Before After Backwards Bride

[TamiGramont]

I began blemish removal, eye whitening, etc. and realized it brought something of her personality to bare, having a more relaxed face.

(All done in PSCS3) Brought in through camera raw for auto adjustments. I ran the usually blur/noise reduction to smooth out the skin etc. I also like Noise Ninja, which I use on an equal basis as the blur/noise reduction of PS, whichever gives a better effect.
I always work on layer masks to see the improvements. I merged and added new layers etc, then I ran the diffused glow filter and adjusted it until I got a desired out come. I don't blur the eyes and allowed some of the color of the original to come through.

I also did some burn (no dodge) to add contrast to her cheek, breast and arm.

AFTER I did all this I removed the background. I will work in channels some times to do this before, however, because I waited the background was in high contrast and make it easy to mask out the back ground.

[AnnaV]

Lovely effect. And she looks about 10 years younger!

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by TamiGramont

I also like Noise Ninja, which I use on an equal basis as the blur/noise reduction of PS, whichever gives a better effect.

I totally agree! Love the Noise Ninja. But I recently learned sometimes it can be case of less is more. Please feel free to check out and comment on my recent "Portrait" post (if you haven't already) on which I used a fairly heavy Noise Ninja filter. ( Portrait - First Try ) Some of the comments suggest that the skin texture looks a little too fake. I think it has a nice air brushed look to it. However, I do plan to go back, and using some of the suggestions, see if I can improve on it.

ALSO:

I like your "take" on the post processing of your picture. Gives it a ethreal (sp?) quality... almost dream-like.

[TamiGramont]

Originally Posted by ressalg

I totally agree! Love the Noise Ninja. But I recently learned sometimes it can be case of less is more. Please feel free to check out and comment on my recent "Portrait" post (if you haven't already) on which I used a fairly heavy Noise Ninja filter. ( Portrait - First Try ) Some of the comments suggest that the skin texture looks a little too fake. I think it has a nice air brushed look to it. However, I do plan to go back, and using some of the suggestions, see if I can improve on it.

ALSO:

I like your "take" on the post processing of your picture. Gives it a ethreal (sp?) quality... almost dream-like.

Here's my view on peoples opinion; if it rings true for me, I take it. If not, I dismiss it. Why, you ask? (Oh so smart to ask a question.) Because, what I find not mentioned often enough in photography groups is this - each of us is one unique view of the world and cultivating that voice so it rings clear and true is a choice, and happens to be my goal. Turning my work into what others like does not support this goal. When you see my work, I want you to recognize it. Just like when hear my speaking voice you recognize it. It is clear and strong and distinct and all mine. So when someone says it looks "too" anything I generally dismiss it. When someone asks a question, "what did you mean by this?" or wonders what my intentions were, then I'll respond. Otherwise it's criticism and not dialogue. I see dialogue with other artists as exceedingly valuable.

I also take criticism and praise in equal measure... Otherwise I am creating art for something outside myself, (other than a paying client).

[ressalg]

Originally Posted by TamiGramont

Here's my view on peoples opinion; if it rings true for me, I take it. If not, I dismiss it. Why, you ask? (Oh so smart to ask a question.) Because, what I find not mentioned often enough in photography groups is this - each of us is one unique view of the world and cultivating that voice so it rings clear and true is a choice, and happens to be my goal. Turning my work into what others like does not support this goal. When you see my work, I want you to recognize it. Just like when hear my speaking voice you recognize it. It is clear and strong and distinct and all mine. So when someone says it looks "too" anything I generally dismiss it. When someone asks a question, "what did you mean by this?" or wonders what my intentions were, then I'll respond. Otherwise it's criticism and not dialogue. I see dialogue with other artists as exceedingly valuable.

I also take criticism and praise in equal measure... Otherwise I am creating art for something outside myself, (other than a paying client).

Very well put... you've given me a new prospective on how I look at my photos. The fact remains, I like it and the model liked it. If anyone else does it's a bonus.

PS: Been checking out your Flicker site... LOVE your work... and not just the bikini stuff either.

[vsa]

Alright job on the retouching. Image is a bit on the soft side (as in I'd gone with sharper details).
I don't really like the pink hue she has. Warmer tones or b&w would be more to my liking.