Hi Key

[Graham_of_Rainham]

As with everything the "Credit Crunch" has affected my images and I'm trying Hi-Key in and effort to save ink. The most facinating thing (for me) is that I tried printing this and it works much better on plain paper than on photo paper, providing a pencil drawn look that I've never got before.

Anyway back to why it's posted here. Can I please have some feedback, on what for me is a new avenue of exploration.



Thanks

[gno]

Re: Hi Key

Hi Graham,

I like the overall effect, but for some reason the lack of definition around her cheeks makes Katie's face seem wider than I think it is which is a bit unflattering. Perhaps it's the angle of the shot, is it noticable in the original?

Regards

Gavin

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Hi Key

Hi Graham,

I like the overall effect, but for some reason the lack of definition around her cheeks makes Katie's face seem wider than I think it is which is a bit unflattering. Perhaps it's the angle of the shot, is it noticable in the original?

Regards

Gavin

There is another version here:

http://e-group.uk.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5521/ppuser/218

That may be more to your liking. I'm experimenting to see just how minimal I can go before it goes wrong.

Thanks for the comment

[shenstone]

Re: Hi Key

I actually prefer the 1st as a pure image - it looks like a pencil drawing

Regards
Andy

[rich s]

Re: Hi Key

The other day I was in a local gallery and noticed a set of minimalist portraits, such as this one. Not quite high-key, but interesting nevertheless to see how we approach a similar concept through different media.

[DannyH]

Re: Hi Key

If you are going for the pencil drawing affect, the first one works much better. I also like it the best. I also agree about the cheeks being lost and her face appearing more filled out than the actual image. Is there any way to put in just a little more detail of that area and still have the nice pencil/ minimalist look?

[StephenL]

Re: Hi Key

I was about to say that I thought it was a little too high-key, but then I viewed the other version, and I've got to say I think the first one is better. I see what the others are saying about the cheeks, but it doesn't bother me.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Hi Key

If you are going for the pencil drawing affect, the first one works much better. I also like it the best. I also agree about the cheeks being lost and her face appearing more filled out than the actual image. Is there any way to put in just a little more detail of that area and still have the nice pencil/ minimalist look?

This really is highly experimental and the first time I've tried this minimalistic approach. I wanted to see how far I can go with removing features and letting the "Minds Eye" provide the rest.

I can't envisage Katie with fat cheeks, but because I know what she looks like, I can't judge if I've gone too far and need that extra hint of detail that is required to pull it all together.

Good comment - something to think about

[DannyH]

Re: Hi Key

Graham, can you give a quick run down on how you did this. I looked up hi-key on google and had troubles getting your results.

[gno]

Re: Hi Key

There is another version here:

http://e-group.uk.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5521/ppuser/218

That may be more to your liking. I'm experimenting to see just how minimal I can go before it goes wrong.

Thanks for the comment

I think the problem as I see it comes from the fact that the original background is too similar to the hair colour (as best as I can see in the monotone image). I think better definition in facial features could be achieved if the background was white to start with, before levels are adjusted to get that softer white look without losing definition by going too far.

Regards

Gavin

[B.P.S Studios]

Re: Hi Key

Hi Graham, Happy New Year to you, The image for me lacks contrast perhaps if you take a sample of the gray colour in the hair with the eye dropper and colour burn over the face @ about 25% it should bring back some of the definition.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Hi Key

Graham, can you give a quick run down on how you did this. I looked up hi-key on google and had troubles getting your results.

Starting with a RAW colour image exposed to provide a slightly Hi-Key look I used Picasa to do a B&W conversion using coloured filter effects (highly recommended, a lot like playing with the dials on an enlarger )

http://e-group.uk.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5521/ppuser/218

I really like the expression that was captured, but was never happy with the overall image, so I tried to keep just the elements that portray the expression (eyes & mouth)

All the reduction of image content was done in PS Elements with simple eraser tools set to 5%-15%. I'd have very real difficulty describing the full process as it was highly experimental with lots of "undos", try something else, etc... There were none of the PS built in filters used, just simple tools, contrast, levels, etc...

Not much help, I know but like a lot of things the fun is in the learning

I believe the finished print (on plain paper) looks far better than on screen. I'll be entering it in a competition tonight, but they are a very conservative bunch and this will probably get cast very quickly.

[The Judge]

Re: Hi Key

Composition 8
Originality 6
Focus 7
Exposure 4
Colour/Effects 4

Overall score 58% Average

[Bill Gordon]

Re: Hi Key

Hi Graham
The first image...way up at the top of this thread is absolutely fabulous!!
Having said that I took a look at the other image that you referred us to and I very much like it as well. I think that when you start to compare them ... you really should not! They both stand on their merit, one a high key effect which you got and the other one which is a standard shot which on its' own is very good.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Hi Key

Hi Graham
The first image...way up at the top of this thread is absolutely fabulous!!
Having said that I took a look at the other image that you referred us to and I very much like it as well. I think that when you start to compare them ... you really should not! They both stand on their merit, one a high key effect which you got and the other one which is a standard shot which on its' own is very good.

Bill,

Your comments are truly appreciated. I'm most happy when I'm experimenting with photography and image production. I often build things (sometimes that work) just to create an effect or to try to reproduce an image. Often in these days of perfect images, air brushed models and the endless presentation of them, the simple or minimal is overlooked. It was this that I was playing with and I had a lot of fun in the process.

Thanks