People Critique ⇒ 'Leader of the Pack (Revised)

[davechinn]

Since there was a discussion on the hand being so much out of focus and a distraction, I decided to make a correction with the encouragement from all. If not for that encouragement I can honestly say I would have done nothing. So, I want to thank all for that encouragement. It was a challenge that pushed me and sometimes I do need a little nudge. I decided not to correct the other image as that one was not as distracting. Here is the before and after so it makes it easier to compare, rather than jumping back and forth to compare. Thoughts and comments welcomed and appreciated.
Dave

[Charles Haacker]

That is ULTRAFINE work, Dave. If you had shown only the after I would never, ever guess anything had been done at all. You rebuilt the beard, rebuilt the collar right down to its curl, created the shoulder seam from nothing at all, removed the logo from the shirt, and duplicated the light. There are too many other tiny details to mention. This is a master class in retouching.

[davechinn]

That is ULTRAFINE work, Dave. If you had shown only the after I would never, ever guess anything had been done at all. You rebuilt the beard, rebuilt the collar right down to its curl, created the shoulder seam from nothing at all, removed the logo from the shirt, and duplicated the light. There are too many other tiny details to mention. This is a master class in retouching.

Thank you Chuck !!! I appreciate you taking a look and inform me of the progress. I find what may look good to me, may not be for others and it takes comments and opinions to let me know I'm on the right path. Otherwise, I would just keep making the same mistakes over and over.
Dave

[LindaShorey]

Fabulous work, Dave. It's such a compelling image without the distraction - well worth all the work you put into it!

[PietFrancke]

HOLY MOLY!!! there is a circle of blur bounded by the one bright stray hair (that you stole from the other side perhaps). That one bright hair catches my eye too much and it defines that circle - perhaps deaden it a little. And darken/harden the back hair camera right (I think). Where everything is sharp and solid, the blur stands out. But you are CLOSE man. Never would I have been able to do this - it is just awesome!

[davechinn]

Fabulous work, Dave. It's such a compelling image without the distraction - well worth all the work you put into it!

Thank you Linda, much appreciated.
Dave

[davechinn]

HOLY MOLY!!! there is a circle of blur bounded by the one bright stray hair (that you stole from the other side perhaps). That one bright hair catches my eye too much and it defines that circle - perhaps deaden it a little. And darken/harden the back hair camera right (I think). Where everything is sharp and solid, the blur stands out. But you are CLOSE man. Never would I have been able to do this - it is just awesome!

Piet, I'm so glad you pointed out that area. I didn't see it and once I did, I thought,"how did I miss that"? I suppose I was focusing more on the hand area. Either way, I missed it and have since made corrections. Thanks again, much appreciated.
Dave

[Psjunkie]

Final image was worth the effort Dave....well done..

[Matt Quinn]

Dave, If I had taken this photo, my friends and family would have knelt and bowed. Magical what you did from 1 to 2. When I grow up, I want to be able to do 1/10 of this. I agree, however, that the stray hair on the right is a distraction. I prefer the skin tone in the first.

The tilt of the head, the posture, eyes and crinkles all convey a self-assurance, and a life filled with mischief. And stories, if you would ask and listen, and secrets, if you would share. Many scars but few regrets. And friends beyond counting. Extraordinary. Thank you.

[St3v3M]

WOW! I'm just seeing this, and you did an amazing job! I thought you would replace the hand with yours, and didn't think it was possible to do without. Wow! S-