We've come along way from the initial image and where we are now.
One important thing to say is that I've shown you five methods for creating this technique based on what Amy says in her post. You can use one or a mixture of a few. I rarely use just one and I rarely use all five. It's up to you though.
I guess the most important thing to say though is that these methods shown here are completely my take on that single post. I may be right, I may be wrong. However, I'm very happy with the final outcomes of any of the methods so I can't be far wrong. If anyone has any suggestions on making this technique better then please get in touch.
One thing that cannot be taken for granted is the skill that Amy puts into her retouching. In fact I'm still in awe of every image she retouches. She doesn't get a lot of mention on the final retouched images, but I for one completely agree that without the skills of someone like Amy, photo's would simply not jump off the page at me. Congratulations Amy, and thanks for sharing.
Here is a comparison of our initial image and our final image. No curve adjustments... no sharpening... nothing except these five techniques. Amazing huh!
After this point it's up to you to add that little extra impact.
Well that's up to you. I normally run a curve adjustment to really correct the contrast and as a final step I always run a sharpen.
I sometimes run some odd (<- read unusual) curve adjustments with other unusual sharpening techniques, but that's for another tutorial if I'm asked.
If anyone had any other recommendations; if they want to pursue this technique... buy a graphics tablet. It will make a massive difference not only to the speed that you can do this, but also expand your artistic boundaries. Mice are great at getting where you want, but once you experience a tablet you will never go back.
I've attached my photo that made 'Photo of the Week' at Ephotozine. A lot of people there asked for this technique so that is the reason I've written this. You can give thanks to those guys if you've found this whole thing useful, because without it I would have probably just carried on using this technique without even thinking of sharing my take on it.
PS: This photo was taken possibly seconds from the one you are working on
Thanks for reading everyone. if you have any feedback then please email me at dean@enigma-photos.com
Other tutorials related to the image above: Skin Softening and Emulating Lucis Arts Whyeth
Other tutorials you should look up (or I should write) that were involved in the final adjustments of the above image: "Advanced masking", "Changing eye colours"
My website : www.enigma-photos.com This is my site. Please check it out and leave a guestbook entry.
Ephotozine: www.ephotozine.com This is where the above photo has recieved some accolade and the inspriation for this tutorial. Thanks Henchard
TFPModels: www.tfpmodels.co.uk I'm an admin at this group and is used to source models, photographers and MUA's for TFP/Paid work
Can I just say a massive thanks to Jelena P. who was the model for this shoot. She is fantastic and if anyone ever wants to commission her then please get in touch. I will get in touch with her straight away.
