a touch of whimsy

[kelleyrie]

Took some pictures of my daughter today with the intent to get a sort of fairy like feel to them. I don't have Photoshop, so I'm working with Digital Photo Profession, Photo Explosions and Picasa.

Here's the before (which I intend to frame)

And here's the after ( not sure what I'll do with it)

I used all of the above programs, utilizing different elements in each.
In DPP I adjusted the curves and saturation
In PE I added in the fireflies and butterfly and cloned in some lowlights on her dress and used the difuser and skin beautify options.
In Picasa I used the soft blur option. I think that is everything.

I like how it turned out

[wannabehorsephotographer]

I love the soft blur of the second, but I think I prefer the warmer tone of the first - that being said I think you captured a wonderful moment - I would definitely hang it on your wall!

[windrider86]

Both images are wonderful. I'd have a tough time deciding which one to frame!

[sk66]

I really like the idea behind these, and I think you are very close. I could not tell what camera you used, did you take these in RAW? I know this is not the critique forum, but the highlights are blown and it ruins it for me. It's such a shame too as she is beautiful and the pic is SO CLOSE!
BTW, Gimp is the next best thing to PS and it's free.

[kelleyrie]

Thanks y'all
I didn't realize I had lost the warmth until I saw them side by side, I do think I will try and remedy that.
I did not shoot in RAW, I used a Canon Rebel XT. I quite liked the highlights blown, I thought it contributed to the feel I was trying to get. I have downloaded GIMP but it just seems so different from what I'm used to. I haven't even attempted to use it

[poinsiana]

Both are beautiful. I like the softness in the second one. Perhaps just a little masking to bring back the colour in the ferns and the top of her arm. I think either one of them will look just wonderful on your wall. She is a beautiful little model. I'm surprised at that age you were able to get her to sit still and look so pretty long enought to get the shot.

[kelleyrie]

Thanks, she's a camera ham most of the time. She has always liked being my little model

[Mstee4eva]

Cute, I think you did a great job ,';0]...

[LA Homespun]

What a beautiful shot...love the blur effect too!