Doug, this is a very nice photo, and a very pretty model. I do find your conversion to b&w missing something. IMHO it may need more contrast. The photo looks flat.
Bruce
Very nice.
Doug - just as in your previous post, the black and white points are not set correctly and the result is a very muddy looking image. A B&W image needs to have a bit of pure black and a bit of pure white to work properly, and this image just doesn't show that.
The other issue is that there is some texture in the lower part of the face, but the cheeks, forehead and neck all lack texture. This is not usually desirable when showing images of people; skin has texture and does not look like plastic.
Doug, I agree with Bruce's comments: a very nice photo but in need of more contrast. Depending on your pp software, one option might be to adjust the black and white points. But the question of how much additional contrast will depend on the effect you want to achieve.
I also wondered about cropping a small amount of the space on the right side but perhaps you left it so that the shadow from her hair was all visible?
Edit: I see Manfred was doing his post on black and white points as I was typing mine!
This is the original which was used trying to create the illusion of an old photograph. Because of the effect, I'm not sure there is a white point or black point. Anyway, just trying out some new software and seeing what peoples thoughts are. The subject is a little girl dressed in a princess outfit at a friends birthday party. The dirty face I believe to be mustard as hotdogs were on the menu. I appreciate the feedback.
Very pretty little lady, Doug...your daughter? Just as a matter of interest, what software are you using for your pp? We have to know so we can help you accordingly...
It was originally brought into Lightroom, where basic adjustments were made. The conversion was done in NIK using one of the presets and then some minor adjustments. NIK is interesting and very "habit forming".
Let me know if ya' ever find any of those bacon seeds!
I will have a go at this one a bit later on....and no, I still haven't found bacon seeds but I am a second hand vegetarian, ya know...I eat beef, beef eat grass and fruits and veggies... until then...
I really like her in colour, well done.