Andrzej Dragan Effect - Critique Please

photobrando

Thought I'd give this guys' post production techniques a try http://andrzejdragan.com/ , so I used a photo of my old man for my first shot.

Post production took about two hours. I also went a bit less dramatic. Lots to practice and I'm running back through a scimilar photo but turning up the heat a little bit more this time to see what I get.

BEFORE:


AFTER:

PhotoDavid78

nice job. it seems you might want to smear some dirt on the subjects face to get the real effect

jpl

I think your PP does alot for your image.

Andrzej Dragan's portraits almost look like HDR shots to me.

photobrando

Here's another attempt, using my cousin as a subject. I'm eager to try this post production with a properly lit subject rather than random pics that I have

BEFORE:


AFTER :

1pocket

Frankly, this second example looks like a disaster to me -- I cannot find one portion of the image that looks improved by the technique. Her black eye!! All the wonderful light sculpting of light on her breasts in the original, gone in the PP! What zee heck for??

The first one -- the fellow -- much less of a disaster, but what is added besides a color cast?

Okay, something is lost on me here....

wolfejm

Hmmm. Mostly what I see in the first one appears to be a change in white balance and muting the highlights in the background. I checked out the link you referenced just to understand your goal a bit. What I noticed was a significant (ok tons) of contrast on the faces and skin of the models, occaisionally with what must have been clearly an intentional color cast. It made the images (some of them quite eclectic) look sort of like they were of comic books ghouls and vilans. I think they're cool, but I don't think you've quite captured the essence of the effect you referenced.

I don't think it's going to be a flattering view of your "old man," but it could be very interesting. Keep trying!

wolfejm

The second one wasn't working when I posted my first reply. I think you're MUCH closer now. Desaturating the image made a big difference. I still contend it's not a flattering view, but it makes me feel much more like I feel when looking at the ones you referenced. You might try playing with the grain selectively (in the model, background, etc) to see how affects the feel of the image.

gus

Your photo of your father has worked out well, i like it. I see this effect as a fine line between excellence & disaster. I wish i was good with it but i think you need eyes like Andrzej to realise what photo/light will & wont work under this influence. I dont doubt for a min that his 'sight' cant be learnt as many arts can be. I really would like to learn more about it.