This is the second portrait of Harmony I mentioned, and I don't have a great deal to say about it from an aesthetic point of view other than that I really like her smile in this one :)
From a post-production point of view though, it is worth discussing in a bit more detail ...
As with a lot of my portraits, this one was converted to black and white using the channel mixer. For portraits of the kids I often bias the conversion towards the red channel (e.g. this one), as this lightens and smooths skin tones. In this case though I biased the conversion towards the blue channel. This is a technique I normally use for 'gritty' male portraits (e.g. this one), as it tends to darken and exaggerate detail, but in this case it just adds contrast, darkens her hair, and lightens her blue/grey eyes.
For older children, or women, this isn't a technique that works especially well, at least not if you want the portrait to be flattering, but for young kids it can be a good choice. If you're interested, this is a topic I cover in a lot more detail in my Black and White: part one tutorial.
I suspect that most of you will prefer the previous shot of Harmony I posted, but I'd be interested to hear how you think the two compare.
On a totally different matter: when I was out in Dubai recently I met up with Will Pattison. If you're interested in seeing a few more shots of the city and its people, take a look at one of his recent entries:
They're all good shots, but I think my favourite is the one of the man sipping his tea from his saucer.
And finally: I'm heading back to the UK today, and will be there until the 17th, so expect some seascapes and shots of dull, grey skies at some point soon :)
captured camera lens aperture shutter speed shooting mode exposure bias metering mode ISO flash image quality RAW converter cropped?
1.32pm on 8/6/09
Canon 1Ds Mark II EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
f/5.6
1/100
aperture priority
+0.0
evaluative
100
no
RAW
Adobe Camera Raw
relatively minor
comment bycsj @ID7 at 08:05 AM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
Black and White technique is sublime. And I can't believe how much H starts to look like LIbby day by day. The eyes are the grabber here, and the localized contrast in her hair. Very good mate.... CJ
comment by-trond- at 08:31 AM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
Fantastic work. Really. The post-production is excellent, of course, but what really makes the image stand out is the look in her eyes. This will turn into a classic!
Yes, absolutely agree, the post processing you've chosen fits perfectly with this portrait. Hair, eyes, mouth, all is masterly treated.
comment bypernilla at 01:23 PM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
The are both beautiful but I like this one better. The look in her eyes, the smile. Together with your title, its perfect. Your conversion to black and white really make this picture alive.
Thank you for sharing your technique.
comment byJacques at 02:43 PM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
I think it's a great portrait, full of joy and life. Your PS work really gives this photo a great plus.
The eyes in this shot are amazing! I think I like this one better then the last and that is saying a lot. You are very blessed to have such great free models on hand. : )
I really love both pictures of Harmony. And even though you assumed that most would like the last picture most, do I like this one better. Or best. :) The look in her eyes, and the smile - great shot!
I am going to read/look at your tutorials to, because b/w can be so beautiful, but it really can be the opposite also, if it isn't done right.
comment byStephan at 06:37 PM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
the total cuteness! :)
comment byJess K at 07:37 PM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
I do love her smile here also. I like the previous one for it's artsy look, but I like this one for its crispness and contrast. I love the subtle colour you add (or leave in sometimes) in your B&Ws.
comment by Danton at 09:39 PM (GMT) on 10 June, 2009
I definitely like this one better. I'm more of a fan of sharper portraits, and I like the pose here better, particularly for a young girl. It seems to capture more personality, more spirit. They're both lovely pictures, but this one strikes me as being simply a young girl enjoying having her picture taken.
comment byBob Towery at 03:47 AM (GMT) on 11 June, 2009
Stunning as usual, wonderful tonality, and of course she is a doll.
comment bywill pattison at 02:15 PM (GMT) on 11 June, 2009
absolutely perfect! in the dictionary, next to "portrait of a little girl," there should be a copy of this image.
it's also a huge bonus for me to get a mention on your blog, david! i feel like the j. crew people when they found out president obama wore one of their suits at his inauguration! i'm a bit embarrassed that my main website is under construction, but if your readers look at my blog, i hope they'll see you've been a huge source of inspiration. thank you!!
wp.
comment bySteve Tainton at 07:32 PM (GMT) on 11 June, 2009
Magnifique, well to be honest Brilliant, a cracking mono conversion, superb crop and truly wonderful model - the eyes do it for me. Dave you should be proud of your art but espescially your daughter! Well done. Could I survive without my daily dose of chromasia, Yes. Would I want to? Definitely not!!
comment bysimonGman at 11:14 PM (GMT) on 11 June, 2009
Great conversion and crop Dave! Been using your tutorials of late. Absolutely brilliant! A real insight into your working method and way of thinking. Would and have recommended to many. Been following your blog not always commenting.
This is the second portrait of Harmony I mentioned, and I don't have a great deal to say about it from an aesthetic point of view other than that I really like her smile in this one :)
From a post-production point of view though, it is worth discussing in a bit more detail ...
As with a lot of my portraits, this one was converted to black and white using the channel mixer. For portraits of the kids I often bias the conversion towards the red channel (e.g. this one), as this lightens and smooths skin tones. In this case though I biased the conversion towards the blue channel. This is a technique I normally use for 'gritty' male portraits (e.g. this one), as it tends to darken and exaggerate detail, but in this case it just adds contrast, darkens her hair, and lightens her blue/grey eyes.
For older children, or women, this isn't a technique that works especially well, at least not if you want the portrait to be flattering, but for young kids it can be a good choice. If you're interested, this is a topic I cover in a lot more detail in my Black and White: part one tutorial.
Oh, and the original is here:
.../archives/I_know_something_you_dont.php
I suspect that most of you will prefer the previous shot of Harmony I posted, but I'd be interested to hear how you think the two compare.
On a totally different matter: when I was out in Dubai recently I met up with Will Pattison. If you're interested in seeing a few more shots of the city and its people, take a look at one of his recent entries:
http://www.barpfoto.com/blog/?p=897
They're all good shots, but I think my favourite is the one of the man sipping his tea from his saucer.
And finally: I'm heading back to the UK today, and will be there until the 17th, so expect some seascapes and shots of dull, grey skies at some point soon :)
camera
lens
aperture
shutter speed
shooting mode
exposure bias
metering mode
ISO
flash
image quality
RAW converter
cropped?
Canon 1Ds Mark II
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
f/5.6
1/100
aperture priority
+0.0
evaluative
100
no
RAW
Adobe Camera Raw
relatively minor
Black and White technique is sublime. And I can't believe how much H starts to look like LIbby day by day. The eyes are the grabber here, and the localized contrast in her hair. Very good mate.... CJ
Fantastic work. Really. The post-production is excellent, of course, but what really makes the image stand out is the look in her eyes. This will turn into a classic!
The title of this picture enhances the image even more.
This is a killer shot!
Absolutely amazing. Divine
Particullary the naturally view of Harmony fascinating me. I think you can post more and more shoots of her, it will always be fantastic to see them.
Beautiful. Interesting note on the B&W-conversion. The lightening of her eyes work really well. They seem so sharp and clear.
this is nice ..n cute
Yes, absolutely agree, the post processing you've chosen fits perfectly with this portrait. Hair, eyes, mouth, all is masterly treated.
The are both beautiful but I like this one better. The look in her eyes, the smile. Together with your title, its perfect. Your conversion to black and white really make this picture alive.
Thank you for sharing your technique.
I think it's a great portrait, full of joy and life. Your PS work really gives this photo a great plus.
The eyes in this shot are amazing! I think I like this one better then the last and that is saying a lot. You are very blessed to have such great free models on hand. : )
I really love both pictures of Harmony. And even though you assumed that most would like the last picture most, do I like this one better. Or best. :) The look in her eyes, and the smile - great shot!
I am going to read/look at your tutorials to, because b/w can be so beautiful, but it really can be the opposite also, if it isn't done right.
the total cuteness! :)
I do love her smile here also. I like the previous one for it's artsy look, but I like this one for its crispness and contrast. I love the subtle colour you add (or leave in sometimes) in your B&Ws.
I definitely like this one better. I'm more of a fan of sharper portraits, and I like the pose here better, particularly for a young girl. It seems to capture more personality, more spirit. They're both lovely pictures, but this one strikes me as being simply a young girl enjoying having her picture taken.
Stunning as usual, wonderful tonality, and of course she is a doll.
absolutely perfect! in the dictionary, next to "portrait of a little girl," there should be a copy of this image.
it's also a huge bonus for me to get a mention on your blog, david! i feel like the j. crew people when they found out president obama wore one of their suits at his inauguration! i'm a bit embarrassed that my main website is under construction, but if your readers look at my blog, i hope they'll see you've been a huge source of inspiration. thank you!!
wp.
Magnifique, well to be honest Brilliant, a cracking mono conversion, superb crop and truly wonderful model - the eyes do it for me. Dave you should be proud of your art but espescially your daughter! Well done. Could I survive without my daily dose of chromasia, Yes. Would I want to? Definitely not!!
Great conversion and crop Dave! Been using your tutorials of late. Absolutely brilliant! A real insight into your working method and way of thinking. Would and have recommended to many. Been following your blog not always commenting.
Thanks everyone.
Will: you're welcome :)
Simon: I'm glad you're enjoying the tutorials :)
à croquer, quel n&b!!!
Excellent!
The eyes are really, well, eyecatching. ;)
Excellent shot and post-production!