sadie_m fashion Sadie_M_7-22-12_High_Line 31

In my adjustment of your original image I set the levels for her face and, in curves, subtracted some blue and green.  I used the history brush to return the sunlight lighted areas of her shoulder and fingers to their original tones.  I raised the curves a bit  on her hair.  A lot of this sort of adjustment is a matter of personal taste and some post-processors might prefer something between your original and my adjustment.  I hope this helps.  Good luck.

John - I appreciate that you put so much effort into "improving" my photograph. The image you created is entirely different with a different feel. I considered adding some fill at the time I made the photograph but wanted the look I presented. In the future I would be happier if you simply commented on what you might have done differently.

-Mark

HEY MARK, PLEASE CUT ME SOME SLACK!

I said I adjusted your image, describing what I did, and showed you my result to visually demonstrate what I was saying.  If I feel I am improving an image I will state it clearly and show why.  This was not the case here.  My levels adjustment did seem a bit harsh, your original is a bit underexposed with a blue-green color cast.  We are not talking high art here.  Various versions of this image may be processed to serve different purposes.  Your vision and goal at the time of exposure can change radically after you study and think about what you captured and what you want the end result to be.  There is pre-visualization and post-rationalization.  The camera enshrines the moment, the brain says "ok as is" or "let's take a trip through other possibilities."  We all started with film and heard lectures about getting it right in the camera. That bit of puffery neglected to give credit to the latitude and forgiveness of negative film and the skill of the printer operator.  No one, except Polaroid, ever got it all in the camera.  Finally, it is important to defend your image, as is, at the same time being open to comments made by more experienced judges.  Your comments will reveal your level of understanding and the experienced judges will make suggestions and show you techniques that, while it might not make you happy initially, will challenge you to be a better and more confident image-maker.  Feel free to email me anytime.