What suggestions do you have for fixing this portrait?

[Quicklabs]

This is my mom, age 83. I think this right off the camera shot has a lot of potential, and I'd like to make this a very special portrait. Thanks in advance for your great ideas.

 

[tinksdad]

This shot is nicely composed, but the focus is off and the harsh light from the window in the upper left is distracting. I adjusted the levels and contrast, used a gradiant tool on the light to hide it a bit. Bumped up the saturation level a tad and did some soft light dodge and burn to bring out shadows and dimish the highlights a bit. A run through with HiPass sharpening to "try" to get some sharpness in the it does seem to help a bit. Out of focus problems are pretty much a waste of time, since its almost impossible to get that back. Always focus on the eyes!!

not great, but there is some improvement.

 

[DVC Jen]

I don't have any suggestions for you. But I did want to say she looks fantastic for 83.

I really hope that if and or when I make it to her age I look that vibrant.

 

[JR6ooo4]

This is my mom, age 83. I think this right off the camera shot has a lot of potential, and I'd like to make this a very special portrait. Thanks in advance for your great ideas.

Courtesy of Focus Magic:

I downloaded the demo from their site and ran the fix, My first try with the program.

the focus is missed considerably on the original or it could be camera shake. It is one of the hardest things to fix usualy requiring a "do over" on the shot. that and higlights being overexposed, all the detail is lost. Do you have a larger file? The repair would come out better. Keep in mind, though I have been tinkering with photoshop for 5 years or more my skill level is just about "beginner".

Mikeeee

PM me and email the largest file you have and I will give it another try.

 

[Anewman]

Courtesy of Focus Magic:

I downloaded the demo from their site and ran the fix, My first try with the program.

the focus is missed considerably on the original or it could be camera shake. It is one of the hardest things to fix usualy requiring a "do over" on the shot. that and higlights being overexposed, all the detail is lost. Do you have a larger file? The repair would come out better. Keep in mind, though I have been tinkering with photoshop for 5 years or more my skill level is just about "beginner".

Mikeeee

PM me and email the largest file you have and I will give it another try.

I also like the Crop that Mike used.

 

[Quicklabs]

I love the improvements! Thanks again.

 

[jann1033]

i like it softer so i went in a different direction..i think over a certain age, the softer the better...i speak from experience i selected the eyes out and sharpened them, adjusted brightness, shadows, soften the rest( alien skin, soft subtle) used pse5 to add soft omni light, moved a piece of the background over the white area. i meant to get rid of that glare on her glasses but forgot

 

[photo_chick]

I might have to go get the demo for Focus Magic! I have been finding my eyes are not what they used to be and my focus is getting a little soft!

 

[manning]

would something like this work??