Duotone color choices

adbsgicom

Are there general rules of thumb for duotone and relating it to desaturation of the main color? I've been messing around some but haven't found much in the way of guidelines (though some combinations definitely look horrible).

Original:


Desat w/ Blue in the shadows and a taupe highlight.


Desat w/ Magenta in the shadows


Same as prior, but clarity knocked way down


Saturation kept up w/ Same magenta shadows


At the home front, jury is out. Adults seem to like the magenta tint. My daughter likes the colder image in part because her hair doesn't have any red to it (usually). Thoughts and guidance on this front would be appreciated...

divamum

I love ALL of them - this is one stonking, amazing, holy-crap-he's-good-and-she's-gorgeous shot of your beautiful girl She does look older than her years (and startlingly like Kate Winslet), but it is just a stunner.

The only treatment i don't like is with the clarity blur/glow - all the others are great. My favorite is probably 3 with the magenta hues, but I like the "normal" one, too.

RyanS

It is a matter of opinion it seems. Therefore, pick the one you like best. ;-) I like the original best because, for me, this truer color image seems to have more emotional impact.

reyvee61

I'm not sure on this and I haven't played much with duotone but I love the results.....very nice!

zoomer

The options for playing are endless, the question is always.....I could but don't know if I should.
I always refer back to this "The greatest hindrance to creativity is the fear that you may be wrong."

I say if you like it...put it out there.

To my eye I love a blue tint so 2 for me.

lilmomma

Wow Andrew... She is stunning! I'm not a fan of the duotones but that is just me.. The original is absolutely beautiful though!

adbsgicom

Thanks, all for the feedback.
I like the original best of them all as well.

The other real keeper from the very short session. Didn't notice her skirt all bunched up until afterwards.... :bash



Both of these are all natural light. Partly cloudy with the sun pretty much behind her at about 30-degrees elevation...

Qarik

original by far..don't like any of the mods. the origanal has some great pop

travischance

Original is beautiful!

adbsgicom

Daniel & Travis, thanks!!

sjconst

What a beautiful photo and subject! I love the original more too

adbsgicom

Thanks. Looks like, aside from Sepia toning, the duotone sliders can be left alone...