Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicole
The program itself is an interesting concept, the ability to mould the actual facial structure, etc, is interesting in it's own right. It seems to be good technology because it seems to work well and doesn't seem to cause unwanted distortion per se. If it works for you, then great. 
However, personally I'm kind of shocked to think that a program would be developed so a person could be reshaped to fit the idea of "perfection". I mean, it seems to take away from the person. I'd much rather a picture look like me, even if it's not runway/airbrushed gorgeous. Kind of like photographic plastic surgery. But hey, that's just me... but I'm also notoriously fickle about getting the shot in camera. 
That said, FredSpencer, is there any chance you'd be willing to show us a before and after that you've done using this product? It would be interesting to see. And of course, as always, Welcome  |
As with any post processing you can go over the top with it and end up with something that looks bad. It starts you off with a 'default' overall adjustment and I am finding that my preferred finished shot is somewhat less than that, if only in some areas. You have the ability to reset any or all controls so that they don't have an effect. For example, you can reset the jaw slider to zero and it will look exactly like the original shape.
We live in a world where people, especially women but increasingly men, are dissatisfied with their 'image'. Real plastic surgery is a booming business. It is almost inevitable that it will carry over into art forms. I'm sure if someone commissioned a painter to do a portrait they would have a whole list of points to make themselves look better. It's only 'artistic license' really.
One of the shots I tested PP on was a scan of a small (550x550) print in a magazine at work. The female subject has a ruddy skin tone worsened at regular times each month. She hates it along with her face shape, eyes, nose, the whole lot really. She spends a lot of money on all sorts of creams and potions to try to improve it. Nothing works, certainly not for long anyway.
The professional photographer who took the shot clearly had no concern for how she looked (she wouldn't look out of place in a serious burns unit or isolation ward). The subject was, needless to say, mortified when she saw it. I have processed it in PP to her idea of how she would like to look (it's over the top for me). I have done a second shot of her wearing a crash helmet (to test the flexibility of the program) which I took. I've processed that to her liking also. She has gone from not liking my original shot to wanting a framed print to display (when I work out why my printer won't do anything). That, to me, is success.
I've tested PP on my favourite shot of one of my dogs (don't ask me how I thought of doing that). He now has a more alert expression rather than the somewhat dopey look he had before. Don't get me wrong, I love the original shot but it is nice to have an alternative as well.
I'm going to try to add before and after shots of another reluctant subject to this post. Suffice to say I had no time for any kind of setting up and it was taken with a compact camera using flash. I don't think the original looks bad but again the subject does not like it. The PP processed image is, I think, still recognizable as a distinct person but just looks that bit better. Imagine she was a bride at a wedding ceremony. I bet none of the guests there would really notice the picture enhancements. I think the only comments would be along the lines of how good she looks, with maybe a few plaudits for the photographer thrown in.
I'm going to, hopefully, add the shots now. I would be very interested in anyones views.
Later
I have added a version with the face sculpting controls turned off for those who do not like the idea of using this part. I think the remaining alterations are what you might achieve by the application of makeup before taking the shot.