People Professor

kaiserz · 12-12-2012, 09:31 PM

Comments and critiques would be nice (:

Last edited by kaiserz; 12-12-2012 at 10:37 PM.

**rbefly** · 12-13-2012, 12:15 PM

Hello Kaiserz,
First off, I like the pose, lighting and how well you pulled the textures out, particularly the material of his sweater against the dark background.
But, I'm not much of a fan of the "Dragan Effect", which seems to be what you used in pp.
That finely-etched, carved-in-stone look does give the photo more drama, but it's too harsh and unflattering for my taste. In particular, the fingers of his right hand look shiny and wax-like, as well as his left ear.
Overall, it's a good photo, just not to my taste. I realize others like the Dragan "look" so perhaps I'm just old-fashioned!
Ron

**Ash** · 12-13-2012, 12:41 PM - **1 Like**

Agreed. The HDR look to the portrait works in very limited settings, but not this one. It brings out too much skin texture detail which is usually less desirable than just getting the lighting to flatter the subject.

**Miguel** · 12-13-2012, 10:21 PM

This is one of the better portraits I've seen here. You have illuminated the man's character and some form of his essence excellently. I've seen far more intensive Dragan makeovers; this one works quite well for me and doesn't call attention to itself, especially with the black and charcoal combo.

Put this in your portfolio.

M

kaiserz · 12-14-2012, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by rbefly

Hello Kaiserz,
First off, I like the pose, lighting and how well you pulled the textures out, particularly the material of his sweater against the dark background.
But, I'm not much of a fan of the "Dragan Effect", which seems to be what you used in pp.
That finely-etched, carved-in-stone look does give the photo more drama, but it's too harsh and unflattering for my taste. In particular, the fingers of his right hand look shiny and wax-like, as well as his left ear.
Overall, it's a good photo, just not to my taste. I realize others like the Dragan "look" so perhaps I'm just old-fashioned!
Ron

Thank you. I really appreciate the comment. And yes I used a subtle(to me) Dragan "look" and harsh lighting with lil to no diffusion. And thank you for pointing out the right finger being shiny and wax like. I didn't even notice it. it's probably my screen (:

Originally posted by Ash

Agreed. The HDR look to the portrait works in very limited settings, but not this one. It brings out too much skin texture detail which is usually less desirable than just getting the lighting to flatter the subject.

Thank you. for the comment much appreciated (:

kaiserz · 12-14-2012, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by Miguel

This is one of the better portraits I've seen here. You have illuminated the man's character and some form of his essence excellently. I've seen far more intensive Dragan makeovers; this one works quite well for me and doesn't call attention to itself, especially with the black and charcoal combo.

Put this in your portfolio.

M

Thank you Mr. M (:! That's what I was after. To show his greatness, his knowledge, his essence as a professor. Like an old tree full of wisdom. I didn't went with the "glamour" style of portraiture... it's too... normal... and expected... Thank you Mr. M, coming from you this comment means a lot to me

!

Macario · 12-15-2012, 04:41 AM

I like it it alot. I do not not really have critique on the shot. Personally I would have liked the background with a bit more scientific writing on the blackboard.

kaiserz · 12-16-2012, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by Macario

I like it it alot. I do not not really have critique on the shot. Personally I would have liked the background with a bit more scientific writing on the blackboard.

Thank you so much (: yeah that'll be awesome if there were more stuff in there. but sadly he erased some of our discussions on the board.

D4rknezz · 12-17-2012, 09:59 AM - **1 Like**

Awesome shot.
I love the way you treated this portrait. Its definitely very portrait...not glamour.

I would take care of the colour of the right hand to match skin - so it doesnt look waxy, I would also take care of the deep shadow on the right side of his face (corner of mouth)..its so deep it looks like an actual hole.
Other than that...awesome.

here is another person who would probably agree :
Dan Winters Photography

kaiserz · 12-17-2012, 09:59 PM

Originally posted by D4rknezz

Awesome shot.
I love the way you treated this portrait. Its definitely very portrait...not glamour.

I would take care of the colour of the right hand to match skin - so it doesnt look waxy, I would also take care of the deep shadow on the right side of his face (corner of mouth)..its so deep it looks like an actual hole.
Other than that...awesome.

here is another person who would probably agree :
Dan Winters Photography

Thank you so much (:! And WOW those are awesome portraits! you've turned me into a dan winters fan!

**Schraubstock** · 12-17-2012, 10:50 PM

Hi

Absolutely stunning rendering of a very interesting face. Rembrandt would have painted this in a similar way, except he would have used more of a yellow highlight, the style of the time.

You have done exceptionally well the way you executed this portrait.

Rembrandt mockup attached just for fun.

kaiserz · 12-19-2012, 11:43 AM

Originally posted by Schraubstock

Hi

Absolutely stunning rendering of a very interesting face. Rembrandt would have painted this in a similar way, except he would have used more of a yellow highlight, the style of the time.

You have done exceptionally well the way you executed this portrait.

Rembrandt mockup attached just for fun.

Thank you sir (:

Paleo Pete · 12-19-2012, 03:42 PM

Very well done, a tad dark to me, not much, and yeah I wish there had been some distinct writing on the chalk board too, that would have made a great background I think. Nice shot. I would have brightened it slightly, otherwise very good.

kaiserz · 12-20-2012, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by Paleo Pete

Very well done, a tad dark to me, not much, and yeah I wish there had been some distinct writing on the chalk board too, that would have made a great background I think. Nice shot. I would have brightened it slightly, otherwise very good.

Thank you sir (:

smf · 12-29-2012, 04:23 AM

I like it very much.
In addition to dealing with the hand, you might want to consider tweaking (not cropping) the image to eliminate the wood at bottom. I consider it to be an extremely slight distraction.
Also, I'm glad the writing on the chalkboard is very blurry and that there's not more writing. I think greater sharpness there and more writing might be distracting.
Best wishes, and I hope to see much more of your work.

12-12-2012, 09:31 PM	#1
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899	Professor Lens: A 50 1.7 Camera: K7 ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/90s Aperture: F2.4 Comments and critiques would be nice (: Last edited by kaiserz; 12-12-2012 at 10:37 PM.

12-13-2012, 12:15 PM	#2
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	Portrait Photo Hello Kaiserz, First off, I like the pose, lighting and how well you pulled the textures out, particularly the material of his sweater against the dark background. But, I'm not much of a fan of the "Dragan Effect", which seems to be what you used in pp. That finely-etched, carved-in-stone look does give the photo more drama, but it's too harsh and unflattering for my taste. In particular, the fingers of his right hand look shiny and wax-like, as well as his left ear. Overall, it's a good photo, just not to my taste. I realize others like the Dragan "look" so perhaps I'm just old-fashioned! Ron

12-17-2012, 09:59 PM	#10
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by D4rknezz Awesome shot. I love the way you treated this portrait. Its definitely very portrait...not glamour. I would take care of the colour of the right hand to match skin - so it doesnt look waxy, I would also take care of the deep shadow on the right side of his face (corner of mouth)..its so deep it looks like an actual hole. Other than that...awesome. here is another person who would probably agree : Dan Winters Photography Thank you so much (:! And WOW those are awesome portraits! you've turned me into a dan winters fan! Last edited by kaiserz; 12-17-2012 at 10:07 PM.

12-17-2012, 10:50 PM	#11
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	Hi Absolutely stunning rendering of a very interesting face. Rembrandt would have painted this in a similar way, except he would have used more of a yellow highlight, the style of the time. You have done exceptionally well the way you executed this portrait. Rembrandt mockup attached just for fun. Last edited by Schraubstock; 02-16-2013 at 01:51 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
People The Mad Professor	Fries	Post Your Photos!	6	10-14-2012 12:50 PM
the professor with k-5	Roberto Antonini	Welcomes and Introductions	7	07-08-2012 01:52 AM
Pity poor Professor Todd Henderson	deadwolfbones	General Talk	13	09-23-2010 05:30 PM
LSU Professor removed from teaching for being too tough; students' grades raised	deadwolfbones	General Talk	8	04-16-2010 03:41 PM
Photo Professor	lurchlarson	Photographic Technique	2	05-11-2009 09:26 AM

12-13-2012, 12:41 PM - 1 Like	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Agreed. The HDR look to the portrait works in very limited settings, but not this one. It brings out too much skin texture detail which is usually less desirable than just getting the lighting to flatter the subject.

12-13-2012, 10:21 PM	#4
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	This is one of the better portraits I've seen here. You have illuminated the man's character and some form of his essence excellently. I've seen far more intensive Dragan makeovers; this one works quite well for me and doesn't call attention to itself, especially with the black and charcoal combo. Put this in your portfolio. M

12-14-2012, 09:09 PM	#5
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by rbefly Hello Kaiserz, First off, I like the pose, lighting and how well you pulled the textures out, particularly the material of his sweater against the dark background. But, I'm not much of a fan of the "Dragan Effect", which seems to be what you used in pp. That finely-etched, carved-in-stone look does give the photo more drama, but it's too harsh and unflattering for my taste. In particular, the fingers of his right hand look shiny and wax-like, as well as his left ear. Overall, it's a good photo, just not to my taste. I realize others like the Dragan "look" so perhaps I'm just old-fashioned! Ron Thank you. I really appreciate the comment. And yes I used a subtle(to me) Dragan "look" and harsh lighting with lil to no diffusion. And thank you for pointing out the right finger being shiny and wax like. I didn't even notice it. it's probably my screen (: Originally posted by Ash Agreed. The HDR look to the portrait works in very limited settings, but not this one. It brings out too much skin texture detail which is usually less desirable than just getting the lighting to flatter the subject. Thank you. for the comment much appreciated (:

12-14-2012, 09:22 PM	#6
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by Miguel This is one of the better portraits I've seen here. You have illuminated the man's character and some form of his essence excellently. I've seen far more intensive Dragan makeovers; this one works quite well for me and doesn't call attention to itself, especially with the black and charcoal combo. Put this in your portfolio. M Thank you Mr. M (:! That's what I was after. To show his greatness, his knowledge, his essence as a professor. Like an old tree full of wisdom. I didn't went with the "glamour" style of portraiture... it's too... normal... and expected... Thank you Mr. M, coming from you this comment means a lot to me !

12-15-2012, 04:41 AM	#7
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	I like it it alot. I do not not really have critique on the shot. Personally I would have liked the background with a bit more scientific writing on the blackboard.

12-16-2012, 11:29 AM	#8
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by Macario I like it it alot. I do not not really have critique on the shot. Personally I would have liked the background with a bit more scientific writing on the blackboard. Thank you so much (: yeah that'll be awesome if there were more stuff in there. but sadly he erased some of our discussions on the board.

12-17-2012, 09:59 AM - 1 Like	#9
D4rknezz Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,196	Awesome shot. I love the way you treated this portrait. Its definitely very portrait...not glamour. I would take care of the colour of the right hand to match skin - so it doesnt look waxy, I would also take care of the deep shadow on the right side of his face (corner of mouth)..its so deep it looks like an actual hole. Other than that...awesome. here is another person who would probably agree : Dan Winters Photography

12-19-2012, 11:43 AM	#12
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by Schraubstock Hi Absolutely stunning rendering of a very interesting face. Rembrandt would have painted this in a similar way, except he would have used more of a yellow highlight, the style of the time. You have done exceptionally well the way you executed this portrait. Rembrandt mockup attached just for fun. Thank you sir (:

12-19-2012, 03:42 PM	#13
Paleo Pete Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,880	Very well done, a tad dark to me, not much, and yeah I wish there had been some distinct writing on the chalk board too, that would have made a great background I think. Nice shot. I would have brightened it slightly, otherwise very good.

12-20-2012, 07:59 PM	#14
kaiserz Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NoVa The "burg" Photos: Gallery Posts: 899 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paleo Pete Very well done, a tad dark to me, not much, and yeah I wish there had been some distinct writing on the chalk board too, that would have made a great background I think. Nice shot. I would have brightened it slightly, otherwise very good. Thank you sir (:

12-29-2012, 04:23 AM	#15
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083	I like it very much. In addition to dealing with the hand, you might want to consider tweaking (not cropping) the image to eliminate the wood at bottom. I consider it to be an extremely slight distraction. Also, I'm glad the writing on the chalkboard is very blurry and that there's not more writing. I think greater sharpness there and more writing might be distracting. Best wishes, and I hope to see much more of your work.