be afraid to brush portions of the hair because it won't be affected because of the 'highlight' setting