Oliver Morton, A{SA
July 2025 - Who Are You?
About the Image(s)
Sadly, the original of this photograph is no longer available. I took the image eight years ago. The man’s expression fascinates me. I keep wondering what he is thinking, what his life is like, and what he’s experienced over the years.
Since I took and processed this photograph long ago, I no longer recall my processing approach. Nonetheless, I wanted to share it and hear your thoughts.
Data: Canon 5D Mark IV; 70-200mm lens @ 200mm; 1/200 sec; f/2.8; ISO 3200
12 comments posted
Pete,
You have a knack for photographing people in situ, unrehearsed, as they live life. It is a skill. I found it interesting that you shot this at 200mm to get the closeup portrait.
I wanted to see if I could "recreate" the missing part of your subject's head using PS generative fill. I added a bit of canvas to the top, used the spot healing brush to fill in the blank canvas there which created a distorted crown of his head and then I used generative fill to see what AI would do. I chose one of the outcomes that looked realistic to me. I did darkened the background at the top of the frame.
Regards
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 13:33:00
You have a knack for photographing people in situ, unrehearsed, as they live life. It is a skill. I found it interesting that you shot this at 200mm to get the closeup portrait.
I wanted to see if I could "recreate" the missing part of your subject's head using PS generative fill. I added a bit of canvas to the top, used the spot healing brush to fill in the blank canvas there which created a distorted crown of his head and then I used generative fill to see what AI would do. I chose one of the outcomes that looked realistic to me. I did darkened the background at the top of the frame.
Regards
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 13:33:00
Thank you, Emil. I love taking candid and informal portraits. In fact, I've been asked to give a webinar on the topic.
Photoshop's AI capabilities are extraordinary. I continue learning new uses for them. Recently, I came across a YouTube video that showcased some AI capabilities I hadn't considered. Take a look and see what you think. It's at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zfce_gIfw0&t=670s
I always enjoy seeing your ideas for modifying or improving images - mine and those of other photographers. Thank you!
In this photograph, I cropped off his head to further emphasize his eyes and expression. Do you feel it's better to include everything?
Posted: 07/04/2025 15:42:55
Photoshop's AI capabilities are extraordinary. I continue learning new uses for them. Recently, I came across a YouTube video that showcased some AI capabilities I hadn't considered. Take a look and see what you think. It's at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zfce_gIfw0&t=670s
I always enjoy seeing your ideas for modifying or improving images - mine and those of other photographers. Thank you!
In this photograph, I cropped off his head to further emphasize his eyes and expression. Do you feel it's better to include everything?
Posted: 07/04/2025 15:42:55
Pete,
I thinks your webinar will be well received.
It is probably the engineer in me that likes the full head. I now see what you were trying to do
I offer another way to achieve it with the image I showed previously. I added a vertical radial gradient over the head, inverted it and reduced the exposure so the periphery of the frame darkens. I also placed a horizontal radial gradient over the eyes to lighten it to draw your attention there.
Regards
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 15:53:57
I thinks your webinar will be well received.
It is probably the engineer in me that likes the full head. I now see what you were trying to do
I offer another way to achieve it with the image I showed previously. I added a vertical radial gradient over the head, inverted it and reduced the exposure so the periphery of the frame darkens. I also placed a horizontal radial gradient over the eyes to lighten it to draw your attention there.
Regards
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 15:53:57
Inspirational! What do you think of this version (using the engineering head... Smiles)?
Posted: 07/04/2025 16:44:08
Posted: 07/04/2025 16:44:08
The dark background is the right choice here Pete...Your eyes go right into your subject
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 16:58:23
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 16:58:23
Great! Thank you.
One thing I discovered...
My initial modifications left a halo around the man's face. Instead of fixing this the "classic" way, I used AI. First, I selected the subject in PS. Then I subtracted 7 pixels from the selection and saved the new selection. Next, I added 14 pixels to the new selection and subtracted the contracted selection. This left a 7 pixel selection around the edges of the man's face. Generative Fill did the rest.
I hope this makes sense. It was a bit hard to explain.
Posted: 07/04/2025 17:43:11
One thing I discovered...
My initial modifications left a halo around the man's face. Instead of fixing this the "classic" way, I used AI. First, I selected the subject in PS. Then I subtracted 7 pixels from the selection and saved the new selection. Next, I added 14 pixels to the new selection and subtracted the contracted selection. This left a 7 pixel selection around the edges of the man's face. Generative Fill did the rest.
I hope this makes sense. It was a bit hard to explain.
Posted: 07/04/2025 17:43:11
Well a new one on me and the outcome is perfect
Print it or share on your webinar
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 17:53:39
Print it or share on your webinar
Emil Posted: 07/04/2025 17:53:39
Thank you.
BTW, I "mis-spoke". The selected area around the face was 14 pixels (not 7) which left plenty of room for AI to do its thing. Posted: 07/04/2025 18:12:35
BTW, I "mis-spoke". The selected area around the face was 14 pixels (not 7) which left plenty of room for AI to do its thing. Posted: 07/04/2025 18:12:35
Michael Laezza
Pete - I followed the exchange you have with Emil and find it interesting that often the best way to arrive at a final image is to experiment and try different approaches and techniques.
I liked the original version and played with contrast a bit - I also turned it into a square crop and left more space on the right side.
Cheers
Mike Posted: 07/13/2025 02:48:55
I liked the original version and played with contrast a bit - I also turned it into a square crop and left more space on the right side.
Cheers
Mike Posted: 07/13/2025 02:48:55
Hi Pete, A great shot which captures the soul of the person well. you are gifted portrait photographer and I am confident your webinar will be a success.
I followed the interesting exchange with Emil. I personally like the initial version best with the cropped head as it brings more focus on the interesting parts of the face.
As a trained lawyer I would be interested what you say in your webinar about the consent: how do you suggest to capture the „model release form" when doing informal portraits - do you ask them afterwards and how to you evidence it? what use is covered (if detailled). In our fotoclub we have a variety on views and couldnt agree on a best practice. Posted: 07/13/2025 09:50:17
I followed the interesting exchange with Emil. I personally like the initial version best with the cropped head as it brings more focus on the interesting parts of the face.
As a trained lawyer I would be interested what you say in your webinar about the consent: how do you suggest to capture the „model release form" when doing informal portraits - do you ask them afterwards and how to you evidence it? what use is covered (if detailled). In our fotoclub we have a variety on views and couldnt agree on a best practice. Posted: 07/13/2025 09:50:17
Adrian, in the US, a model release form isn't required for images taken in public places unless you intend to use your photographs commercially. Since I don't sell my images and usually request permission, I don't worry about obtaining a model release. I've been doing this for MANY years and have never had an issue.
When I've submitted images to PSA, I explained that they were taken in a public place. They accepted that instead of needing a model release.
The requirement for a model release varies from country to country, so it's necessary to determine the local laws. Additionally, there are often local customs that should be observed.
I hope this makes sense.
Posted: 07/23/2025 20:47:10
When I've submitted images to PSA, I explained that they were taken in a public place. They accepted that instead of needing a model release.
The requirement for a model release varies from country to country, so it's necessary to determine the local laws. Additionally, there are often local customs that should be observed.
I hope this makes sense.
Posted: 07/23/2025 20:47:10
Hi Pete - lucky Americans :-) In Europe the situation is quite different and the argument of "public place" doesnt uphold for portraits. The decisive argument is, if the people were only bystanders (e.g. the spectators in the attached). Posted: 07/24/2025 07:33:54