Portrait at sunset

[Evertking]

[Stagecoach]

As with a few of the recent images Mike this one looks obviously 'doctored' to a state where your eyes are immediately drawn to that and not the subject.

[Manfred M]

+1 to Grahame's comments - a number of your more recent postings have that "overcooked" look to them.

[Javier]

Perfect

[Evertking]

Lol.. yeah, this one is really obvious. I'm determined to learn Photoshop but I need honest feedback and I can always count on you fellas to give me honest CC. My wife and kids will hum ho around and tell me it's a masterpiece, as is the case with this one lol.. and I told her "watch and see" and y'all got it. You can see right around her, there is an outline of the bottom layer. It's gonna take some practice to get this right. I honestly don't see how anyone can remember all the steps to the actions in Photoshop!!?? It's mind bending. BUT.. I WILL learn it.

Javier, are you the one the created the image of the gentleman smoking in the steps? If I'm correct, that is an amazing image and would love to discuss it with you. I want to learn how you created that

[Manfred M]

Mike - photo editing is all about subtlety. If it things are starting to look a bit off or unreal, then you have pushed the image too hard. This is something that happens to all of us as we improve our skills; we become attuned to these subtleties.

In terms of becoming good at Photoshop, let me warn you it has a long learning curve. The "secret" is developing and sticking with a workflow that works for you. I have a routine that takes me from the raw data to the final image. If there is major surgery involved, and that sometimes happens, it can take me longer. If the model's skin needs a bit more work or the makeup artist has not done a great job, that takes a bit more effort too.

In Photoshop, I use a non-destructive workflow and make use of SmartObjects, adjustment layers, layer masks and clipping masks in all of my work.

The reason I asked for the original unedited image in your "Short title" post is that I was planning to do an edit on it and then we can have a discussion on technique and what works and does not work.

[Geoff F]

Despite any editing issues, I like the composition with this shot.

[Shadowman]

To me the issue is the contrasting patterns, each competes with the subject.

[Javier]

Javier, are you the one the created the image of the gentleman smoking in the steps? If I'm correct, that is an amazing image and would love to discuss it with you. I want to learn how you created that

Evertking
Doyou mean the pic of the man drinking a wine in the step? If yes, He is not smoking. Of course We can discuss about it, actually the pic was taken in a workshop, the ligths modifier used was one softbox 40x40 cms almost in front of th man and ohter in 45 degrees behind him. The first has a one DIY modifier, the pic was taken in the afternoon. If you like I can send you a pic of the behind the scene and the pic of my DIY modifier, and we can discuss it.