How do you achieve an effect like this?

[erinys]

http://api.ning.com/files/0hs6*G2jX4...737&height=489

I love this photo and the soft shaddows on her dress. Could anyone tell me what post processing steps are nessecary to recreate this effect?

Thanks!

PS: I'm currently using Photoshop CS3, thinking about upgrading to CS4

[LeeR]

If you want this effect you are going to have to do it the old fashoined way: you're going to have to "see" it for yourself. Great photography is all about learning to see photographically. As much as I love Photoshop and all the wonderful things it will do, I know that if the image is not first properly seen and exposed, no amount of Photoshop wizardry will rescue it. This is actually a very simple shot. The photographer was cogent enough to recognize the wonderful side light on this bench and made the best of the opportunity. I suspect the only time it spent is PS was the time it took to convert to B&W. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not by a long shot.

[erinys]

thanks for your answer. yes, the photo is very well lit and the side light is just beautiful but i think an unedited photo would still not look like this. ive seen this effect a couple of times but i dont have the links anymore. Makes skin look really good too.

[jamesev]

I guess the question is how natural was this or how much positioning was involved. If it was very natural then there is an element of recognising the opportunity and recognising the scene photgraphically. If it was setup then I spose there is an equal mount of skill involved to create the positions that will make use of the light.

It looks quite soft.