Operation Photo Rescue's Online Community

OPR Workshops => Difficult => Topic started by: Ausimax on March 16, 2007, 08:38:57 AM

Title: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 16, 2007, 08:38:57 AM

This is my latest project.

(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6545/bboriginalww7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4280/bbreworkzi3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

What are your thoughts on it?

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on March 16, 2007, 08:48:36 AM
Looks like the people are still picking up the red from the wall................except the lady on the right. She's kinda green. Good hand!
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on March 16, 2007, 10:14:05 AM
Hi Max -- Here's what I see:


(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/glennab-fla/SampleforMax.jpg)

I think her hand is closed in a relaxed manner with her thumb prominent and her arm probably bent slightly.  Just below her hand it appears to me that the hand of the woman standing behind her is showing, relaxed but open. Visually they're so close that they look like parts of one hand, but I honestly see 2.  Just another perspective.

I'll second kiska's comment that a little more color correction is in order.  The whites look a bit muddy and there is still a slight red cast to the faces.

(This is what happens when I take a day off.  BEWARE!)

Have a wonderful day!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: klassylady25 on March 16, 2007, 01:52:43 PM
Good Morning Max,

I'm going to second that of Glenna on the hand being relaxed and add one more thing to think about.  I'm a fluffy lady, too and have much the same build as the woman that you are working on, on the right; here's the thing to think about.  I do not believe that her arm is away from her body, but I do believe that it is close to her body just as her right arm is.  It appears as thought it is but I think that is the damage of the water.  She would have been in a relaxed position....... just a thought. 

Hugs,
C

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: GP on March 16, 2007, 02:52:43 PM
Max, good job so far on this,
I also think  the hand of the lady on the right should be closed and her arm should be maybe a bit longer or not so slim towards the hand. Her skirt needs a little work also, the stripes look a bit irregular, the colors of the individual stripes don't match up in some places.

Gerlinde  8)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on March 16, 2007, 05:02:45 PM
Candy -- Fluffy?  FLUFFY?  I love it.  All these years I've been calling myself a dumpling.  I'ts fluffy from now on!

Hugz

GG
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 16, 2007, 09:49:45 PM
Hi Folks,

Kiska, you are probably right about the colour, I fiddled with curves and got it looking better, however I don't usually bother too much as OPR request we don't sharpen or colour correct. I quite often don't, but in this case I had to, to find all the stains in the background, another reason is my monitor is only calibrated with Adobe Gamma, so I don't know how it appears on other monitors, and besides that I do have trouble with discerning subtle shades of colour.

Glenna and Candice, I am sorry but in this case you are both wrong, there is only one hand, the hand that is there is original, my big problem was finding something to fit between the hand and the sleeve, she appears to have been caught in the act of reaching for something on the table, what I have know idea, I would think a glass, but that seems unlikely as there are no other glasses to be seen. That is why her arm is away from her body, it had to be out and her elbow bent to get it to align with her wrist.

Gerlinde, hand bit answered, skirt, will probably have another go at it, used the patch tool and unfortunately the further over the damage the worse the colours blended, will probably do better cutting and pasting.

Thank you all for taking the time to answer, and I am not being ungrateful, it is just that half the time taken with this photo was trying to design an arm to fit that $)**# hand.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 16, 2007, 11:56:10 PM
Hi,

Have reworked the skirt, cleaned up some of the whites and done a little bit of tweaking here and there, I don't think I can take it much further and will probably send this version home.


(http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1368/bbfinalbe6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on March 17, 2007, 12:32:49 AM
Hi Max

I think brightening the tablecloth, etc. is a marked improvement.  I'm still concerned about the lady's arm and hand.  I feel the position appears unnatural, and I think her arm is too thin.  I guess we'll just have to continue to disagree about the number of hands!  This is so subjective and difficult with all the damage in that area.  And here we are, two pairs of elderly eyes trying to figure it out!  My head hurts!

GG
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 27, 2007, 02:23:42 AM

Hi Folks,

This is my current source of frustration. :mad:

(http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4640/littleoriginalqi8.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

And this is where I am at, (nowhere I think) I haven't had much time to work on it yet, just trying to get a feel of the face, rough at this stage but am I heading in the right direction? ???

(http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8921/littleprogressqa1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: GP on March 27, 2007, 03:28:54 AM
Hi Max!
Mama MIA, this is a real mess.   :wow:
I fully understand your frustration, just spent at least 2 hours on my work in progress without making a lot of progress!  >:(

Little baby steps. But I must say, yours looks allready pretty good. I think you got the basic scull structure down without making it look flat. That's quite an accomplishment considering what little is left of his face.

Now to the things that need a little modification in my opinion. His shin looks a little too round on his left side and his ears are too prominent at the moment, left one is either too big or the right one too small. I can't decide. But you are headed definitely into the right direction. :up:

I hope this helps you, my eyes are going like this  :D  at the moment, time to go to bed!

:hug:  Gerlinde
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on March 28, 2007, 12:09:00 AM
Hi Max

I just tried every trick I know, and couldn't get any more detail.  I do think your guy's face is a bit too plump and I agree with Gerinde that he has a bit too much ear.  Right now he looks robotic.  How are you going to get the texture back into his face?  You deserve a medal for tackling this one.  It's about the worst I've seen.  All I can do is wish you luck and check on progress as you work on him.

Goodnight

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kstruve on March 28, 2007, 04:03:09 PM
Hi Max!

All I can say is, "Whoa!"  Boy, is this boy's face damaged.  I don't think that his ears are too big in your reconstruction, Max.  I think that they stand out more, just because the only part you've touched is the skin on his head and the fact that it's now smooth and pink in contrast to the rest of the photo.  I carefully compared the outline of his head and ears compared to your's and they're pretty much dead-on.  He just has prominent ears.  I think that the problem now is, it's being restored with a bit of a heavy hand.  His skin color looks kind of plastic in it's pinkness.  Plus, the structure of his nose and forehead is too bulbous for a young boy.  I played with the photo for about 20 minutes on my lunch break and came up with this:

(http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/1927/sfacereconff1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

I used primarily the healing brush and just slowly cleaned it up a bit, keeping in mind the shape of a young boy's face.  I think that this direction is more accurate.  Also, I wouldn't mess with his skin tone too much.  I don't think it looks too bad in the original.  Maybe at the very end you can apply an adjustment to cut some of the yellow, but not too much in my opinion.

Kurt
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 28, 2007, 11:24:18 PM
Hi Folks,

Sorry I haven't answered before, we have had visitors for the last 3 days plus I had to go to the city yesterday to get my skin cancers treated, so I really haven't had time to scratch, ( Whoops! thats a lie I'm also covered with insect bites, so I've been doing a lot of that) Christine, take note this one will not be back in a week, a month more like.

Gerlinde, Glenna, it is a bit of a challenge, I'm not too happy with what I have at present, looks too much like one of those ceramic masks, Kurt seems to have come up with a better solution, may sub-contract the face to Kurt. :wnw:

Thanks Kurt that looks a lot better than mine, will start again and see if I can get the same result, did you find all that detail in his right eye or did you copy the left one? I couldn't seem to find useful detail there.

Thanks to all for your help and support it make the struggle worthwhile.

Max


Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 29, 2007, 08:39:07 AM

I seem to be missing something here, this is the first attempt I made on this photo using the healing brush, by the time I get it cleaned up it has developed a plastic look.

(http://usera.imagecave.com/Ausimax/FORUM_PHOTOS/LittleFirsttry.jpg)

I had another go today and the result was about the same, I can't retain the same detail as Kurt has, I think I may have to send this one back so somebody who has the skill can restore it.

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: pcraft on March 31, 2007, 09:08:03 AM
Hi Max...  I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you out with your latest.  I generally only chip in when I have something of use, that will be help.  I'm amazed with what Kurt was able to do with it in 20 minutes and it shows me how much I have to learn yet.. Great work Kurt...  Anyway Max, sorry I couldn't help you with this...  :-[

Regards,
Robert
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on March 31, 2007, 07:20:04 PM
Hi Max -- I have the same syndrome as Robert.  I haven't yet acquired the skill to grapple with damage of this extent.  It's frustrating to not be able to offer any suggestions, but I wouldn't know where to start.

And Kurt, you're amazing!  Do you clone & heal very small areas to keep the texture?  We all seem to be losing the look of skin as we dispense with the damage.  You have some secret that we haven't stumbled upon.  Is it time for a tutorial?

In Katrin Eismann's book on restoration she describes a way to create a brush that simulates skin texture.  I don't know how well that would serve us in dealing with the muck on these photos.  Think I'm going to try it, though.  Meantime, PLEASE tell us how you do it -- in detail!

GG
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on March 31, 2007, 09:19:21 PM
Hi Robert, Glenna,


I haven't had time to do any more to this one yet, I thought I would have a real onslaught on it yesterday and see if I could make any progress, or if it was time to toss it back.

Got all the chores done - pressed button "B" and the computer wouldn't fire up, dead as a Dodo, opened it up and ran a few checks and could find no signs of life, so I began to suspect that the Power Supply had died - I had a faulty one that still worked but overheated in constant use, so I plugged it into the motherboard and switched on - the computer attempted to start so that confirmed a defunct power supply.

So that required a 70 mile trip to town to get a replacement before the shops closed ( Saturday) by the time I had done that and carried out the replacement it was time to get cleaned up and go to a fund raiser for our local school - so that took care of my great plans. Oh well! Will have another go today and see if I can get some work done.

Robert, I'm sorry you can't help! I need all the help I can get, unfortunately I just lack the basic skills for something like this, Kurt makes it look easy but he has a great grounding in PS and the ability to draw/create faces and people, I'm struggling to draw water from a tap.

Glenna, I have tried everything I can think of on this, I tried working with a very small healing brush and working with the natural contours and features of the face and that got the result I posted - I tried using a larger brush and not working so intensely to see if that would retain more texture - that method resulted in no texture and less natural detail - I have not been able to replicate the effect that Kurt achieved - and on a photo as badly damaged as this, cleaning up like that is probably as far as it should be taken.

I will have another go today and see if I can achieve anything, may do a bit of work on the rest of the image, I usually start easy, doing the background and working into the harder stuff, but on this one I figured if I couldn't do the face any other work was a waste of time, and then if I get the face OK, then remains the problem of HAIR!!!!!!! >:(

I haven't any books on PS but have done a lot of searching on the web for tutorials and tips for restoration, but I can find nothing that seems to deal with the degree of damage we are trying to repair, cracks, tears, scratches and spots yes, total destruction no.

Thank you both for taking the time to support an old idiot who jumps into the deep end, and then discovers he can't swim. :D

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: pcraft on March 31, 2007, 11:09:38 PM
Hey Max...  You say you don't have any Photoshop books???   Which version of Photoshop are you using??

I have a few books for Photoshop 7, that I'd be pleased to send to you, if they'd be of any use to you...

Regards,
Robert
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 01, 2007, 12:36:08 AM
I have a PS 6 book you are welcome to.  I haven't touched it in ages, but it's a good book.

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 01, 2007, 03:48:03 AM
Christine,

My thanks to both you and Robert for your offers, since I last communicated with Robert I have checked postage costs and it would cost $35.00 postage for 1 Kg, the average weight of a book.

I will have a look around, I may be able to get them locally second hand for about that, and I am sure you will get others who could use them that are more local to both of you, I don't like making the postal services richer than I have to.

Thank you both for thinking of me so kindly.

Regards,

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: pcraft on April 01, 2007, 08:21:21 AM
You're welcome Max...  I've sent you a personal message and am awaiting your reply...   :up:
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 01, 2007, 11:53:09 AM
One good resource for PS books? The public library!

Gosh, I've lost track of the number of PS books I've checked out. Library system here in Los Angeles is great, you can browse for books & reserve them on-line & have 'em delivered to a branch nearby. One time I went to pick up my books & the lovely librarian asked if I read anything else beside PS books? And remarked that they seemed kind of boring.

Yes, think at some point we all discover that there really isn't a tutorial or book out there that addresses restoring severely damaged images like we work with. So, that's why we enroll here at the OPRU, aka OPR University. 




 
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 01, 2007, 03:13:39 PM
Hi Max -- believe me, you're not the only one in the deep end, floundering!  I'm having a bad case of inadequacy syndrome right now!

And Keith, I suspect you're right about there being no documentation that deals with our measure of image destruction.  I'm hoping that because we're creative and determined, the more we know about Photoshop and what it can do, the more we can extrapolate means by which to do the clean-ups.  I've discovered methods and tricks from our interactions on the forum that have helped me tremendously with my job.  That gives me hope that I'll get better at restoring, because I can do the easy ones with no problem, but I want to do the difficults for the challenge and the learning experience.  Hence, need more input!

I'm still slogging my way through the book on LAB color (had to take a break and read some sci-fi.  Tech book overload!) and am sure that even though it's a very obscure and eccentric color space there are ways it can be used to conquer the muck!  I'm realizing that since so many of our volunteers are photographers, they're not very familiar with CMYK, because that's printing color space.  But CMYK gives a little more information, especially in the channels, that can be invaluable.  Since my career has been in the printing business, all I've worked in is CYMY, so I'm learning about RGB for the first time.  OPR University indeed!  Love it!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 01, 2007, 04:54:16 PM
Glenna,

Yes. some of those texts (like the LAB one) will give you a headache, it's not as painful as hitting your finger with a hammer, but close.  I suggest sleeping on those kind of books, turning to the pages you want to learn first seems to work best.

Yes, for fun I've sent images to Ben Willmore's Image Ambulance, to Katrin & Pop Photo, where  they have a section where their guru tackles problem images. Anyway, don't bother....as you will not hear back from them. They seem to run. Although Katrin did have nice things to say about OPR. 

Maybe Kelby & Co will do a real retouching book someday, or someone from here.

Yes, from other posts here I've explored & futzed around with cmyk as well as lab, but when chunks of the image are missing - they're still missing, for me anyway. But then Kurt chimes in and does some abra-Ka-dabbra and LAB seems to work beautifully for him. Can I get my tuition back?
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 01, 2007, 06:09:13 PM
Hi Keith - Somehow I visualize that sleeping on the lab book would be almost as painful as hitting my finger with a hammer or reading the darn thing!

As for Kurt, I've come to the conclusion that he's an alien (as I said, I read sci-fi) from a planet of uber-creatives whose major talent is dealing with mucky, dirty, destroyed images.  He's a phenom.  If the two of you came up with some tutorials, I suspect we'd all become experts in an amazingly short period of time.

I contacted Kelby & Co to thank them for putting me in touch with OPR, but maybe I'll e-mail NAPP again and see if they could do a series of tutorials based on our challenges.  His operation is less than an hour's drive from me -- I can always go up and grovel!  Anything for the cause!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 01, 2007, 06:23:40 PM
I started reading the LAB book today, after it was sitting on my bookshelf for several months, and proceeded to fall asleep.  I KNOW it's a good book and valuable tool, but I just need a large cup of coffee first I guess!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 01, 2007, 06:53:21 PM
Chris, reading that book is like learning another language.  Gerlinde has been reading it, too.  I don't know if she finished it, but she'd mentioned that the author got into a lot of esoteric and weird stuff toward the end.  I mean, the concept of LAB includes "imaginary colors!"  I really did have to take a break from it.  It's so different from other color spaces that you have to twist your mind a little to wrap it around the concept.  Start inhaling that coffee!  I recommend Apricot Creme, Wild Blueberry or Chocolate Raspberry Creme for starters!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 01, 2007, 07:47:59 PM
Yes, Christine if you're in a in comfy chair sitting in the warm spring sunshine like we have here in Los Angeles, you can forget about getting much past page 5 in that book, 10 max. 

Here's a link to Deke McClellands video clips on channels including LAB, he makes some sense out of the channels. And your head shouldn't go clunk on the monitor.

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=322

And Glenna will get us all invited to a Kelby workshop. He's coming to town mid-April to do a lightroom seminar. It's amazing the PS empire Kelby & Co. have put together... I think its great.   
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 01, 2007, 11:19:44 PM
Thanks Kurt, but just so you know, we got a heavy spring snow today, that melted by 4pm.  Aahhh...'tis the season of those wet, heavy snowstorms.  6" of white stuff at 6:30 am, and mud by 3 pm!  That's ok.  The more moisture and mud I deal with in the spring, the more wild flowers and less wild fires I deal with in the summer!

I think I'm up to page 10 now in the LAB book!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 02, 2007, 04:18:51 AM
 Hi Folks,

Keith, yes I have checked out the two library's I have access to and they have absolutely nothing on PS, I don't think us country folk are supposed to have such esoteric interests - only supposed to be interested in sheep, cattle and growing cotton.

Glenna, its a real bummer when you can see what is in a photo and can find no way to pull it out, this last one I could just not get my head around it,and there was no usable data in channels in any colour space.

Thats the trouble with a lot of the info put out by the experts, because you aren't well grounded in the intricacies of PS, much of what they talk about goes right over your head, mine anyway, and then you sit down to read and the old head goes noddies, does the same thing with TV, and the computer, many a trip to the floor, makes my mouse. Oh the vicissitudes of growing old.

I have accepted Roberts kind offer of PS 7 books, hopefully that will get my skill level up to scratch, and a better outcome for the clients of OPR, thank you all for the support you have provided through these forums, I only wish I could be of more use to others but the way I struggle with my restorations I think my advice is marginal in value.


Max



Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kstruve on April 02, 2007, 01:36:17 PM
Max,

That makes me sad to hear you say that.  Try not to get discouraged.  You contribute a great deal to this forum.  I think what we need to keep in mind is (to paraphrase your own words) "not to bite off more than we can chew."  We all have different skill levels and different areas of expertise.  The trick is to find the projects that match our talents.

Kurt
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 02, 2007, 02:20:22 PM
Max

Amen to Kurt's comments.  You're a wonderful asset to OPR in so many ways.  You encourage the rest of us; you give us your valued insights when we're struggling, and contrary to your remarks, you do a wonderful job on the manageable difficult restorations -- which is saying a LOT!  The one you returned isn't one I could have done, either.  I didn't even know how to give you any information to help you get it accomplished. As Kurt said, we have to work on the ones for which we have the knowledge and experience to tackle.  I'm totally intimidated by my little boy, but I'm going to jump  in again this evening and hope I can use all of the great advice I've gotten from everyone to make him right.  He's so close, but I feel as you've expressed you do: that I'm not quite up to the task.

You're one of the BEST OPR-sters.  Hang in there!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 02, 2007, 04:05:24 PM
Oh Max you've got a local library with farming topics. I was raised on a farm myself, a turkey farm though. Not as glamorous as cattle or sheep.

I think its great that you've got such a keen interest in Photoshop & restoring images. PS is considered to be one of the most difficult programs to learn & then combine that with working on images that are covered in muck & mud and have pieces missing, it isn't always easy & I get discouraged too.

And the more we use PS & explore the different tools & techniques, the better we'll get. In the end, I enjoy the challenge. I've been pecking away one photo now for quite sometime. Do a little here & a little there. Put it away, come back and repeat. And bit by bit, pixel by pixel, it looks way better than when I started. Geez, I've clicked the eyeball on/off so many times now - it turned into a black eye.

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 02, 2007, 09:24:09 PM
Hi,

Kurt, thanks for your support, I don't really get that discouraged, just pi#@~d off when I have to quit on something, it is hard to admit defeat to yourself, but the important thing is to get it right for our clients who are I am sure are all anxiously waiting the return of their restored images, and this last one I could not get to work. I think it needs cleaning up (like you did on it ) more than trying to actually restore - and I am not sure just how to achieve that.

Glenna, I think they all overwhelm me, you look at them in the gallery and think I can't do anything with these, then you pick out the best of the bad lot and when you get it you just sort of wear it down.
I am afraid I don't have a "work method" mostly I just start off playing around, trying different things to see what may work, then suddenly you discover you have it half done, and decide that you are now "working" on it. I usually start with the easy bits and work my way in, its amazing how after you work with an image for a while you begin to see so much more detail in the damage.
The bit that I find difficult is the detail you can see in the full image on your screen that you can't see when you have it full size for working on.

Keith, you are right about PS being a steep learning curve, I have no idea what half the features of PS do or how to use them, and unfortunately I am not a good student, I find it difficult to sit and work through tutorials and such like where I could perhaps learn more, yet I can spend endless hours working on these images - I probably have to spend the endless hours because I haven't sat down and learned how to do things in the first place. That said I find it a fulfilling hobby and a good way to fill the time particularly during summer when most of the time it is just to hot to be outside doing anything and after the you have the gear not too expensive, I used to do woodworking as a hobby but these days decent timber is just to expensive, especially when you can buy it ready made cheaper than you can buy the materials.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 02, 2007, 11:30:10 PM
Max,

I've been working in PS for 5+ years, and still feel like I have barely scratched the surface.  I love Photoshop....it's such a great outlet for me, and....a lot of family and friends have come to rely on me to "fix" their bad photos!  However, many of the photos in OPR have created challenges for me unlike anything I've ever done before.  Photoshop is such a HUGE program, and I've finally accepted I can't know it all, or more likely, remember it all, in working with these photos.  The one thing about these forums though, is what one person knows well, the other person may not.  That, my friend, is where you are valuable, because you have the knowledge to help someone who is in a challenged position.  There may be multiple solutions to a problem, or one, but the more suggestions that are given, the more likely that the volunteer will find a solution to his or her problem.  I'm glad you are a part of OPR, and trust me, that in that you'll continue to improve in PS as you work more photos.  I certainly have!   :hug:

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: GP on April 03, 2007, 04:05:58 AM
Max,

I just threw in the towel on my latest photo too.  :(   
I can't find a way to deal with all the green stuff on the photo and lack the knowledge to improve the damage.

Glenna, I'm now in chapter 11 of the LAB book and not much wiser than before. I need to practice all the tricks he is talking about, but who has the time...? It is not easy to learn everything there is to learn in Photoshop.

Gerlinde
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 03, 2007, 09:12:16 AM


Christine,

Your right PS is a big program, so much to learn, I try and confine myself to things pertaining to photography and restoration, otherwise I would just get lost in the jungle, and there are so many ways to do the same thing, thats the beauty of this forum you get so many options to chose from to deal with problems.

Gerlinde,

Sorry you too had to send your photo back, real blow to the ego isn't it, especially after you have spent hours trying.
I hate the ones with stains over them, they look as though you could get a rag and just wipe all the gunk off, Oh! that it were so easy.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 03, 2007, 02:08:26 PM
Ego vs a lumpy noggin though. I'll turn in my ego. I tend to go with the notion that whatever I can do will make it look better than it did originally. 
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 08, 2007, 11:58:42 PM
Hi,

This is my latest photo, first B&W I've done with OPR, have to learn a whole new skill set.

(http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4679/easleyzj9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3163/easleydonevw9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Comments and suggestions, please.

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 09, 2007, 12:28:26 AM
Hi Max

She looks great.  The only pick I have is the top of the trees.  I think a little softness around their edges would make them look more realistic.

I downloaded the photo and first of all did an auto levels, which gave a little more contrast, bringing out overall detail. Then I made a slightly loose selection around the woman's face, hair and neck where it's deeply shadowed and was able to pull up a bit more of her features by using levels again.  Deepened the black a tad, and then lightened the midtones.  It's a fine balance, but it's possible to get a little more detail on that side.

Glenna

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 09, 2007, 10:26:36 PM

Hi Glenna,

Tried what you said, the levels worked well on the lady and foreground, made the background and trees a bit dark, adjusted them separately and they then looked OK, got a little out of the shadows on the face, couldn't get much before it started to get grainy then again that is how the original would have looked, these are definitely "snap shots".

Thanks don't know what I would do without your eyes, will send it home now.


Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 10, 2007, 11:38:29 AM
Nice job Max!!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 11, 2007, 04:49:34 AM

Thanks Christine, not that it qualified for a high degree of difficulty, if the people aren't damaged they are reasonably easy. :huh:

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 19, 2007, 08:36:15 AM


Hi,

I need help with the shirt and tie colours for this one, I know nothing about US military uniforms.

(http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4365/workcopydt5.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)



(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3451/workcopy08wc7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: laportelj on April 19, 2007, 08:50:17 AM
one source easily accessed for the buttons etc... is ebay you could pick up the detail there, possibly even the color?

Jane
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on April 19, 2007, 08:56:34 AM
Maybe this will help.

(http://upload.pbase.com/image/77406649/small.jpg) (http://upload.pbase.com/image/77406649/original)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 19, 2007, 09:02:07 AM
Hi Max --  If you don't have an answer about the colors by this evening (our second-hand time!), I'll see if Lon can give us a clue, since he's a military expert.  One observation is that the definition of the epaulets and pockets -- places where there are pleats or openings -- needs more depth.  Some of your lines are broken or very thin, where in the original they're relatively wide, contiguous and soft.  I'm guessing that you're not finished, but since I've become so aware of the impact on those shaded areas, I wanted to bring them to your attention.

Later 'mate!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 20, 2007, 02:53:17 AM


Hi,

Thanks Jan, kiska, and Glenna, found some buttons and some uniforms on eBay, so I think I have the colours sorted, yes Glenna I still had all the shading to do, had only burned in the detail outline whilst I was repairing it so I would know where to put it back.

Have tidied it up and sent it home, thank you all for your help, much appreciated.

Max.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 23, 2007, 10:09:11 AM
 

My latest photo.Comments and suggestions welcomed.


(http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3941/workcopygreyij6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


(http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8127/workcopyrgb05st6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)



Max



Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: pcraft on April 23, 2007, 10:26:16 AM
Looking good Max...  Just one thing I might do with this, is...  Rotate it clockwise a degree or so to make the young lady
look like she's standing straight up... 

:up:

Regards,
Robert

PS.  Oopps!!  The general consensus below is to not rotate.
Please disregard my suggestion...   :up2:
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: zapphnath on April 23, 2007, 06:00:08 PM
It'd be nice to rotate the image so that it's straight, but that wouldn't necessarilly be in-keeping with the spirit of the original.  Perhaps the photographer was going for a certain look by taking the picture off-kilter.  Probably best to leave it that way.
The only suggestion I have is to darken the shading on her right leg to match the other one and she should be ready to go home.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 23, 2007, 06:52:00 PM
Hi Max,

I agree with zapphnath.  It may be best to leave the photo slightly crooked, as that is how the original appears.  I also agree with a bit of shading (dodging and burning) to the leg, and then I think it will be perfect!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 23, 2007, 07:21:02 PM
Hi Max -- I'll third Z and Chris.  Just those little tweaks are all she needs.  Great job rebuilding the leg!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: laportelj on April 23, 2007, 09:19:09 PM
Make that 4 looks good to me too!

Jane
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 23, 2007, 11:40:40 PM


Hi Folks,

Thanks for the use of your eyes and your suggestions, Robert, I think this one really falls into the snapshot class, everything is on a lean, it really made it hard replacing the leg, because the lean makes it look like she is going to fall off it, and you want to put it under her but that is not where the foot was. Nearly went nuts trying to straighten up the image for a start, used the measure tool on one side and rotated, didn't look right - tried the other side, no better, finally came to the conclusion that the damage had caused some shrinkage toward the top of the photo, causing a "key-stoning" effect, they didn't worry too much about printing the picture square on the paper those days either.

Will carry out the adjustments to the leg and send her home, thanks for your help.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: ReactionStudios on April 25, 2007, 02:57:58 PM
Great Job thus far  :up:


Here is a sample of what I am talking about — Left Posterized and Right Blended Gradient.
(http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n32/rossimojo/Shading_Sample.jpg)

Hope this helps-
|shawn|
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kjohnson on April 26, 2007, 10:32:41 AM
Love it when we get tips & how-tos and this one's complete with an illustration too.
I recall seeing some of Shawns work from awhile back... 
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 27, 2007, 12:47:27 AM

Thanks Shawn, I did improve it some before I sent it home, though not a elegantly as your example, thanks for the valuable help.

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on April 30, 2007, 05:26:16 AM
 

My latest, would you check out the colour for me please.

(http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/8977/vanhodenekq9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


(http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5843/vanhodene05gj6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max


Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on April 30, 2007, 11:07:14 AM
Hi Max,

Based on my monitor, I think the color looks great!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on April 30, 2007, 09:52:45 PM
Max, it looks great on mine, as well.  Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 01, 2007, 04:55:28 AM


Thanks Chris, Glenna,

Needed a confirmation, after you juggle these things for a while you start having trouble deciding what is right. Have sent them home.


Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 02, 2007, 07:50:38 AM


Hi Folks,

Back again, could you check this one out and give me your thoughts Please.

(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/Ausimax/Reworked/DieterichS.jpg)


(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/Ausimax/Reworked/DieterichSWork.jpg)


Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on May 02, 2007, 08:46:35 AM
G'morning, Max

I see only two things:  at the stern of the boat where the water is churning, there are some obviously cloned areas.  And I'm just wondering what the line and slightly darker area is in the sky above the trees on our left.  It's so faint that it looks like damage.  Otherwise it's your usual fine work.

Have a wonderful day (sleep??)!  We've never actually talked about the specifics of how much "used" day we get from you Aussies.  What's your time difference?

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on May 02, 2007, 10:54:59 AM
Hi Max,

The color looks good.  I agree with Glenna on the sky.  I see something on the left, and also a few blotches remain in the sky.  Otherwise, nice work!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 03, 2007, 12:51:09 AM
  Hi Glenna & Christine.

Thanks for the use of your eyes, have taken care of the noted items (I think) the line is a power line or a cable it is in the original so I left it, not entirely happy with the water, but doing any more only seems to make it worse, so this is what I will be sending home.


(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/Ausimax/Reworked/DieterichSdone.jpg)


Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ratz on May 03, 2007, 06:40:42 PM
Greta work again, Max!
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ratz on May 03, 2007, 06:41:27 PM
Woops! I meant great!
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: klassylady25 on May 04, 2007, 01:12:00 PM
A retired version of McHales Navy!   LOL   ^-^
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 05, 2007, 04:16:09 AM


Friends, Romans and OPR members, lend me your eyes. Your thoughts on this one please.


(http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4430/calvertg448x10xn6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1127/calvertgwork04jl8.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ratz on May 05, 2007, 09:48:26 AM
Look'n good Max, I think I can still see a slight yellow tinge around parts of the mouth and chin but it could be my monitor. Other than that he looks ready to return home.
Regards Vicki.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on May 05, 2007, 10:09:58 AM
Max, all i did was the dup>filter>blur>average thinie. Then back to original with the curves midpoint dropper clicked on the blurred copy. Brushed his teeth for him. :funny:

(http://upload.pbase.com/image/78242982/small.jpg) (http://upload.pbase.com/image/78242982/original)

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on May 05, 2007, 11:50:41 AM
Max & kiska -- I think that bit of yellow was the only issue.  Even thought it wasn't glaring, I have to say that you nailed it, kiska.  Amazing how much difference that tweaking made.  Max, is that a young you?  Somehow the impish grin makes me think that maybe...

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: klassylady25 on May 05, 2007, 12:59:28 PM
Love the changes.  :o)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 05, 2007, 10:51:08 PM
Hi Folks,

I don't know if it is just my monitor, but what you did Kiska made him look as though they got him off the slab in the Morgue for the shoot, I changed the background to Gray but I warmed him up some. Anyway they can make that decision when they colour correct for printing.

This is what I will be sending home.

(http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/116/calvertgwork06hs1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on May 05, 2007, 11:35:21 PM
Nicely done Max!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on May 06, 2007, 03:54:47 AM
Looks great Max. I just did that one curves thing to get him in 'the ball park'. He still needed a little maneuvering.    ;)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 07, 2007, 12:53:09 AM


Hi Folks,


I need your help again, there is no detail available for the dress in any channel RGB,CMYK or Lab, there is just enough to show she was carrying a Bouquet, what it looked like I could not discern, though it must have been light in colour to wash out so completely.

I imagine there would be a pattern of some kind on the bodice of the dress, probably lace, or something like that, however not having that info, this is about as good as I could get it, give me your thoughts and suggestions as to how it may be improved please.

(http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3853/babinipo1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


(http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1399/babini01ug0.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max


Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on May 07, 2007, 08:54:34 AM
Good morning Max

I don't think I've seen such a blown-out area before.  You're right on that no channel shows anything.  I wonder if just a few very soft shaded areas to give the dress some dimension would be allowable.  Otherwise, it appears you've done as much as you can.  I'd even be hesitant to use the bouquet, since there's no way to be sure what she was carrying.  Maybe that could be dropped in opacity even more, so it's just barely discernable.

Tough, tough, tough!  What a challenge.

I'm amazed at the way you're chugging through all these photos.  You're the ace!

Hugs!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 07, 2007, 09:26:55 AM
 

Good evening Glenna,

I know what you mean about the bouquet, I will probably bring that back till it is barely discernable, but if I don't have it, where is her hand?

I'll sleep on it and see what others have to contribute, can't see a lot more I can do with tired eyes.

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on May 07, 2007, 03:34:17 PM
For heaven's sake, Max, I've tried to teach you everything I know and now you're going to sleep on the restoration.?  Please leave it in the computer. Hasn't it been through enough already?????

Glenna

P.S. As for the question about her hand, it's wherever the bouquet is, which is invisible!  I don't know if this is an issue for admin or not.  No matter what you do, it won't be what was there originally.  But I'd also have a hard time leaving that area with nothing showing.  Hard to know what to do.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: schen on May 07, 2007, 04:33:26 PM
If I blew the contrast way up in green channel, I could see her hand resting on her waist holding a bouquet.  There were five roses visible in the bouquet all above her hand/waist and some leaves or ribbons cascaded down along the white blotch.  I could discern each petal of the rose that was bottom centered.

I would guess the roses were pink because they showed up more prominent in green channel but almost completely washed out.

Then I felt that I was taking an ink blot test.

I used to believe it is the photographer not the equipment that makes the picture until I got my bounce flash.

If I were the owner, I will be happy as the way you did without the bouquet.  The faces are clear and look original.

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on May 07, 2007, 05:44:35 PM
Hi Max,

I agree on the above thoughts on the bouquet.  It sounds like Shen really pulled some information out.  To add my two cents worth, I'd add some shadowing around the bouquet, to make them appear more realistic, as if she really is holding this bouquet.

Nice job so far!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: schen on May 07, 2007, 09:32:07 PM
I know it's all my imagination.  But I am sticking to it.

The high contrast green channel <    > The bouquet I see

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z298/schen_album/babinipo.jpg)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 07, 2007, 11:12:47 PM

Hi Glenna, Christine and Schen,

Schen either you have better eyesight or imagination than I do, I just can't find that kind of detail there and I have subjected all channels in three colour modes to every form of torture I know to make them give me some info, without joy.

I can't justify adding too much detail, as she will know what the original looked like and it won't be the same, so I have toned the bouquet down till it is barely visible, just gives the impression and means I don't have to add an even more unrealistic hand.

Thanks for your help and suggestions, I slept on it last night, it was a bit crumpled this morning, but I ironed it out again and decided to go with this.


(http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7624/babini02nu9.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)


Max



Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on May 07, 2007, 11:25:04 PM
Max, I think this is a fine compromise.  I like the way you kept the bouquet, but ghosted it way back.

Schen, I'm with Max in that I couldn't see ANYTHING, even in the close-ups where you drew in what you saw.  And I tortured the channels, too.

With a little more study, Max, I think the only other thing I'd do is very subtly soften the edges of her gown.  Since it's so starkly white, i think the softer edges would tone down the blown-out look.

Glenna

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: schen on May 08, 2007, 08:46:49 AM
Max,

I don't have better eyesight.  I might have more imagination.  As I said, it was an ink blot test for me.  I saw what I wanted to see.  :)

I like the toned down version of the bouquet.  Maybe blur it a little to match the rest of the picture.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on May 08, 2007, 09:22:56 AM


Glenna, schen,

Thanks for your help, I have sent it home couldn't do much more for it, hard to say how much detail it had to start, it was a snapshot taken with flash and the whites may well have been blown to start with, I just can't see how so much detail could be lost from the dress and bouquet without major damage to the rest of the photo otherwise.

schen, seeing things in some of these photos is so subjective, I hate it when you can see things at screen size but when you zoom to where you can work on it you can no longer see the detail, then you discover you have cloned out important detail in mistake for damage.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 05, 2007, 06:47:44 AM
Hi Folks,

This is my latest project, still some finishing off to do but getting close I think, critique and comments welcomed.

(http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/2116/crovettobeg2.jpg)


(http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3694/crovettob11mb6.jpg)


Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 05, 2007, 02:09:34 PM
Hi my Aussie pal

I only see a couple of minor things I'd change, and I have one question.  It appears to me that she has a ribbon in her hair, probably tying back a pony tail.  Also the "fuzz" around her head looks more to me like tendrils of mold than fly-away hair. I think the restoration would look better without it.  The question is this: is there a bit of lace or some sort of collar showing at the lower left as we look at her?  There appears to be a binding on the checkered fabric, and then white beyond that.

I think I'd warm up the color in her face a bit, as well.

Other than that, it's your usual wonderful work!

Hugs

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: GP on June 05, 2007, 03:35:14 PM
Hi Max,  :-*

great work so far!Glenna is right about the pony tail and the ribbon. I like the way you fixed her hair on the right side ( her left), you only need to blend in the color a little bit more, the strands look grayish on my monitor, that makes it a bit obvious. I also agree with Glenna on the fuss around her head on the left ( her right) - some of it is hair and some is probably mold. I can see still a little damage close to her right eye. But how did you fix the damage on her cheek and nose ? It looks great, if I would not see the before and after I would never know there was damage. Did you make the hair brush yourself? As to the lace... I'm not sure I see it and don't think it is that important. You made the reconstruction of her dress very believable ( but that's just my humble opinion)

Gerlinde  ^-^
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 05, 2007, 10:11:49 PM

Hi Glenna,

Ribbon? What ribbon?  Talk about not seeing the woods for the trees, I spent about 5 min flicking between the original and the restoration trying to check for things I may have missed, all in the mind I think I must have originally written it off as damage and have disregarded it ever since, thats why we need fresh eyes to check things.

The Fuzz round the hair? I think some of it is hair, its hard to tell, if it is hair it was in the original and I thought to save it, I agree it would probably look better without it, regarding the blouse I am sure that is damage not lace or binding you can see the continuation of the line into the background, I am afraid that is as good as the blouse is going to get I have spent more hours hand painting little squares and transforming small patches than doing anything else in this image, I think the face is the important element in the image.

I may be able to warm the face a bit it has been a struggle to get it this good, there is very little colour in the image and most of it is in the reds, I tried every method I could think of to improve the colour - colour balance, hue/saturation, curves and channel mixer, in both RGB and CMYK mode, not with a lot of joy I finally pushed a dupe layer to the extreme with curves then adjusted the opacity to get the best result I could.


Gerlinde,

As usual the hair was a pain, not my greatest triumph, the grey is my feeble attempt to emulate the original where the hair in that area was wispy and the background is visible through it, may improve with a touch of the blur tool, no I didn't make the brushes myself they are JK Brushes, don't ask where I got them I have not a clue, though most of the detail was just with a normal brush at 1 pixel size and a a fine smudge brush.

The repairs to her face were reasonably simple, as she was facing fairly straight on I just copied that part of her nose from the right side to the left and the reverse with the cheek, then colour matched the patches as well as possible, then merged them into the working image and slowly blended them in with the Healing brush tool using a very small brush and painting more than dabbing along the lines of colour difference from all sides until it blends well, in some areas I had to paint over with colour on another layer (blending mode normal) then reduce opacity until the effect was OK.

Well I think that is about the story of my life with this image! Thank you both for you input it has been most valuable, you end up standing just too close to these photos to have an objective view.

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 05, 2007, 11:37:24 PM


Latest Version.


(http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2656/crovettob15bg1.jpg)



Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Codeman on June 05, 2007, 11:50:10 PM
Hi Max,

When you were talking about color adjustments you didn't mention the photo filter adjustment layer. You might try it using the custom color mode. In combination with opacity and masking it allows for some subtle color adjustments.

Codeman
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 06, 2007, 12:04:58 AM
Hi Max -- I was playing around with the color of your image and I got this  by using selective color.  I went to neutral and added a little magenta and removed a little yellow.  It needs more tweaking, but I'm going through a similar color adjustment frustration with the restoration I'm working on, and selective color gave me pretty good results.  Another thing I just discovered is the Channel Mixer, which can also do amazing color tweaks.  I'm not sure what's causing the faint blue tinge on her cheek, but that could be selected and adjusted as well. 


(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n222/glennab-fla/crovettob15bg1test.jpg)

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 06, 2007, 08:58:41 AM
Hi Glenna,

I don't think the colour is too bad it tends to flatten a bit when you convert to sRGB, I printed it out and it looks good, plus she is only a young girl and with reddish hair she is likely to have fair skin and as I said there is not a lot of colour in the image, I found that whenever I started to push the colour the texture of the image started to degrade.

I'll see what other responses I get and if there are no major picks will send her home tomorrow.

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 06, 2007, 09:08:00 AM
Hi Max

Whatever you decide to to with the color, she looks fantastic.  I happen to be partial to warmer skin tones, probably because I'm so accustomed to seeing beet-red tourists in our neck of the woods.  At any rate, kudos for a great restoration!

By the way, I think that slight discoloration on her left cheek (as we see her) is from your repair of the area.  The shape loosely matches the portion you had to replace.  It's just barely discernable and probably wouldn't even show on a print.

Hugs

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on June 06, 2007, 09:19:33 AM
I duplicated your version, changed mode to cmyk, curves> click yellow and lessen, click cyan and lessen, pump up the magenta. Flatten and copy/paste this on your version. Set blend to color.

http://upload.pbase.com/image/80073655

(http://i.pbase.com/o6/93/579993/1/80073655.WK46e3zE.aussie.jpg)
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 07, 2007, 03:57:57 AM
 Thanks kiska,

Have sent the young lady home - this is my latest.


(http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9421/bayerjnj7.jpg)


(http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3008/bayerj02ml3.jpg)


Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on June 07, 2007, 02:38:30 PM
Great job Max!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 07, 2007, 03:33:54 PM
Hi Max

Awesome, as usual!

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 11, 2007, 07:11:04 AM

Hi Folks,

This is my latest photo, run your peepers over it and give me your crits and comments please.

(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8210/gritterlkp0.jpg)


(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3659/gritterl2yv1.jpg)


Max


Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: kiska on June 11, 2007, 07:42:40 AM
Maybe the pumpkin leaves are too sharp for the rest of the photo.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 11, 2007, 08:30:07 AM


Spot on Kiska! They blend in a lot better with a good hit of blur, helps give that wilted look. Thanks  :up2:

Max
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Tess (Tassie D) on June 11, 2007, 09:16:11 PM
I know I'm only a newbie here but would it look better with a smaller pumpkin in front of those tall ones on the left as I look at the pic, the girl's right, to give a bit more perspective?
It's very hard to tell on the original in that area.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 12, 2007, 02:45:56 PM
Hi Max

I've studied this, and what's most apparent to me is that her legs seem out of proportion.  The left leg as we look at her appears a bit too thin.  I also think she's sitting on a slightly raised platform, but that the "carpet" is a consistent color except for the shadowed areas.

What really has me going crazy is that it almost looks as if her legs are crossed at the ankle and the dark area by her left leg could be a foot.  Then I think the proportions might be wrong for that to be the case.  Then I think it's a foot...  then I think it couldn't be...

Kiska, you're right, the blurring of the leaves would help blend them in better.

Otherwise, my upside-down friend, I think she's up to your usual fine standards. (And what an adorable "Pumpkin" she is!)

Hugs,

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: cmpentecost on June 12, 2007, 08:50:10 PM
Hey Max,

I tend to agree with Tassie D on the size of the pumpkins on the left.  Do you think that perhaps there is a bale of straw and a smaller pumpkin on top, and then one other fatter one in front?  I know we can't tell if there is a bale of straw (at least that's was us country folk do around here, is put bales of straw next to pumpkins!), but that might lend to the idea of the smaller pumpkin behind her right shoulder (our left), and then one fatter pumpkin in front.  I've never really seen a tall skinny pumpkin before.

Anyway, that's my thoughts!

Christine
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ausimax on June 13, 2007, 01:39:59 AM

Hi gang,

This is what I will be sending home, bowing to popular request I have put in smaller pumpkins, that however highlights the problem I had from the beginning, I have not been able to find pumpkins that look like those in the photo, I trolled through over a thousand pumpkin photos on stock photo sites looking for a match.

That said I think the focus of the photo is the girl and hopefully the pumpkins will pass muster, thank you all for your input and suggestions.

(http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3527/gritterlfinaljx4.jpg)

Max

Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Tess (Tassie D) on June 13, 2007, 01:49:33 AM
Thats absolutely beautiful Max. I'm sure the family will love it.
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: glennab on June 13, 2007, 09:11:42 AM
Pumpkins & leaves and precious child, oh my.  You are a master, Max.  She looks wonderful.  The leaves blend beautifully, and the smaller pumpkins work well.  I want to be like you when I grow up.  (if???)

Glenna
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: Ratz on June 13, 2007, 08:17:02 PM
Wonderful restoration Max!!! Well done!
Title: Re: Ausimax's Workshop
Post by: klassylady25 on June 14, 2007, 06:24:21 PM
I see two small spots... does that make me a party pooper?  One - upper right hand area... small brown spot close to the pumpkins and secondly  - the area between the little girls crossed legs is smooth... the rest of the area around her  is textured rug or something.  Just an observation.

The colors have come along swimmingly and the leaves look so much better now.  Great work!!!   ;)