Suggestions on Retouching

[Peach]

I would like help retouching a photo for someone. I would prefer not to post it openly as it potentially is of a controversial topic. It's not gory or obscene, just a dog and a duck, but it can be a sensitive topic. Therefore, if some of you more experienced retouchers would like to offer me advice, I'd be willing to share the picture.

It's being done for the lady who owns the dog. The dog is nearly 13 years old and this was one of her likely last duck hunts on the lady and her husband's anniversary. She'd like to get it framed, but not in it's current state.

I have the larger version of the picture available, but have only uploaded a smaller version to get feedback and whatnot on how I should retouch it. I have retouched a smaller version and it didn't turn out too bad, but I think it's always great to get other ideas too.

Again, I'm not posting the image publicly because I really would not like to offend anyone and I really do not want to get into an argument on whether hunting is good or evil. I'm just looking for help on retouching this to make it a better picture.

As a warning: The picture itself is pretty bad. It's not insanely out of focus, but it's not very sharp either. The dog even had her eyes closed in it >.<;

So, any help would be great. Either PM me or post a reply here.

Thanks!

[BigFuzzy]

Send the link to my email addy al [at] alborrelli.com and I'll give you some suggestions tonight if I get a chance*
Alternatively, you can email me the actual image and I'll give you a couple of variations.

Do you use/have LR? If so I can even tell you what I did to make it a learning experience!


*tonight is all you can eat sushi night... beers and sake will be involved, I cannot guarantee my ability to turn on my pc, much less do an edit.

[Peach]

No LR for me! Just CS3 and CS5.

I have a version done for this gal, but I'll happily tell her others may be on the way It's a pretty rough picture

E-mail sent!

[CheaperKings]

I'll give it a go if you still need help with it.

[Jim Poor]

Given that I shoot a lot of hunt tests, this is right up my alley.

That said, is there another photo of the dog with eyes open?

I'd be happy to give it a whack.

[Biomech]

I wouldn't mind having a look / play with it too

[cyber3d]

I think you should post it. Controversial or not.

This is a photography forum, not a "photolitically correct" forum.

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

I think you should post it. Controversial or not.

This is a photography forum, not a "photolitically correct" forum.

You haven't been around here long, have ya? lol

[jamesev]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

I think you should post it. Controversial or not.

This is a photography forum, not a "photolitically correct" forum.

Yep post it up

[Biomech]

Yeah post it, the theme of this thread is the opposite of usual (as everyone is offering to work for free lol)