Anotherone to Smudge.......If you like

Here's one that is prepared for smudging . The places you might wanna be careful is the shadow detail on cheeks. They can be easy to smudge the wrong way. I usally go lower on the amount levels to about 10 0r 12 depending on size of brush that should be small. Make a snapshot or duplicate layer in case you need to backup.

I also noticed lately her hands have been coming up brighter than normal but I think it's because it not summer and she goes to a tanning place so that can also have some effect on it but i tried toning down already and still they are lighter.

Note: I did a very light blend on her face already so keep in mind that area does not need alot but still needs it to get that painted look.

Thanks for looking, Fred

Link to original: http://www.pbase.com/fredjamesphotography/image/110559437/original

--
(Author of SAR Image Processor and anomic sociopath)
Tell me your thoughts on Plato's allegory of the cave.

Added some selective blurring and Xero Supersmooth to the mix too Fred.



Image hosted free thanks to ImageShack ( http://www.imageshack.us ).

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Smudged in Corel Painter. Thought I would take it completely in the other direction.

Pixel Poetry said:

Click to expand...

Van gogh style!

If not, any way you might post the original image before any editing was done?

The face has lost a lot of detail and shape.. the cheekbones are very flat and most of the detail is gone on the edge of the nose, mouth, etc. There are some major color issues on the arm in front as well, but those may have just been there..

It's a very nice image, I'd just like to get the best possible results from it

Kyle

Hello Kyle,

Here's the original. The one I posted is what I do before I smudge and saves some time for some when trying a smudge. I had mentioned in the post I might of done too much on skin for some so be careful with that area. Usally I don't start that part of it and maybe I should post both when I do again.

Thanks , Fred

Link to original
http://www.pbase.com/fredjamesphotography/image/110607041/original

Hello and Thanks for your rendition of her. very nice look.

Fred

Lyle........whats up bud?
Looks very Kewl!!! I like it and thanks!

Fred

Excellent as usual Pixel. The first one has some really fine detail look to it. The art one does look art. Two very complementary paintings

Thanks, Fred

Regarding the hand being too light or maybe everything a bit too high-key, I think you should experiment with multi-exposure HDR of people. I bet beautiful models can stand still well enough for me to elastically align the shots with my software.
--
(Author of SAR Image Processor and anomic sociopath)
Tell me your thoughts on Plato's allegory of the cave.

In my experience, and that of many others, HDR does -not- look good on skin. THe model is never quite perfect so it's going to blur (the tiniest movement can destroy a shot), and even if it's perfect, the results just aren't what you want for skin.

HDR is great for doing exactly what it say, high dynamic range.. our skin isn't that big of a range, so trying to stretch it is unnecessary.

but hey, it's all about experimentation I suppose.. can't lose anything more than a bit of time trying it.

Kyle

Lovely as always Fred

Best wishes

Ray

Lovely shot of Amanda. Growing up very fast!



Marty

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My attempt - I'm very new at this, would love some feedback if you have time

Edited for color and such in photoshop, then taken to Painter X, then back to photoshop for final touch up.



All feedback welcome, enjoy

Kyle

Those are so cool, can someone point me in the right direction to give it a try? Is it a combo of plugins or do you guys have actions setup? I am shooting my sister-in-law's wedding in a couple weeks and would love to do one if these. Also I have a number of images of my daughters I would love to try as well, thanks.
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Proud to serve in the finest Navy!



http://www.pbase.com/jagzzzzzz

There are a few ways to approach it.. I personally use painter to actually paint images.. others here use 'smudging' techniques in photoshop.

I've never used any plugins or actions to do the work for me, as I don't feel it gives you the same quality of results. However there is a thread here asking for plugins to do smudging on the front page of this forum right now, so you might check there for some ideas.

If you want to go the by hand route.. the basic idea is to get the image as perfect as you can as far as colors, sharpness, etc. Then, you over-sharpen a bit to bring out tiny details, then use a smudge tool (in photoshop) or a series of painting tools (painter x) to go over the image.

I personally prefer the painter approach, as I feel it looks more 'painterly' and I prefer that look.. others prefer the smudge look.

In PS, try the smudge tool set to about 10-20% opacity.. that will give you a good starting point. Make a duplicate layer and just start brushing.. make sure to follow the 'natural grain' of skin and clothing. There are special brushes and such you can use as well, search this forum for 'smudge tutorial' and I bet you can find some great information as well.

For Painter, you are really painting over the image, using the original as a reference. I use 'grainy water' blenders to give a base color, then various detail brushes, hair brushes, etc. to do the rest. You get a lot more control over how far you take the image, and you have infinite flexibility on painted looks as well.

Anyway, now that you know what it's called, searching here and via google should be easy enough

If you have any specific questions of course you can ask here, or shoot me an email if you'd like, k2kyo1 at gmail dot com and I'd be happy to help.

Kyle