Family shot saved! The crowd goes wild!!!!!

[dhart]

I can't believe I actually pulled this off. I have a shoot last weekend that had a 4 yr old girl and twin 2 yr old boys. I had posted earlier that they would never look at me at the same time, but I managed to combine them manually in PS. I don't know how to use some of the replace tools that have been hinted at in the forums, so I have to go at it with layers.

So, on to the photos:

One of the before pics:


The link to the other one here


After:


How I did it:

1. Shot in RAW, and used the same settings to 'develop' both images so they would look the same

2. Opened them in PS (I have CS3), and put images on top of each other in separate layers. Aligned them as best I could. Mom was actually perfectly still for both shots, so I have a great anchor. (Only a mom could pull this off - squatting on a sloping wooden bridge, with two kids under 4 on her knees, and not move a muscle!)

3. Found a seam that I could use to follow with a mask. Cloned and healed the area between brother and sister to adjust for movement there.

4. Brightened their eyes, masked everything else.

That's about it. Since Mom was perfectly still, I just had to mask around the left twin and her legs, and only had to work the area between the kids at their arms. It's my first attempt at this, so I was really pleased it cam out so well.

I know this isn't in the critique section, but critique is always welcome so I can improve.

~D'Ann

[SusanAshlea]

Good save! you did a good job lightening the picture too.

[oldwolf]

great save!

i never would've noticed that you did that if you didn't tell me.

[Jae]

I would have no idea either, you did an amazing job!!!

[dhart]

Originally Posted by SusanAshlea

Good save! you did a good job lightening the picture too.

I always tend to over expose people when I lighten them - especially if the contrast isn't as good. So, thanks. I think I am finally starting to get the hang of this!

[JodyGall]

Wow!! That's fantastic!!! You did a great job! I need to learn how to do this. I am contantly taking a billion pictures in a hope that I get that one with everyone looking! LOL!

[mdpix]

Excellent save! And such a beautiful family portrait.

[Winning Post]

Great job, and yes, the lighting is very good in this shoot

[jjohnsen]

Amazing save, I never would have noticed. I really like the softened shadows in the second one as well.

[dlaf]

I've done that several times and it sure give a great sense of accomplishment! You did a wonderful job - congratulations!