January

Red Headed Cowgirl

How I did it - This is an old digital image taken with my first digital camera, Nikon 5700, and an even older Novatron four light portrait setup. I decided to look at Sharon's photos again and see if I could use some of my new plug-in software to create a portrait image for competition. The image was cropped, dodged and burned to bring out the face and hair. Then I looked throught my Onone plug-ins to see if something would help set the mood of the portrait. I finally used the OnOne Tools portrait grunge dark which set the mood but it was too dark, so I used a levels layer to bring the face back to the center of interest. I thought about lightening the hair but decided that there was enough red hair to help draw the eye and make it interesting. I like the dark corners... her black jacket and blue jeans add to the dark mood. The black cowboy hat was the perfect hat for this pose and model. There was a slight linen texture added to the image by the plug-in.  What do you think ??  I am going to send this out in competition shortly. 

Here is the original.

COMMENTS:
 

Marie Altenburg	Great shot and pose, Carol!  And you did a great job in processing it.  My only suggestion would be to slightly darken the light in the background along the left side of the hat, and the two spots of light on her hair.  I find my eye being drawn to those areas instead of her face.  Other than that, a great shot !
Brad Ashbrook	I think it is good looking portrait. This area is certainly not my specialty or interest, but I think the image looks very good. The techniques you used certainly improved it from the original. Very nice texture and color, well done.
Louis Duncan	Send it to several exhibitions [at least 3]. I like the light and shadow on the face, hair and hat. For me this image is a good description of composition and technical excellence. The model’s face and smile are to-die-for.
Linda Sharp	This is a great portrait and your treatment has certainly brought out the best. You were right to cover up her leg – this would have been a bit of a disaster! I think it will do very well in competitions so good luck.
Vicki DeVico	Carol, first of all, the crop is perfect! it focuses in on her face and the darkening of the corners helps, as well. I love following your steps...seems most of us have the same plugins and it helps to know how others use them. Can't wait to hear how this image does in competition !
Jan van Leijenhorst

Member Bio

Carol McCreary, PPSA - Biography I have been taking pictures since 6th grade and a box camera.   I am an active member of  the Oklahoma Camera Club and and  PSA.  My husband, Tom, and I are retired OKIES    (Oklahoma natives)  who also enjoy a small studio and are practicing unique portraiture with a twist…. antique hats.  I have exhibited in Salons in CPID, EID, Mono prints, Color prints, and Photojournalism. My favorite studio photo subjects are people and animals.  I am an avid PJ photographer.   I have a Nikon D7000 digital with several Nikkor lenses.  I am a student of the wonderful software called Photoshop.  I enjoy trying photoshop filters, actions and plug-ins.  I enjoy discussing and critiquing pictures and I know that there is always something new to learn.  I welcome positive comments and hope that my comments will help improve your photography hobby enjoyment. We finally have a website.  I have put a few of my photos on it. http://tcmccreary.smugmug.com/