RILEY - (enlarge)

Wonderful, handsome and loving face. Congratulations. Great photo, amiga. Saludos. 

On December 29th, 2013 we spent a lovely Christmas Dinner at

Jim's daughter Robin and her partner Steve's home. Steve has 2

lovely children, Logan (12) and Jasmine (15). Riley is Robin's second

child. He just turned 13 last evening. While we have not seen a lot of

Riley and Robin, due to distance, it is wonderful to know that they

live barely 25 minutes away. Riley is an extremely well mannered

and yes, handsome 'teenager' :) and our visit was truly pleasurable.

We were treated to our first ever 'Deep Fried Turkey'. I was not sure

how it would turn out - we'd never had one before. Steve was more

than careful in his preparation of the 'bird', and I don't think I have

ever tasted such a moist turkey! Last evening they all went out to

celebrate Riley's 13th Birthday, and dropped by the house afterwards

for cake! In this image, Riley was reading his Christmas Card. There

were shopping bags and other distracting things in the background,

so I decided to remove it as best I could and use a few texture

images for replacement. There is also a Texture over the entire

image including Riley's face. He is a avid Skateboarder and I knew

he'd like a more Grunge appearance to the image. (entered under

Digital Alterations, your feedback and visits are always appreciated,

sincere regards, Gail)

My, you both are so quick!!! many thanks for taking the time to offer your input!! And yes Mari, I do think he is a handsome boy. He has grown into a very smart and interesting young man.

kindest regards to you both, Gail

What a beautiful portrait Gail!...Honest, simple and direct. Nice!

Tim

Sincere thanks Tim. I 've not done too many portraits. I'm glad Riley liked this one!

Hi Gail,

A well shot portrait and follow up presentation.

I trust that Riley has a nice print, framed, of this image.

Warmest Regards, Mike 

I like this portrait you did and nice artistic your skill,his candid expression and posture make it more interesting.

my best regards

A fine portrait Gail. I like the PP work as well. Take care.

BR,

Holger

Hello Gail , a great portrait of Riley , good colour and I like the downcast eyes . Bill

Gail, I have noticed that you tend to bring out the emotional side of people in your portrait shots and exactly the same thing happens here. Also, it is very interesting that in this particular composition even though the eyes, which are the most evident emotional carriers in humans, are totally hidden, you succeed to present a gentle, humble and sensitive young boy in the best possible way. Lovely job! Compliments...

Particular and nice portrait!

An excellent portrait.  Good post-processing. 

Beautifully done, my friend, I love it. Great job as usual.

Thanks for your kind words on the sweetie girl from San Pedro, she is a doll.

Hugs

I just love this one Gail. Handsome young fella. I like how you processed the background and his sweatshirt (??)  yet the face is quite sharp. Marvelous technique!!

I did a 14x11 that I matted in Black actually for his Mom, Robin. I did not have a frame, but she really liked the image. Jim was sure that she would pick up a frame for it. I was very pleased with how the print turned out. I printed up some smaller ones for Riley. Thank you for your kind remarks, always appreciate your input.

Warmest regards always, Gail

You immediately hit on one of my concerns. I was not too sure just how this one would be received because there was 'no' eye contact. But Riley's expression was one of loving gratitude when he saw his Christmas present. It was his expression that I enjoyed so much about this image. I am so glad you saw exactly what I 'felt'. I do enjoy your input Yannis, many thanks for taking the time to share that encouraging comment.

There are a few texture layers involved Warren, plus additional layers and Blending modes. I applied one particular blending mode to just the background layers that fortunately for me worked out. The texture layer I decided to use over Riley's face and Sweatshirt worked good over the background as well. I erased it off his face, then applied a 'scratchy' texture over it all as well. When using a Scratchy Texture over the face, you can clone areas on the scratchy layer OVER scratches that you don't want in certain areas of the face. I have found this works very good. If you ever have any questions, just write!! :) thanks so much, Gail

many thanks for your visit and yes, your 'sweetie girl' was a 'doll'. Always enjoy your images of the little girls. You have an affinity for their lovely sweetness. I think it must come from having so many beautiful women around you all the time!! :) take care my friend.

many thanks to you both for your visits and time taken to share your thoughts, always appreciated!!!

You both are such good supporters and always offer words of encouragement, my sincere thanks for your consideration - always, Gail

Sincere thanks Radu. You always appreciate anything that displays tenderness.

Unless my vision is failing, the texture which you mention everywhere except Riley's face is quite obvious.  I think it lends some structure to his skin and to its tone.  Bottom line - it works well.

Please let Riley know that I love his choice of hats.  I believe the inscription is part of an AC/DC song title:  "For Those About to Rock."

My best always,

michael

Excellent and expressive portrait . Congratulations.

Hi Gail,

  Wonderful portrait with great processing.  Take care, Patsy