Work has been in overdrive since right before X-mas, so haven't had much time for anything. Finally starting to slow down a bit. Haven't had a chance to get caught up on the board (143 new threads since I last read through). Anyway, need to work back into photo processing and thought I'd do that by finally finishing the photos from my Olympic Nat'l Park shoot. Problem is, I can't make up my mind as to how to process them. I know I'm going to tone them, but not sure of the "mood" of the shots. What do you guys think:

This one has a soft, romantic, feminine type feel to it for me. Lower contrast across the image.

This one has a harder edge to it ... even a bit aggressive I think.

It really is amazing how simply increasing contrast can give such a different look and feel. There is no other difference between these two. Second one is the 1st, with a final contrast curve added to deepen the tones overall, deepen shadows and increase contrast between highlights and shadows.

I'm leaning towards the 2nd one, although I'll probably push the backgrounds up a little lighter (but not much) to focus more attention on the subject.

If you don't mind, what are your thoughts?

-=>Donald Message edited on: 01/07/2005 10:07

here you are! was just wondering about you the other day :] really luv this mood & toning... so soft & sensual, captivating eyes & pov

Mmmmmmmm...... totally beautiful the both of them. I happen to like the 2nd one a bit more too. I love, love, love, images with deep rich tones so that would be the reason why.... I'm a low key kind of girl.

Message edited on: 01/07/2005 10:11

opps... missed the 2nd & my time limit to edit was up! i like the 2nd too :]

Dito Michelle...and beauty is in the eyes of beholder...

Definitely the second to me. My thoughts however would be less sepia and tend towards more grayscale. I think it affirms the blondeness and makes the skin look much fair. I did try it.This is MHO...FWIW

Thanks guys. Just like 'chelle, I also love deep, rich tones. Deep, rich tones and a woman in a beautiful sundress standing in the sun. Ooo ooo ... a woman in a big, overside shirt, no pants with socks. Love that oo. And pizza ... day old, re-heated with a Coke. mmmm But I digress ... sometimes the love of the deep tones and contrast blinds me to other possibilities. Thanks so much for the input! -=>Donald

You definitely have her eyes as first point of interest, first focus for me. This is apparently intended and works. Then the view moves on. I like the second more than the first...maybe that is the way I think nowadays. The eyes open the idea of "her thought" at the moment. God Bless. TomDart.

We tend to have some "high contrast" junkies here. I suspect it is related to monitor settings... In this case, I too like #3. #2 seems a bit contrived, but the effect could work well for some purposes. I'm thinking we need a monthly challenge on low contrast... So... How is the instruction coming? Where DO you find these other-worldly models? What's the schedule for events coming up?

I feel sorry for You being sooooOOooooooooooo busy....poor You...tied up with these Babes....a hell of a Job Donald.....but someone has to do it....stay strong Man.

[let me try that again with the photo actually sent ... sheesh] Here's the higher contrast/deeper tones one with the background pushed a bit lighter. Thank you everyone! Appreciate the input. I think I already pretty much set my mind on the deeper tone and higher contrast of the second. It's just my preference ... odd to see how many of us are the same in that regard. It's the way I'll be going when I process these starting Thursday. Will post a few as I go. It's cool that I have the option. That's one of the reasons I like shooting on overcast days. You get a somewhat flat image, but with that flatness you have the ability to smoothly increase the contrast to where you want it without losing major detail. Try that going the other way (shooting at Noon on a cloudless day - trying to soften those shadows and keep your detail is brutal). @Tedzo - I know man, it's rough. But I know you guys are thinking of me so I'll hang in there. Taking one of the team and all. :D @Misha - You know what's so bizarre these days? I'm not finding models, they're finding me. I've had a half dozen models in the last couple of months send e-mail asking to work with me. That is just unreal, you know? As for events ... don't know. Trying not to look until I can get caught up a bit more in my processing. Not taking any classes right now either, although I think I may take one this Spring (probably another studio one). Thanks again! -=>Donald