I have been keeping to the shadows here, reading, studying, and practicing. Concerning colorization tutorials, I have tried three different methods found from this site. The one I like best, and used for the photo linked below, is "Primary Colorization", a tutorial I found in a post by Vikki whose work inspires me. I would appreciate any comments and advice to improve results.

I posted my photo here: http://www.retouchpro.com/challenges/showphoto.php/photo/6490/sort/1/cat/654/page/1

Which I restored from: http://www.retouchpro.com/challenges/showphoto.php/photo/6349/sort/1/cat/654/page/1

I still have some questions. While I like the natural results achieved with Primary Colorization, I'm a bit frustrated as I can't seem to get the color range I want. Every image I've tried this with seems very pastel. Where's the emerald greens and velvety purples??? How can I get more vibrant colors like Vikki achieved here?:

http://www.pbase.com/vhansen/image/32576727

Still studying .......

Crystal

Post Edit 4-16-07: Adding attachment of my image as the links to the challenge area are currently not available. I would still love to have some critiques on how to improve as I'm not happy with my results

Don't know if this is any better but used levels and then used blending options a few times.

Thank you for your reply

I think you may be right that mine needs a Bit more saturation..........more contrast? It lacks vibrancy.

Do you the Primary Colorization method? Any ideas to get the vibrancy AS you paint?

I can't respond to your question since I don't know what the Primary Colorization Method is.

I do, however, pick and choose from the following tutorials and I don't seem to have a problem with color.

http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=34

http://www.pixeladdiction.com/bb/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=10

Hope this helps you.

If you have a problem accessing just use www.pixeladdiction.com

and use the tutorial tab when on site.

Apologize for the bad links as the challenge area is not currently available. I have edited my original post to include an attachment of my image.