Limit to editing elderly folks images?

lifeinfocus · September 3, 2012

I was wondering this morning what you think about editing elderly peoples' photos.

What is a reasonable amount, if any, of editing elderly peoples portraits, specifically:

Wrinkles?

Pores?

Excess skin around neck?

Eyes?

Other?

Or is the something that should be asked of the individual?

Thanks, Phil

Peano · September 3, 2012

lifeinfocus wrote: »

Or is the something that should be asked of the individual?

This.

lifeinfocus · September 3, 2012

Peano wrote: »

This.

Agree with asking the individual. One thing though is that a lot of people, especially elderly, have no experience in what can be done.

Phil

pathfinder · September 3, 2012

Phil, I think you have to get a feel for the subjects expectations, and if appropriate offer them a choice of images that vary in the restoration performed, so that you can get an idea of their real desires. You can who them pictures of someone else with varying levels of image "enhancement" to give the an idea of what you are asking.

I tend to leave the wrinkles, and defects in, but I do diminish them with a layer mask if needed. No need to give every older person ( like myself ) the Grunge look either.

I like the Grunge look for some images, but I doubt that is why most folks have their portrait shot.

lifeinfocus · September 3, 2012

pathfinder wrote: »

Phil, I think you have to get a feel for the subjects expectations, and if appropriate offer them a choice of images that vary in the restoration performed, so that you can get an idea of their real desires. You can who them pictures of someone else with varying levels of image "enhancement" to give the an idea of what you are asking.

I tend to leave the wrinkles, and defects in, but I do diminish them with a layer mask if needed. No need to give every older person ( like myself ) the Grunge look either.

I like the Grunge look for some images, but I doubt that is why most folks have their portrait shot.

Good points.
Thanks

angevin1 · September 3, 2012

lifeinfocus wrote: »

Good points.
Thanks

Those are good points! Especially showing them examples of post work.

Also, Hair and Make-up are just as important here as in any portrait! Choosing Clothing without Zig-Zag/Houndstooth, no logos, baring skin attracts the eye, etc. Essentially everything applies. I know you didn't ask and prob have it well in hand, but I have found that it can be easy to begin concentrating on some perceived obstacle. We do have to continue to think of all the normal things as well, so just tossing this out there.

lifeinfocus · September 3, 2012

angevin1 wrote: »

Those are good points! Especially showing them examples of post work.

..., but I have found that it can be easy to begin concentrating on some perceived obstacle. /QUOTE]

By obstacles do you mean physical obstacles?

Phil

Peano · September 3, 2012

Here's a sample of one I did... This gentlemen was almost 92 when he died. I knew him. He was in the first wave of U.S. troops that
landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, and he never tried to mask signs of aging, so I didn't either. I just removed a few blemishes and
left the wrinkles intact. It was done after he died, but I suspect he would have agreed with that.

pathfinder · September 3, 2012

I think this is a nice result. If this were my parent, I would be pleased with this interpretation of his visage.

It does not try to hide the gentleman's lifetime of experience, but does diminish some of the changes that are merely transient or unimportant for his likeness.

The neutral background is nice also.

I might not have hidden his bifocal line, but I understand the idea.

angevin1 · September 3, 2012

lifeinfocus wrote: »

angevin1 wrote: »

Those are good points! Especially showing them examples of post work.

..., but I have found that it can be easy to begin concentrating on some perceived obstacle. /QUOTE]

By obstacles do you mean physical obstacles?

Phil

Yeah, "They are over weight", "They're too tall", "too old", etc. Just focus on what you know and don't worry over them being older. Show 'em the post work and get their opinion.

I was 17 when I had my first experience with this very thing. Some person in the U.S. Navy photographic dept. decided I'd want my mole on my face covered up. I got the photo and was totally dismayed that they thought it was ugly or some such. So really, just show some examples of your post work and go with their feelings. And you have seen the touch up tutorials on dgrin, right?

lifeinfocus · September 4, 2012

angevin1 wrote: »

lifeinfocus wrote: »

Yeah, "They are over weight", "They're too tall", "too old", etc. Just focus on what you know and don't worry over them being older. Show 'em the post work and get their opinion.

I was 17 when I had my first experience with this very thing. Some person in the U.S. Navy photographic dept. decided I'd want my mole on my face covered up. I got the photo and was totally dismayed that they thought it was ugly or some such. So really, just show some examples of your post work and go with their feelings. And you have seen the touch up tutorials on dgrin, right?

Have not gone through all of the touch up tutorials on Dgrin. I have fair amount of experience in doing it, except for reducing skin under chin. I just looked at the touching skin part - excellent series. I will go back and check it out more.

Thanks, Phil

Limit to editing elderly folks images?

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