Lil' Dude

Lil' Dude

[IMG]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/paulyrichard/harveygoldtonedBWbordered559-1.jpg[/IMG]

Paul, this is an amazing one, his eyes locked onto something that has attracted his attention make this really a cracking shot
he is a cutie

There's a little too much contrast in this one for me Paul. It must have been a deliberate step by you as we've all seen great mono conversions from you, but I fear you've overcooked it very slightly.
I can barely differentiate the Iris' from the pupils which is a little off putting, as is the stark contrast in the background, maybe ease off a touch to get those rich tones you are already adept at.

Bob

Thanks guys.

Rob, the high key effect was deliberate.
Your right about the eyes in this shot, I was conscious of that. Maybe when I get some better software i'll be able to use some 'dodging' on those eyes.

Paul, can you try it using layers ?

Make a lighter conversion for the eyes then place this conversion over the top & use an eraser to delete the eyes, revealing the conversion on the layer below. Obviously the software will need layers functionality and a variable opacity eraser to soften the blended areas.

Just a thought..

Even if you have Photoshop Elements you can do it like this:

1. Add a new blank layer
2. Change the layer blend mode from Normal to "Soft Light"
3. Pick a soft white brush, opacity around 10%
4. Paint on the new layer - painting white will lighten, painting black will darken.

Easy-peasy And you can click the layer visibility to check the before/after.

Matt

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q105/RR76/harveygoldtonedBWbordered559dodged.jpg[/IMG]

I hope you don't mind Paul, if so I'll take it down straight away.

The background seems less distracting now the portrait has a natural draw to the eyes.

No worries Rob.

I like what you've done. Nice one.

Thanks Matt.

Here is my version. I've kept it a straight mono image. I 'dodged' the eyes in reference to Matt and Rob's post.

[IMG]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/paulyrichard/HarveydodgedeyescroppedclonedBWb-2.jpg[/IMG]

A quality pic Pauly

Makes a world of difference I think.