Chillin'

[GB1]

Another from a recent photo shoot. I took Dray's advice on an earlier post of this model and converted to black and white - comments? I will mention ahead of time that I feel the shadow (due to the vertical format) hurts the image. I need one of those flip the flash contraptions.

G

[LeeIs]

The b&w tones seem just fine. the pose is kinda awkward though. i got a few more things that bother me a bit , the shadow behind her face and most of her right side. also how tight the bikini is and how it breaks the curve of her backside and pinches it in. i think if the left leg was up on the arm rest as well, that might have been a bit more natural of a pose.

[jetrim]

The shadows don't bother me at all. Conversion looks good. The pose is a bit awkward but not outrageously so, though I'd like to see the right leg pulled in/up some. I would seriously consider some drastic surgery with the liquify tool though, as the abdomen & buttocks ares are not represented in a flattering manner here.

[PhilF]

I like it. I usually tell the model to hold their stomach in especially swimsuits and lingerie... a little dodge and burn..and its all good.

[GB1]

Thanks guys,

While there's no one way to do things, I take the approach that the model should be somewhere between relaxed and poised, something like a pose that would be too uncomfortable to hold for a hold time, but not where they're just 'plopped' there. This was sort of what I was shooting for here, as I adjusted her (verbally ) quite a bit.

Liban, I agree on the shadow. I wish there was a miracle effect in PS to remove it (there will be eventually). Bikini too tight? Are you nuts? Seriously, I don't see it.

Note that the issue with putting her left leg up on the armrest is that it says 'STOP' to the viewer - it's about inviting a person in, subtly. I often pose the models so that, if they're not turned straight at my camera, their shoulder facing me is lower, more friendly. It's really the same body language as at social events.

Jet - Thanks, your keen eye is always helpful and welcome! I see what you mean about the abs pushing out but I guess I don't see them being bad here, more like a 20 year old's baby abs. But I do need to try that liquify tool.

Phil - Thanks too. I sort of like her abs in this one but I agree that in many shots one would want to have them in farther, esp on fitness-type shoots. I do need to keep that in mind when doing such an angle however.

G

[jetrim]

Liban, I agree on the shadow. I wish there was a miracle effect in PS to remove it (there will be eventually). Bikini too tight? Are you nuts? Seriously, I don't see it.

G

Greg,
Took the liberty of playing with this one a bit, you may not like everything I've done, but this is an attempt to address most of the comments made so far. There is some dodging and burning of the skin to bring out definition, burned in the boots to add some separation from the floorboards, moderate use of liquify tools (pucker, bloat, push). And finally the miracle tool you already own to soften/remove the shadows - the Patch tool (under the healing brush flyout in CS4&5) - this has become one of my very favorite tools, once I learned how to use it correctly!

[GB1]

Greg,
Took the liberty of playing with this one a bit, you may not like everything I've done, but this is an attempt to address most of the comments made so far. There is some dodging and burning of the skin to bring out definition, burned in the boots to add some separation from the floorboards, moderate use of liquify tools (pucker, bloat, push). And finally the miracle tool you already own to soften/remove the shadows - the Patch tool (under the healing brush flyout in CS4&5) - this has become one of my very favorite tools, once I learned how to use it correctly!

Great job on the shadow, Jet. I just experimented with the Patch tool and see what you mean. That's a pretty discrete job on the rest though: I almost can't see the boots, skin and liquify work (?), but maybe if I compared them side by side I would.

Regarding the Patch: looks pretty neat, more like a reflection gadget.. I see it sill definitely requires some fine editing, where in my case means drawing the Patch mask around the areas I want to change, like the shadow which runs right up to her skin. But considering the alternatives -- a LOT of crazy copying, pasting, and painting -- it appears to be the best choice. I am really trying to force myself to get better at Photoshop, maybe this is the way to do it. (Just have to get used to using layers, also.)

G

[jetrim]

That's a pretty discrete job on the rest though: I almost can't see the boots, skin and liquify work (?), but maybe if I compared them side by side I would.

I think you'd notice immediately side by side (or paste one as a layer over the other, then turn the layer on and off). I think it was Mark Versace that said "Photoshop should be used as an emery board, not a jackhammer". I still go overboard sometimes, but I try to keep that advice in mind...

[LeeIs]

Thanks guys,

Liban, I agree on the shadow. I wish there was a miracle effect in PS to remove it (there will be eventually). Bikini too tight? Are you nuts? Seriously, I don't see it.

G

GB, I was just being nitpicky!

[GB1]

GB, I was just being nitpicky!

Yes, that is nitpicking, but good eye. I also find it more attractive when a model doesn't have the straps too tight or too loose.

G

[daq7]

She has no stomach to hold in. That having been said, it is a good shot.

[GB1]

She has no stomach to hold in. That having been said, it is a good shot.

Daq, I'm not sure what you mean? Do you mean that her stomach (abs) are tight? If so then that's a good thing