morning scene Photo

Photographer’s Note

This scene I came across: the woman on the left cleaning a chicken in preparation for dinner, while the two other occupants whiled away the time.

I welcome suggestions on how to handle the color levels and brightness.

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Critiques | Translate

edji (1368) 2004-07-13 0:18

Nice picture. i think the brightness is correct on that shot. The only question I have is for the color of the face of the woman on the lEft side. It seems to be yellow or green... Was it like that when you took the photograph?

cgrindahl (6109) 2004-07-13 3:23

You've handled a very difficult lighting situation reasonably well Janet with two figures in very bright light and one in darkness of the interior. In my experience it is difficult under such circumstances to capture the features of a black face, but you did it. You said you are new to Photoshop. I don't know whether you're working with Elements or a full featured version like CS. In CS there is a Image Adjustment called Shadows and Highlights that is very useful in moderating the strong contrasts you have in this image. You might want to check that out if you're working in CS. If not it will be trial and error adjusting levels and contrast. Color levels too are a matter of taste and practice. Apply the saturation on separate colors to give you the maximum control It is all a work in progress. LOOK AT PHOTOS as much as you can.

I find most interesting in this image the woman in shadows at the door. Were I working with this photograph I'd likely focus on her with a tight crop. In fact, I did a workshop just to test my hypothesis that I'll share with you, for whatever it is worth.

[workshop] [compare] +

jhe00 (271) 2004-07-14 19:11

I can't make any technical suggestions, but the image is wonderful. They look like actors frozen on a stage, when the spotlight in on someone else.

doreeneden (1014) 2004-07-23 16:04

I like this Janet and think the colours are very good; I agree with Joshua that this is one of those photos that has come out with a slightly unreal look to it - Caused by the lady on the left I think who looks overdressed for dealing with the chicken. They don't appear to object to being photographed, I'm always wary of upsetting someone.

manny (21378) 2004-07-26 2:14

I like this shot A LOT, Janet!

I like their expressions and their various placement in the frame. I also like their distinct colors an dthe painting in the face. I have no question about the lighting. It adds a bit of mystery sorrounding the picture.

This is the stuff we can see in travel magazine. Excellent picture Janet.

avis2avis (4260) 2004-08-10 13:25

Wow wow wow!!! Super composition color and light. Manny has rightly pointed out out that this is the stuff we get to see in travel magazines. I love it. Well done Janet!

MiguelP (14338) 2004-09-12 10:43

I know nothing about WS so I cant help you about to manage bright and the rest of the stuff. What I wanted was to congratulate you for this photo. A moment of three lives that acording to their age, they should have many things to tell about the changes in South Africa. Congratulations from Madrid, Janet.