Photo of the Month - 2021 - Iggy Tavares

[Iggy]

Hi Paul,
Thanks very much for taking the time to reply and the Gaussian Blur suggestion.
Again, a rough an ready selection exercise and a softer left hand side, but lead right arm still sharp.
I will have to start again from the original image, with more careful build up of background on the left-hand side.
As you suggested, the main image is sharp enough in the original.
Is blurring an improvement?
Right had side background is also a distraction!

[Paul Heester]

It looks better to my eye already! I think the refresh of the screen has caused some blockiness around the middle left of the image which a judge would no doubt attribute to dodgy Photoshopping. It may therefore be necessary to clone out those squares. And I appreciate it was a rough and ready selection for the blur but dont forget to feather the selection so the outline of the model remains unaffected.

[Iggy]

On this work up, instead of blur, I used the paint brush all around.
Cleaner image, but perhaps a little insipid now?

[Paul Heester]

It improves on it for me but whilst I wouldnt call it insipid it may need a subtle texture on the back or a vignette?? Lets see if anyone else has an opinion...

[Iggy]

Thanks Paul. I have left some of the background blue and red texture in the image but probably not enough.
I may try a different colour background matching the reddish right hand side to see how that looks.

I am hoping to attend the CCC meeting in the church hall tonight.
Hope to see you there.

Best wishes,
Iggy

[Iggy]

In the Pink!
Seems to be more alive in Pink!
Legs a bit awkward on second model. Will have to remove them?

[Paul Heester]

Yes it has improved it! There still appears to be a bluish cast on the left hand side, a colour adjustment layer could remove that. In regards to the other models feet you could lighten them so they're more in keeping with the other brighter areas?

[Iggy]

Thanks Paul.
Will try and sort it out further.

Good to see you and all at yesterday's CCC meetup in the church hall.

Regards,
Iggy

[Iggy]

I sent Frank Edwards the thread of this Photo of the month and he very kindly replied:
"I made a copy and made a few edits.
I spent about 40 mins on it, hope it provides some ideas.
I thought I would approach it completely left field, as both you and Paul have already suggested ways to improve the original."

[Iggy]

Hello Frank,
Nice clean image.
The type that judges like.
I will try cleaning up my dual model walk past and see how that compares.
Thanks,
Iggy