DSS #27 - What do you think?

[anonymouscuban]

This idea came to me from a dream I had last night. Kind of bizarre but I was some place alone, I can't really make out where, but I had nothing, no clothes, no money, and I recall feeling like someone had taken everything away from me by force. I remember dreaming that I kept assuring myself that all I needed for protection were my fists. That they couldn't take them away from me. Don't remember much more.

Well... I tried a few dfferent concepts and I like this one the most. How's it look on your monitor? Looks pretty good on mine. Is the conversion OK? How are the highlights?

http://anonymouscuban.smugmug.com/photos/556246934_CANrC-L.jpg

Not sure of the title... kicking around these ideas:

Army of Two (or Ten)
Fingers United
Ten Become TwoThanks for looking and commenting.

Alex

[Benjer]

Alex, that's a cool story of inspiration. I think it's a compelling image, too - staring at it, the fists almost look like they're moving toward me! DOF is just right for this, and though the highlights are pretty intense I can see just enough detail close up. That said, maybe taming the highlights just a bit will help the whole image set a little better.

Then again, the burning intensity of the knuckles has impact, so to speak. :scratch But ultimately, since this is more of a portrait than an action shot, I think subduing the foreground exposure would make it stronger overall. Maybe...?:dunno

Regardless it's very well done and the composition is solid.

[ghinson]

Looks great. Sharp. Nice DOF.

Call it "Meet my uncle, Harry Knuckles." :)

[anonymouscuban]

http://anonymouscuban.smugmug.com/photos/556384652_zr5yF-L.jpg

Ben,

Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah... I need to adjust my monitor a bit. I've been getting comments that the highlights are a bit strong on pictures I've posted lately, but yet on my monitor they look OK.

I made some adjustments to the image (above). I used the local adjustment brush to reduce the exposure a bit on my hands. Then I added a second layer to paint the outline of the my fists and also the spaces between my fingers and then did some selective contrast adjusted there too to bring out a bit more contrast and detail. I then brought down the dark tones on the overall image a bit to give a little more drama.

Better? Or did I make it worse?

BTW Ghinson... I do have some hairy knuckles. I've never really noticed until looking at this picture. Maybe I will get them waxed. :D

[Benjer]

Good job on reworking the Knuckle Twins - a big improvement! Now don't punch me, but I think the background in the first version is better.

[anonymouscuban]

OK... new Knuckles, old background below:

http://anonymouscuban.smugmug.com/photos/556382392_6qeh4-L.jpg

[richtersl]

DOF is great! The fists look like they're jumping out of the photo.

[Katmitchell]

uh.... I liked number one Cuban.. the balance was just right........ the final process is way too bright... I feel like there is loss of mastery in the old PS when I look at that one.... even the second one is good and has a little more punch, but this last one... BOOM.. a little on the bright side.. could be my monitor, will have to see what others think..



OK>>> EDIT >> I was looking at them backwards... when typing.. "The newest one looks super".... I was looking at the first one when referencing them....


So... the final image rework here >> works great... nice process..



By the way, this is very artistic.. and that is your strength from what I have seen...

I like artistic shots.. a lot.... kuddos...:clap

and uh.. guys are "supposed to have hairy knuckles":rolleyes !!!

[ic4u]

I like it:thumb I like your title Ten Become Two...very clever!

[DsrtVW]

I like the last rework. Title The Power of Ten

[Katmitchell]

ya know it reminds me of the last installment of the matrix movie..

"KNUCKLE UP" ... ha ha..