Peter - overall I think it is a great image and I like the way you added this background to tell the story of an entrance guarded by thus young thug: very peaky blinders. You have really captured a personality here.

For the image itself I have two suggestions: I think the white under his eyes is too intense and is therefore distracting. I do see some of it in the original - but I cannot understand its source even there. Second, I see this setting as conveying menace - and for that I would suggest that the background be darker (which might elevate the subject as well).

I have a couple of problems with the model: the jacket is too big (glad you cut out his right hand which seems to me to be ill at ease as well as lost in the sleeve), and he stands resting with his finger on the trigger which is too foolish to be credible.   Posted: 05/01/2022 19:41:17

I like this for the menace it is portraying and for the time period (40's-50's or perhaps prohibition?) I agree with Gerard's comments and that he does indeed have a sharp eye. I think darkening the tunnel will help as I think the texture seems different in it than in the portrait portion. I tend to think in stories with pictures like these and I can easily imagine Al Capone and gang driving up with a load of hootch being delivered followed by Elliot Ness trying to round them all up. Thanks for the story.   Posted: 05/06/2022 15:08:52

Hi Peter. Nice composite. I concur with Gerard and Randy about the background and the highlights under the eyes. As edited, the subject and background have similar luminosity with gives the viewer (me) the clue that this is a composite. Toning down the background would do a lot to make the image more believable. I think I would also try to do something with the darkness of his face, as it appears to me as if he's covered in soot. Regardless of the critiques, you've managed to create a nice period piece that evoques a time gone by.   Posted: 05/06/2022 17:23:40

Hi Peter,
Your compositing skills are exceptional. You created a story of yesteryear. After editing the small details noted by Gerard, Michael, and Randy you will have a perfect image. Nicely done.   Posted: 05/09/2022 08:26:18

Peter, You did an excellent job on getting these images in a composite. Great story telling image. I just cleaned up in the tunnel in the background. There is a camera and some other things that is distracting. I went into photoshop camera raw and used a radial tool around his face and lightened it a little and used a white brush to darken under his eyes. I brighten the white's of his eyes with a white brush. This is a great image.   Posted: 05/10/2022 13:35:15