Bright Invention

saurora

I was intently behind my camera Sunday at a family get-together when my great-nephew Lukas (22 months old) appeared inches from my face pretending to be taking my picture. I just quickly snapped at point blank and of course he was so dang close I wasn't sure it would be in focus, which it wasn't. But I had to share anyway 'cause it made me laugh at his ingenuity! (Check out the shutter finger!) The focus landed on his hands and sprinkler more than his eyes, so I tried a bundle of things to bring the focus on his eyes. Eventually I converted to B&W as the color and contrast was just bleah. Used a high-pass (at what point I can't remember) as I wasn't liking anything I was getting and I brushed away on that layer on the forehead and hands to soften. Did a curves layer on his eyes to bring them out of the shady, flat lighting and to brighten. Then lassoed the eyes to USM. And a very slight gaussine vignette to enhance the OOF areas and sharpen the middle. I think it sorta worked.

Richard

Wonderful, shot. It doesn't look improvised in the least. BTW, is that a Canon or a Nikon? I don't recognize the model.

Cheers,

saurora

Thanks Richard! I don't know, could it be the new 40D??? I like the chrome finish on it .... I wonder if it uses white lenses?

Mitchell

I love it!! Very nice treatment.

evoryware

All that work, I can't imagine what the original looked like!
Turned out real nice!

jeffreaux2

SUPER!!!! capture. This is an heirloom...instantly. What exactly is he holding?

At least he hasn't been infiltrated by soooo much modern tech yet. Else he would be shooting at arms length and maybe at himself for a myspace type shot!!!lol

photocat

Wonderful shot Aurora... Almost whished I would have shot it.
His eyes are now surely sharp enough... Love it!
A kid shot for a practice of a pediatrician...

Azzaro

I like it....Very impressive!!!!!!!! AZZARO

saurora

jeffreaux2 wrote:

SUPER!!!! capture. This is an heirloom...instantly. What exactly is he holding?

At least he hasn't been infiltrated by soooo much modern tech yet. Else he would be shooting at arms length and maybe at himself for a myspace type shot!!!lol

Thanks Jeff...he's holding an old-fashioned sprinkler head for watering your lawn.

ShepsMom

I think you did a great job, i see no faults, unless you want to post an original

Llywellyn

This is such a cool shot! I can see the line of demarcation on his forehead, but I didn't notice it until after I read your post-processing steps. You did an amazing job. Doesn't look like you did more than convert to B&W, really.

saurora

Llywellyn wrote:

This is such a cool shot! I can see the line of demarcation on his forehead, but I didn't notice it until after I read your post-processing steps. You did an amazing job. Doesn't look like you did more than convert to B&W, really.

Boy, you are right! That's what happens when I work late at night and my eyes are strained! Guess I will touch that up tonight. Thanks!

saurora

Reworked....hopefully better!

Cherieg

that was a can't miss shot. so glad you got it! smart kid.

Pixel Popper

Great capture. It does so much more than "sorta works." It's definitely one to hang on to! He'll love that shot in years to come.

leaforte

Very cool. A protege for sure.

Scott_Quier

This is a great shot! As others have already said, this will be one that family will come back to for years and years. And, just think, when he becomes a famous movie director, you get to say that you gave him his start!

Osprey Whisperer

Great capture Susan. Gotta love it. :ivar

pathfinder

Very nice capture.

I like the B&W conversion also.