I've stared at this for so long, that I'm probably not even seeing it any more.  Comments, observations, suggestions, very welcome.

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TeknoGypsy: Equal Parts Organic and Machine

Well, it took me about 15 seconds to finally realize what she was doing with her feet. Because the pants, the shoes, and parts of the bike were solid black, it was very difficult to tell what was going on down there. If I were to improve anything, that's it.

That makes sense; actually, the suit and shoes are a dark navy, but I can see where it wouldn't be a bad thing to lighten them up a bit more, add a bit of gloss to the shoes to help them stand out from the color of the seat behind the foot at that angle.  Thanks!

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TeknoGypsy: Equal Parts Organic and Machine

It's also really hard to see those boots by the back wheel as well. I bet that half the people who just read that have now gone back to look for the boots I didn't spot them until about the third time I looked at the pic.

So yeah, basically just more contrast, if that's the right word. Make things stand out more.

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http://www.artfulscruff.co.uk | deviantart
Playstation Network user ID: artfulscruff

To echo Philby, I also had a little trouble making out what was going on with her feet - but wasn't sure if that was just my laptop.

The suit also seems 'flat' compared to the rest of the image....maybe try some pin stripes to better show the folds in the fabric and distinguish it from the other colours in the piece.

Love the look on her face though.....that special bond between woman and her shoe really shines through! lol

Nem

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I've joined the quest for the Dragon Scroll!
http://community.imaginefx.com/forums/317/197422/ShowThread.aspx#197422

A bit more dynamic lighting.  The traveling bag gets a little lost in the shadows.  Really good hair.

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www.ninjasonmotorcycles.com

Adrasteia:

maybe try some pin stripes to better show the folds in the fabric and distinguish it from the other colours in the piece.

I don't think the material is the problem, I think it's the lighting. There's not much difference between light and shadow. Either that or it's just too much shadow.

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http://www.artfulscruff.co.uk | deviantart
Playstation Network user ID: artfulscruff

OK - I've had a quick go at updating the lighting via Gimp until I get home and have a chance to re-do the scene; I think this goes a long way towards improving contrast, etc. - what do you think? (Edit: Whoops, forgot to mention - changed out original image at top of thread)

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TeknoGypsy: Equal Parts Organic and Machine

I was confused for a moment there, until I realised you edited the pic in the opening post. It looks better now.

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http://www.artfulscruff.co.uk | deviantart
Playstation Network user ID: artfulscruff

I'd have to agree with Philby here. The light doesn't feel right. I'm sure the bike is parked in an underground car park? or an open underground carpark? (no idea what they are called, but play along )

I'm sure the bike at the front would be darker than that of the back. Also her skin is really shining with highlights and yet the bike remains very dull. The bike just feels like it's not standing out as well as her face does. It's like she's seperate from the light source.

Also, last thing. The bike is way too clean, and i'm sure it's been for a spin a few times? Try adding a little dirty to the chrome, wheels and body. The car park is a little too clean as well.

Overall I love it, the bike is just amazing.

 

hmmm....nice image. I don't mind the clean bike or really the lighting. if this one of the above ground ones, they do get quite bright at times when the sun comes through at the right angle. it doesn't last long but it does get in there. if you wanted to though you could darken the furthest part of the background which would make the bike pop even more.

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"Live life like a fantasy. Reality is only in your mind!" - Fabledgoat

Wow, much better now!

I'm a bit torn on the lighting; I wanted to appear to be an open-sided garage, second or third floor; this lets in a surprising amount of morning light, if the building is oriented a certain way, and the angled lighting helps convey the "early riser" part a bit in a visual sense. I'm also a bit torn on the colors; I like the blue bike, because it "pops" better than the silver I started with (color often used on this model bike IRL), but I also want to use a "power" color on the suit, to convey authority and success; in Western culture, that's either black, blue or grey, which doesn't do much for the contrasty thing.  That's also one of the reasons for the red gloves in the knapsack, the red helmet - I'm contemplating making the boots red, too, to stand out, and convey that sense of personality. 

 I did try adjusting the lighting to provide a bit more consistency in the highlights -again, this is just a quickie, because I didn't have time to re-render the whole scene last night (visiting friends, doing the family thing). Better?

 

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TeknoGypsy: Equal Parts Organic and Machine

This is really good now.

honestly, I liked it with the flashy blue bike better.

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"Live life like a fantasy. Reality is only in your mind!" - Fabledgoat