Vietnam lady

Been coverting a few more Vietnam shots, TBH this was a c**p 35mm neg., amazing what you can drag out of a neg in CS3. the background was as is, not sure if it needs a background on not, comments please.




Pentax Z1 Tri-X 400

Very nice image but I think that it looks slightly 'detached' without a background.

(Hope I don't go that wrinkly)

I wonder if she has any trouble finding the hole for her ear rings to go through.

Nice shot, but yes, it does look a little odd with nothing in the background.

Dan

Her face could do with an ironing

Sorry, couldn't help myself. I don't think I'm qualified to comment on the picture, but I like it, well done.

I'd say it does need a background as at the moment the sides of her head seems to melt into the white of the background in an odd way. In fact I find the skin very odd to look at. I don't think it's the monochrome that's doing this but the bits between the wrinkles look quite waxy.

It doesn't look as sharp as your usual photographs either.

I'd be very interested to see how you introduce a background and how effective it is. then I'll ask how you did it!

Mike on that learning curve!

Right, took onboard what you all said, I agree I think it does need some substance behind her, what do you reckon to this?
BTW it is not quite so digitally sharp because it was Tri-X 400 and to oversharpen makes it too noisy.
If you like it I will reveal how I did it.

Cheers Lilly

It makes a huge difference. Very nicely done.

Did you try to add some sharpening by using highpass filter(s). I recon that it would be good to use in this situation without any noise.

Lilly I'd be pleased to know how you made such a neat job.

Mike

Thank you Mike, here you are then:
I use PS CS3

Select the background with magic wand or lasso
REDEFINE EDGE command, feather to suit approx 55 pixels; adjust/contract to suit
I opened one of my free texture background files I got free with a mag, select all, edit, copy
Back to original file, edit, paste into
when on textured background layer, Image, adjustments, curves or levels to match the lighting of foreground
Tidy up on original layer with dodge & burn as required

All there is to it! (did spend a wee while working it out, tho')
Lets see your attempt next!

Yes, I have tried that High Pass before but didnt think to do it on this one so I did an overall sharpen and de-noised it a bit which is why I think because of the film grain it has turned a bit soft and waxy, but heh, I like it anyway, thats what matters, but will try again HP way.

Thanks Lilly I'll try that sometime. I suspect I'd be a bit impatient and ham fisted with the edges!

Mike

I really like it as it is now - so not to worry

HP filters just seems to be a good way - with this kind of picture. You have a lot of "structures" in the face that can be sharper with that filter (fills the gaps).

try and get in touch with your feminine side and I am sure you will manage OK