Berty

[Jean Kelly]

Hi Julie,

I've come back to these photos many times now, and the first one has grabbed me and won't let go. There is such dignity in that face, and her neck doesn't bother me at all. I feel she's earned every wrinkle and is proud of it. There seems to be a lot of noise in the image (stray pixels of color), is the original better? I would paint from this, but would be very careful to keep the hat very soft and transparent so it doesn't take over. Also I would give a little more room around her head. A fascinating subject, I'd like to know her.

Jean

[Julie Deane]

Hi Jean -

It was shot on a very low pixel digital camera at the equivalent of 200 ISO, which is probably why the noise. I am assuming that the more pixels, the less noise?

[Jean Kelly]

I tried putting your image in my quickie photo program to clean it up but the image just wouldn't transfer large enough to work with. Maybe you could e-mail the image to me or someone else with photoshop knowledge could help. She reminds me of my "Jacque" portrait.

Is this the camera you are using for all your photo ref work? Try changing your ISO to 50 or the smallest number you have. You should get less noise.

Jean

It's not the amount of pixels it's the size of the pixel. You should be able to get a decent photo on yours even if you have little pixels.

[Julie Deane]

I've read on this forum that "Noise Ninja" works well. What program do you use?

I shot with a higher ISO due to lower light conditions.

[Jean Kelly]

Okay, I get it (your reason for the higher ISO setting). I use "Pixelenhance" a freebie Mac program that I downloaded. I have "Photoshop Elements" but still haven't learned how to use it. I still like the photo.

Jean

[Mike McCarty]

Julie,

I like the first image.