Day 2 - Pen
by jonfrommk

Comment:
A nice choice of subjects.

I don't have much to say about the shot itself, but I'd like to put something out there for you.

During the course of this "challenge", people will be wanting to comment and learn and provide insights, and whatnot. One way that you can help with this is by making sure that you include as much relevant information on each shot as you can. It only takes a few minutes to add the data in the drop down menus, and whenever you can, tell us things like why you converted the way you did, why you shot the way you did, etc.

It's a huge help for everyone concerned, but especially for you yourself.

head.jpg
by toddhead

Comment:
Don't tell me you aren't Ray Liotta.. because you are. I'm ON to you!

Sieve
by aznym

Comment:
I also find this to be an incredibly gorgeous abstract image.

Going in my favorites as well.

On Putney Hill
by JulieG

Comment:
Butchered? No..

Slightly over-sharpened, and the halos could be pulled back some.. but that's a far cry from butchered.

Kaden0860dpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
Again, just a slight heavy hand on the contrast here. You lose a little too much detail in the facial features, and you don't get enough of a contrast in the eyes, which I feel is important. Great pose though.

The tilt, for me, also adds a nice little dimensional touch.

Kaden0774bwdpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
My untrained eye says that there's a little too much contrast in this conversion. The darkness plays well with his mood, but I think a little more detail across his features would be nice. That's just my preference however.

I do like the moodiness though.

Kaden0834dpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
I just can't get over how cute this kid is.. hehe.

This is probably my favorite of the bunch. It's better in the sharpness area (although still a touch too soft in the eyes again), but the light and shadows here play a fantastic role in separating the shot. I'd concentrate on getting a little more sharpness into those eyes.. perhaps burn the pupils some to really stand them out, (and other shadowy/dark areas around the eye), and this could really shine.

Andy0718dpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
Nice expression here too.. and fantastic light into the eyes. I'd pull back the brightness on his face if at all possible though, and work on maybe toning the red/orange light in the shadow on his face down a bit as well.

Again, the softness plays a bit of a negative role.

Kaden0858dpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
Softness is evident in this photo as well. I'd leave it as is for the most part, but I'd try and get those eyes sharper.. perhaps a very faint touch of color to them as well?

The white line by the back of his head is a bit distracting for me too.

As for the feel.. he's got a very wistful, almost sad expression. Really makes one want to delve into the mind and find out what he's thinking.

Kaden0790dpc.jpg
by JRalston

Comment:
sitting here awake, hopped up on sugar and caffeine.. so I thought, why not :)

First and foremost, I think you should go in and add the data for your images, as it *sure* helps when someone goes to comment on a photo :)

This image seems a little soft to me at first glance, which could be a factor of having a larger aperature due to available light. A little more work with sharpening (I'd try USM, set to 0.3 radius and between 75 and 125 for the amount. If it's too strong, back the amount up a bit. Just a suggestion of course. I could also be seeing things from the sugar buzz. lol.

I adore the expression on his face, and the use of natural lighting here is very clever. He's got beautiful eyes.