Senior Citizen Photo

I really didn't notice the first one was red until you posted the second version.  Although the second now doesn't seem red enough, although that may just be because I saw the red version first.

Personally I would have left the background black.  The lightening of his shirt worked very well though.  I think what Leen was suggesting is to use a background like to give him a slight rim of light to separate from the background. 

You did a great job not having a reflection on his glasses.  And I think that it's a great thing you want to specialize - both are groups that typically don't have portraits taken and I'm sure that if I was in either group I would like someone who specializes in that type of subject. 

I'm also impressed that with as much as it sounds like you did in Photoshop, it's not noticeable.  Had the first image not been there, I wouldn't have any idea what you did to the second.

Oh Ed, For heaven's sake.... I am going to end up blinding my clients just to get enough light in their eyes to satisfy you.
(You do know I am joking right?)
I personally like the first version better than the second one.  Although I would tone down the red just a touch.

I agree its a little red, even though every photo I've posted has been too blue. [shrug]

turn the red WAY up, then desaturate it.

I like the light. Directional light would cause shadows that, to me, would draw un-due attention to his wrinkles.

The two shiney spots down by his collar, I don't know what they are but the bug the crap out of me.

Catherine - don't you love clients like that?  Although I also hate when they don't know what they want either...

Bob - the shiny spots look like the ends of the zipper on his shirt.  I would clone them out if it were me, but I am nit-picky like that.

I bet you did it for free.

If you do things for free there isn't any perceived value to it. Ask money next time and you will see criticisme will disappear.

Very interesting.  I have discounted weddings before for family and close friends and I usually get a "thanks we liked the images".  However it's the clients that pay me premium prices that go on and on about how gorgeous the pictures are and how great we are to work with and how they will refer everyone to us, etc.
I hadn't thought about it correctly before.  I just thought that people that are willing to pay more money are just nicer... but Leen's theory about perceived value is so correct.