I am trying some different things with photoshop, I am trying to find ways to liven up photographs without too many steps. I have been using Photoshop for 5 years, and Usually I go way too far. I am trying to scale back a bit. Which retouch is the best, which is the worst, and why? Are they all too much?

The first is the original...
#1 has an overlay layer
#2 has a high contrast layer set to luminosity
#3 has a layer darkened , blurred, and set to luminosity

I like the Original better... just needs slight sharpening!
That wouldn't be to many steps

Yep number Ø is better, the original. Could be improved with a slight S curve. Worst is number 3 where you have blurred

quick and easy.......

Curves layer with just a bit of an s-curve adjustment.



Alan

Thank you for your honest input. (I thought I was overdoing it... now I know I was)

I think the original was the best of all the photos. I did a quick adjustment on them using the green channel on its own layer set to luminosity at 100 percent opacity, then the red channel on a layer on top of that set to luminosity at 56 percent opacity, then a very slight curves layer to liking...

I am new here but anxious to post and learn. I liked the 2nd one better. the others looked a little pale to me. I am using photoshop5 (old, but....) and did a level nd color evening to get this retouch. I'll have to check the FAQs to see how to post pics here.

http://home.comcast.net/~warlockpw/groom_B4.leveled.colored.jpg