Before and After

[barb1686]

My first time using the dodge and burn. Any helpful tips for future photos are appreciated. Remember, I'm a newbie...LOL ;):p

Before:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/651212417_9a66a58bab.jpg

After:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/652039402_0538018dbc.jpg

I know some spots look real dark, but I like it that way. Gives it that dark, dreary look that often goes with statues. I found absolutely no personality to the original, so I thought with black and white, and some editing...I could make it work. What do you think?

[D Thompson]

Nice job Barb. It works much better as a b&w. You did a very nice job of converting to b&w. If you're using PS then you might try just a little diffuse glow with a low grain setting. Play with the glow and clear amounts. It may add to the dark/dreary/statue look. The shot itself is nice compositionally. The only thing is cutting off the tips of the fingers and the birds tail feathers. It's minor tho.

What method did you use for the dodging/burning? There are several ways and curious as to which you used.

Print it and frame it!

[Rooz]

After:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/652039402_0538018dbc.jpg

I know some spots look real dark, but I like it that way. Gives it that dark, dreary look that often goes with statues. I found absolutely no personality to the original, so I thought with black and white, and some editing...I could make it work. What do you think?

the b&w is much better. i like the idea you had and agree about the personality. here are some suggestions for you...

a little grittier and rougher to give that dark dreary look you may be after.
tone down the blown highlights on the arm.
a little more light around the face to reatin the detail.
use levels and curves to boost you contrast.

:)

[barb1686]

Thanks guys! :D

What method did I use? Umm I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I had the exposure set around 20 and I had it on midtones, for both.

[D Thompson]

Thanks guys! :D

What method did I use? Umm I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I had the exposure set around 20 and I had it on midtones, for both.

OK, so by that you were using the actual burn & dodge tool. Another way is to create a new layer, set mode to overlay and check the fill with 50% gray. Take a soft brush with low flow and paint with either black or white depending. The good thing is if you get it too dark/light you can paint back over with the opposite color and get it where you want it. Also, after you're finished you can lower the layer opacity and really get it where you want it. There is another method similar to this where you use 2 separate curves layers.

[barb1686]

OK, so by that you were using the actual burn & dodge tool. Another way is to create a new layer, set mode to overlay and check the fill with 50% gray. Take a soft brush with low flow and paint with either black or white depending. The good thing is if you get it too dark/light you can paint back over with the opposite color and get it where you want it. Also, after you're finished you can lower the layer opacity and really get it where you want it. There is another method similar to this where you use 2 separate curves layers.

All right, I'll have to try that method next time. Thank you.