Need some opinions

[Marydh]

Have a couple of issues I know you guys can help me with:
- I took the liberty of using motion blur on the arms since he's running.  Is that okay?
   I just couldn't get his right arm to look right.
- He's looking older than how I picture him in my head but I don't know how to fix it.
- Any idea what the bottom of his shirt says or is it okay the way it is?

Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Mary

[Marydh]

One more thing.  Should I try to make the background clearer?
I thought since the original photo was blurry to begin with that I
should basically leave it like that.
Thanks,
Mary

[Johnboy]

Mary,

He is looking good. Since the boy is basically back lite, you might try darkening his face a little. I think adding some shadow under the eyes and deepen the shadow slightly in the laugh lines will add more definition to the face. I think the depth of field is contributing to the blurry background and I agree leaving it that way.

Johnboy

[glennab]

Hi Mary

I started to post to you about 7 hours ago, and my computer froze.  Fortunately nothing serious.  JB mentioned a couple of the things I was going to say, especially about the shading on his face.  I also agree with him that the background is fine.

The only other thing that struck me was that I think he has more hair in the original. There's an area that's very light - almost blown out - at the top left, as we see him, that I think is hair that also continues down to the side.  I'll post a version with the hair area indicated.



Not many picks on a really tough restoration.  Nice job!

GK

[Marydh]

Hi GK and Johnboy,
Thanks for the tips and you were so right about the shading.
Tried it yesterday but overdid it.  Trying again today then I'll tackle the hair.
(ARGH)
Mary