High-key portrait

[JPS]

Hi Guys,
just trying something different with this shot; well something different for me.

I have used a fair bit of PP to get this picture to where it is, but the 'star' like effect of the ear-ring is as shot.
I'm out of my comfort zone here; which is a good place to be for my learning curve, but would love to know if you thing it works or not.
All C&C greatfully received.

[Geoff F]

For me, John, it is a fraction too 'high'. I would like to see just a little more darkness in the shadows to improve clarity.

[Manfred M]

I agree with Geoff; high key does not mean flat.

[JPS]

Geoff / Manfred,
Many thanks for the feed-back.
I must admit my wife thought it looked too ‘Ghost’ like and did not like it; I should never ignore her comments, after 25 years of marriage you thought I would have learned by now.
I think this picture needs a total re-shoot, but is this the sort of 'tone' I should be looking at trying to acheive in a high-key picture?

[smcrews]

Much better

[JPS]

Much better

Thanks Shawn.
More practice needed, I think.

[Manfred M]

That's going in the right direction; don't forget that in high key, the exposure still has to be correct, and that goes for both the foreground and the background.

I'm not sure if it is just my screen, but I think I am seeing some blocking on your subject's forehead. I'm not a fan of the reflection off the earring. I find it a bit distracting. I've done some high key work, but not any portraiture.




This might give you an idea as to where I am coming from regarding exposure.

[JPS]

Thanks Manfred it certainly does.
I think I can see where I'm going wrong now.
Firstly, for some reason I thought everything being 'over-exposed' was what I should be aiming for; as already pointed out this made for a very flat un-interesting picture, with no definition. My attempt at a re-work does; I think, look better but is still a long way off.
Secondly, I think I have relied too much on PP. I think more time setting up the lighting and set correctly for the shoot would have (maybe) made it work better.
Many thanks for your guidance, I’ll let you know how I get on.

[Geoff F]

John, your reworking has an effect which is almost a 'pencil sketch'.

[rpcrowe]

IMO, a good high key portrait needs some darker areas (usually the eyes) to contrast with the rest of the image.

There are lots of google hits regarding High Key Portraiture

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp...w=1280&bih=582

[Radu Dinu Cordeanu]

Excuse me,I just saw yours because I'm implied in many domestic activities

I hope you see the difference
Thanks
Radu