I just wanted to say “WELCOME” to any of you who are new here to RetouchPro. I’m Jackie. Or just Jak, which is what people around here call me. I’m your Moderator and friendly tour guide for the Restoration, Retouching, and Manipulation section of the RetouchPRO Forums.

I hope you’ll find, like I did, that this is a great place to hang out. There’s a lot to see here, and I consider it sort of like “The Best Amusement Park on the Internet.” Hey, what can I say? I’ve always been easily entertained!

I have some tips, tricks, and thoughts about the site that I wanted to pass along to you. This place is packed to the gills with all kinds of information, and I wouldn’t want you to get lost.

1. RetouchPro costs $$ to run and is funded entirely by voluntary donations from its members. If you find the site useful, please consider making a donation to help with the upkeep by clicking Support on the menu bar or contacting Doug directly.

2. I’m only one of several Moderators here at RetouchPRO. Although I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I am happy to help you out in any way I can. When you click on Forums on the menu bar, you’ll see a list of people online at the bottom of the page. Moderators that are online are shown in bold type. The Great and Powerful OZ (Doug) is bold and italicized. If none of us are online, you can find out who we all are by looking at the moderator's column on the Forum main page, or clicking the 'forum leaders' link at the bottom of the Forum main page. If you’re ever lost, confused, or have a question, you can click my link and send me a Private Message asking for some help. There’s also a PM button at the bottom of every post anyone makes.

3. This place is a seemingly endless labyrinth of posts on a very wide variety of subjects. No Minotaurs, but an awful lot of really good stuff! Sometimes just the sheer amount of information available can be intimidating. If you’re looking for a particular subject and can’t find it, the first thing to do is perform a search. If you can’t find what you’re looking for – drop me a note and I’ll be happy to help you look. I spend a lot of time in these forums and may remember running across your subject in my travels. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, go to the appropriate forum and start a thread about it!

4. Find the "Click Here For Forum Tips" link at the bottom of one of Doug’s posts (or click HERE (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45)) and you’ll find a huge wealth of information that I couldn’t even begin to go into here. Also, visit the FAQ section on the menu bar

5. User CP, at the bottom of the menu panel, lets you change any of your preferences. It also lets you edit your buddy lists and turn off forum notifications. That’s where you’ll find the ability to add and modify your avatars, too. (Avatars are the little pictures below the member names).

6. A lot of times, the threads seem to sort of wander just like real life conversations. Try to keep in mind that if the thread is on one subject, and the conversation wanders off onto an entirely different subject, any question you ask about that subject may not have the best chance of being answered there just for the simple fact that someone who knows about flatbed scanners, for example, may not happen to wander through a thread on making your photos look like art. If you find yourself saying, “oh, btw, what about….,” you should start a new thread, in an appropriate place, with a clear title, in order to give yourself the best chance of getting a good answer.

7. I write the tuts that make the whole world sing
I write the tuts of love and special things
I write the tuts that make the young girls cry
I write the tuts, I write the tuts

Ok, really bad… But I do write tutorials. And I LIKE doing it. If there’s something you want to know how to do and can’t find instructions for, let me know. If I know how to do it, I’ll be happy to write a tut for you! If I don't, well heck, I'll stand there with you hollering for help until someone else writes one... :) Don't forget to check out the ones that are already written!

8. The most unusual (and appealing) thing about RetouchPRO, IMHO, is that unlike so many places on the Internet, the people here are all NICE! We have some of the kindest, helpful, most thoughtful members I’ve ever seen. Egos are checked at the door, and respect and courtesy are highly valued here. We hope you’ll feel welcomed and that you’ll want to become a regular part of the RetouchPRO family.


Well, that’s about it for my long list of things I wanted to say to you. The lights are sparkling and the Midway is calling… Grab some cotton candy and any food that comes on a stick. You don’t have to be “this tall” to get on the rides here, so climb aboard and have a BLAST!

Makes me wish I were a newbie. :D Ditto what Jak said. :)
DJ

Jak
I think that "this" is just fantastic!!!! :bigthmb: :bigthmb:
You really are an "inexhaustible fountain" of bright ideas and initiatives!!!!:bow:

DJ
... I think that everybody here learns something new every day.... so...we keep on being "newbies" one way or another.... ;) ;)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Flora
[B]Jak
You really are an "inexhaustible fountain" of bright ideas and initiatives!!!!:bow:



Flora: Does everyone know english as well as you?
Our president can't speak as well as you do.

greg

Greg

:lmao:
Thanks!!!! :blush:.... but I have to admit...sometimes I just "literally" translate Italian expressions.... :D

Thanks Flora, but actually I think it was Ed L and Greg Couch that came up with the idea. I just kind of adopted it. They're really the ones who deserve the credit for this.

Dear Jak,
Thanks for your message on the antique photos. I do have access to plenty of antique venues here - suburb of Atlanta. I have been to 2 or 3 in the past week that didn't happen to have photos, but I will keep searching.

I really appreciate the people that participate in this site. It has been a great help to me. I started learning photo restoration a year ago..have made good progress to date. I'm trying to get out of general graphic design/prodution work and just do this one offering instead.

I've been visiting off and on since January. Hope to get to know you better. Thanks for the offer of help with projects and tutorials.

Barb Kessling
www.ccdesktop.com

You're very welcome, Barb. I'm really glad you find it helpful!

Well, this is my second post. My first one was to be a reply but it ended up a snew string. So yes, ,I am definetly a newbie here. But I do think I am going to like it here. All day long I am retouching images, and now I can be in contact with others that are doing the same.

Aric,
Welcome to Retouch Pro. Glad you like it here. There's alot going on both in Photo Restoration, retouching and Artistic manipulation and just plain fun outside those interests.
DJ

I have only been here for a few hours and I am having three conversations, which in itself is nothing, but they are all about the business of retouching. I love this place.

:lol: Watch out, it can become an addiction. Then if you're here too often, they put you to work. :D
DJ

Hi...I finally was able to get registered. I love this place. I have been here for a few weeks now and learning SO MUCH!! I just love this place...I love learning new things and I love these challenges. This is my first post and hope to join all you graphic freaks in this "amusement park"!

I have done a few of the older challenges and have learned so much and just want to say thank you to all of you whom (is it whom?) have unknowingly educated me. And a special thanks to Doug Nelson for this great website! Thanks SO MUCH...hope to one day become a more active participator and to be able to unknowingly help someone else ;)

Hi Summer! Welcome to RetouchPRO! I'm so glad you found us, and that you like it here!

Hey Summertimerules,
Welcome to Retouch Pro. Glad you decided to jump into the forum and let us get to know you. Look forward to seeing more of you in the forums and the challenge area. Don't forget the gallery too. Nice place to spotlight your work. :)
DJ

Hiya Summer,

You're one cool chick! Okay, now you know I've been peeking! :D Welcome aboard. Why don't you send in those challenges that you've finished?

Ed

I am too a newbie to this site and in less than a week I am more than excited. Why? 'cause my hubby and I are branching out into photo restoration and we think it is great to find somewhere that we can get support and feedback on our work. Whilst it is only me that is a member so far I will be encouraging hubby to become a member too. Though I don't know how good he will be at the forums - not a typist I'm afraid. I may have to do all the talking.

Anyway in my very short time here I have noted there are some very nice people so I look forward to "meeting" you.

Kind regards
Katherine (Katie)
www.ptime.com.au

Hi Katie,
Welcome aboard. This is the perfect site for you and your husband if your aim is photo restoration or anything related. And you are right. We do seem to have attracted some pretty nice people here. They will critique with out discouraging you and give you so much good advice to help you get started. We range from beginners to advanced and all levels have something to offer. So don't be shy and basically just have a good time. If you get tired of talking photo restoration, hit the salon forum and unwind with any interests you may have. Hope to see you again soon.
DJ

Hello Katie,

You mean you and your husband can actually work together? :D Welcome aboard. Looking forward to seeing some of your efforts.

Ed

Ed

Pretty scary eh that we can work together. We do have our off days though.:tongue:

Still it is very good and often fun and definately challenging.:)

Thanks Ed, DJ and Jak for the warm welcome. I submitted my first challenge today, but I must have done something wrong because it's not really there.

I would like to submit the previous challenges Ed, but I have no description for them and I KNOW that is a big part of this wonderful site...

Thanks again for the welcome!

Hello to everyone I am a new user wanting to learn I know nothing so PLEASE help whenever you can. My interest is retoration&retouching.

Welcome c7m053 to Retouch Pro. We're happy you joined in. If you have a problem or question, please just let us know and we will be glad to try and help you out. Also, don't be afraid to give advice, opinions etc. either. Even those who think they know nothing pick up some interesting facts and tips in their search for information. So don't be afraid to join in. :)
DJ

Hi Joe, and welcome to RetouchPRO! You've certainly come to the right place! My knowledge has grown by leaps and bounds since I joined RetouchPRO. :) I think you'll find everyone really friendly, so don't be shy about asking for help. There is a ton of information in these forums which you will learn a lot from, but remember that no thread is ever dead, so if you find that you have questions on anything already here, jump right in and ask!

Jeanie

Hi All
been onRP for a while now love it to bits, I am in Cornwall in the United Kingdom do not see many members for the UK here "is there" shoul;d be more

Jak i kneel at you feet :bow:

I have to say that this place is so welcoming, especially to newbies. I cant wait to get started trying some of the challenges so that I can learn some of the techniques for restoration. Ive done little other than use photoshop to resize and occassionally touch up a pic a little. Although I did have a go at restoring a picture of my aunts last week. I thought I did a reasonable job till I looked at some of the challenges here!! .

I look forward to learning from you all

Rose. (tassie)

Hi
Just a few lines from another Brit newbie to say I have enjoyed the time on the site immensly and shall recommend it to any others of a similar ilk who might just be interested in the stuff on these pages
Iain H

Rose and Iain,
Welcome both of you to Retouch Pro.

Rose, I've been doing this for 5 years now and I'm still learning from this group. :)

Iain, it's nice to welcome another member from Britian. I think Kelvin will be happy to see you here too. :) There's a few members from England here and even a British moderator.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing more of you both in the future and if you have any questions just ask. We're happy to help out when we can. :)
DJ

Jackie,

I am new to this site and would like to say that is the most informative, inspirational welcome I have ever seen! I was getting blasted pretty good at DPReview, and ran into a wonderful guy named Danny Raphael. Thus my presence here. You are correct in saying this site is very NICE, and you are also correct in saying it is unusual! You are all great, and I am excited to start getting more involved.

I have been working on digital manipulations since about november and I use PhotoDraw2000, [which Danny is helping me to correct...nice guy he is by the way. ] I never realized there was better software out there!

I love taking images with my digital and then playing with them and making something new or different. I always try to keep as much of my original photo intact as possible, this is why Danny sent me here, rather than Photo Art. I am waiting to get my hands on an older version of Photoshop so I can do more more more...in the meantime, I am loving PD2000 and having a blast! I will keep checking in and seeing what is new and interesting.

BTW, you are also correct when saying this site is a lybrynth and hard to get a handle on, and the sheer immense amount of information can be overwhelming....I got to agree with that!

Again, I want to commend you on your welcome, and let you know that I as one, [amoung millions of course] but still one voice 'shouting' out, what an awesome WELCOME!

Thanks so much for the info and the intro.

Take care,
NiteOwl

Hey Welcome aboard NiteOwl!!

I'm partial to Michiganders being a misplaced one myself. Look forward to seeing more of you on Retouch Pro. :)

Yes, this sure is an unusual site but it's all due to the unique quality of members who join in here. It started out with a bunch of real nice people who respect each other and that respect seems to have carried on to all the new members who join. When you open up and share a part of yourself, it's a nice feeling to know someone isn't going to come along and blast you for it. :)
Jak is a prime example of why this site works so well. She's talented and loves to share her knowledge to help others. She's just one of so many on this site that make it what it is. :) I think you'll really like it here.
DJ

Thanks DJ, I will try to remember who everyone is as time goes by. I think you are all well worth knowing!

Great site.

NiteOwl

PJ:

Let me add my welcome to this forum, too! :)

DJ and Jak are two of my favorite people at this site -- among many others. I don't hold a candle to their knowledge and expertise in this dimension of image trickery, so be assured they'll take good care of you, especially as you graduate beyond PD2K.

I know at some point in time when you're ready to spread your wings further, you'll dive back into the Photo-art forum with GUSTO... and will be welcomed with open arms!

If you think your kids like standard photos, wait until they see themselves in "watercolor" -- or combination photos... part "standard" images and part "arty." Their friends (and hopefully their parents) will beat a path to your door... hopefull with checkbook in hand. :D

~Danny~

The welcome is appreciated! I can see already there is tons to learn here and wonderful people to interact with.

Glad I decided to take your advice and check out the site!

As far as Photo Art, I'll be seeing ya soon,....I just opened a package and believe it or not a wonderful person decided to send me Photo Shop,...hmmm, imagine that! ;)

Thanks for the help and the software, I am ready to rock and roll with digital manipulation!

Take care,
Nite Owl

Dear Jak,

Last night I posted a reply and submitted a photo to the Salon forum part of this site and wanted to definitely say a big THANK YOU to you Jak for your great tutorial on colourisation.

I have so much more I want learn and this site has been great
(even though I know this has been written by countless other newbies too)!

Thanks again for your help Jak!

Cheers,

Jenny :)

Hi All,

It seems I have finally found the right place for all the information I have been looking for. I look forward to comments on my work from people that actually do photo retouching and restoration. My Boyfriend has talked me into doing this on the side. He seems to think I am good!;) Now I will really find out if I have what it takes!
So where do I start? I have never joined anything like this and hope you even get this message!

thanks in advance!

Well I just signed up this evening and got to say I'm already impressed by the site.
Ok about me. Well I'm a 53 year old guy living in dear old England. The North of England to be exact and I am a real and total newbie to photo restoration etc.

Ok so I know my way around a computer but when it comes to digital photography then I am bottom of the class.

So what made me start. Well two things. I have a lot of old photos of my parents taken during and before the war that I've always wanted to restore but because I've always been too busy with my job (Self employed) I've never had the time. My new years resolution this year was that I would make a start otherwise I knew I'd keep puting it off.

The other reason I want to get into digital retouching etc. is that come August I'm going to be a grandad for the first time and seeing as how my daughter lives in the South of England the only way I'm going to get those cute baby pics is over the computer so I've really got to know how to retouch them etc.

I've got to say that I am one happy guy that I found this site and I know I'm going to learn a lot from everyone so any help in any shape or form would be appreacited. As a matter of interest I'm going to be using photoshp 7 (which my wife bought me for my christmas and birthday present) so I guess that will help me a little. I hope

Cheers to everyone

Len
:bawling:

Hey Len,

Welcome to RetouchPro! you're not the only member here from across the pond, you'll notice quite a few other (see the Regards from the UK (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=463) thread)
for learning about digital retouching, I'm sure you'll learn a lot very quickly around here, this is where I learned most of the stuff I know about photoshop.

- David :)

Thanks Dave I appreciate that. I'm sure I'll pick things up soon enough. There's plenty of tips to go at that's for sure.

Many Thanks


Len

I'd like to introduce myself as well. :wavey: I found this site about a week ago and have been completely engrossed in everything there is here. I can't stop searching around and looking at what everyone has submitted. There are some phenominal artists out there! :bow:

To let everyone know about my history, I have been a graphic artist for screenprinting and transfer companies for the last 13 years. With the birth of my son approaching, I decided a year ago to work from my home (he's now 8 months old). It was great for a while, but I think I was just getting too burnt out from that industry all together. During that time, my Mom and I have been tracing our family history and had several old photos that were in desperate need of repair. I had a blast and have found my new calling!

I've just submitted one photo (Restoration Challenge #5) and am asking for any and all feedback I can get. This was a lot of fun and I'd like to start up a restoration business.

I hope I get to know everyone soon. Until then, stay warm! :cold:

This is a great site! So many things to learn and so little time in life!!!!

Hi Jak,
I am te newest of the new. For starters, I can't figure out how to download the color charts - would love to have them! I am finding that your text is behind the charts and I can't read it, the same is happening on other pages. I'm using a Mac with Netscape. Would appreciate your help. Thanks.
MKStudio

Hi MKStudio! Welcome to RetouchPRO!

To answer your question, I don't have the color charts "downloaded". I just have them saved to my hard drive. I open them in Photoshop whenever I need them and use the eyedropper tool to choose the colors I want.

As far as text being behind the charts, you might want to change your screen resolution. I have mine set at 1024x768 and that seems to work fine.

And don't forget suggestion #6 at the beginning of this thread. You might want to post your questions in a new thread if my advice doesn't work so you'll have a better chance of getting a good solution from someone.

I'll look forward to hearing more from you! Have fun... :)

Good Morning all! Wll, I seem to have stumbled upon a lovely place. I've been pretty involved in photo manipulation and enhancement for a while now and have just taken the big plunge of quitting my job and starting up a business. I am after all the help I can get on topics including photoshop, particularly restoration (which I'm fairly new to) and possibly some marketing ideas for my business... as well as lots of tips and tricks I haven't found on my own :)

If you want to check out my new website go to http://www.designtangents.com.au...

Once again, thanks guys

Hidesy

I've found THE site, can't really tell you how excited I am by this place, it's exactly what I was looking for. Member supported site, retoucher community. And you are all quite competent!

I've been a retoucher for the past ten years or so, traditional print retouching with dyes on prints and negs as well as Photoshop, working for everybody from Olan Mills to Playboy. Right now I'm a contractor for a pro lab, and it's very frustrating. I think you people would be shocked if you see what I see. Nobody was trained, the lab sends their fleet of artists on Photoshop and just assumes they'll figure it out by trial and error. The other day, my supervisor was upset because she was looking at a restoration/color correction I had done, and she was angry because she saw some funny "things" I put on the picture. I was color correcting, using the eyedropper to find the white/black/grey spots. I mean, this is fairly basic to the workings of Photoshop, right? But she's upset about this, thinking those strange markers are going to print! I assured her they wouldn't, but I just don't think she believed me. Finally I tricked her by hiding the extras. This is the woman in charge of retouching for the lab, one of the largest pro labs in the United States. How would they have sent out the order if I hadn't brought the actual colors back? Colorized, sad. I'm not sure how they keep their customers, honestly.

And they all think they're experts! The egos I'm dealing with, the ignorance, surrounded by it day in and day out. Hacks. I suppose I've strated ranting (but gee it feels good) and it may sound harsh... but trust me on this. Nobody even works in layers, all artwork is done directly on the background layer. I've tried helping (even though this really is not the place for a contractor), but it's hard to help someone learn the basics when they are certain they are an expert already. There's just something about retouching in general, I think, it can be very empowering, almost give one a God Complex. But with Photoshop, it's almost the more you learn--you eventually reach a point when you realize you are no expert, and not only that---probably never will be. And what do I find here, lurking in another thread? Folks here saying we aren't experts, you're still learning. Yes!

Must say, those of you who don't do this professionally and those who may feel new and intimidated by others around here, remember this: You know more than people being paid to do it, professionals, just by being here you know so much more. I've often felt alone, the only guy bothering to learn the basics, no one to turn to when I needed help. You just can't know how happy I am to find this site!

:wavey: Welcome K!

I, as I'm sure everyone else here on this forum, agree with you. The true "experts" are the ones who have learned so much about Photoshop that they realize there is so much more to learn. It's an endless, wonderful, exciting cycle! ;)

I hope you love this group as much as I do.

Hi K! Welcome to RetouchPro! I'm really glad that you found us. A lot of us feel "alone" in our work situations and this forum is a great place for support and comradery. We're spread all over the world (including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, India, Philippines, Italy, Great Britain, Netherlands, US, Canada and more), but our love of photo restoration/retouching (and photo-art) is what brings us together. Don't feel shy about asking questions or sharing tips. I think you'll find us a friendly group, ready to lend a helping hand when asked and always ready to learn new info and techniques!

Welcome! :wavey:

Jeanie

just joined this morning.i would like to say hi to all nice site and there is a lot of talented people using this site.
i must admit i found your site only by luck when looking on the internet, but i am very glad i did.
keep up the good work

Welcome philkf! :wavey: Glad you found us!

Hopefully, we'll get to see some of your work here too! :D Don't be afraid to jump in and join us. We're all learning -- all the time! Just have fun and enjoy! :LOL::nod:

I too, would like to echo Phils comments. I joined recently and the more I browse this site the more interesting and educational I find it. There are some pretty darn talented folks around here that impart some great advice and support. I am pretty much a digital hack but with the resources here I could develop into a pretty good hack ;)

It is nice to stumble upon a real gem once in awhile...

Welcome, K, Philkf, Jeff L -- I'm glad you found this spot, and hope you'll jump right in and start working on a Challenge (Restoration, Retouching, Photo Art, Manipulation) or a Photo Art mini-challenge, or reading the Tips and Tutorials, or posting something interesting in the Salon, or... :)
-- whatever strikes your particular interest.

RetouchPro isn't just a site, it is a community -- welcome, neighbor!

Jeff L. -- I visited your website and looked in some of your Galleries -- you do some very good work. You have a great eye for composition, color, patterns, line, and you handle macros, portraits, landscapes with equal aplomb. Looking forward to seeing more of your photography.

:blush: Why ... Thank You! I have posted a couple of photos here in the challenges. That was quite fun! Basically I have been lurking around here getting my bearings. There sure are alot of things to learn here and I will chime in if I think I can be of any use:)

Hello People. I joined yesterday and seeing as my fellow Brits have announced themselves I feel its time to say hello.
I'm 25 and from London and currently working in a print reprographics house which tries to steer me away from retouching (my favourite bit) and on to more mundane things like Quark and Illustrator.
I have been playing with photoshop for quite a while now but am by no means an expert. I am VERY keen on learning more and this seems the best place to do it.
If anyone has any questions regarding reproducing images to print CMYK I'd like to think that I'll be able to help :)

I just wanted to say HI. I joined yesterday and just dove right in. Everyone has been so nice here. I needed to get something done for a client of mine and you all helped me out, especially Jeanie. She is a true asset to RetouchPRO. I can't believe how nice everyone here is. I absolutely love this place and have been looking for a place like this for along time. I am glad I found it, but only wish I had sooner. Thank you all. I just hope that I can help you all out sometime too.... cyal8tr:)

HI everyone.

Fox and I have just registered with the forum. We're Antique Photo restorers in Adelaide, Australia. Just starting a new business. Looking forward to learning new tips and tricks to help us on our way to becoming xpurts. :D

We're also training with the Australian College of Journalism doing freelance photography so we'll be kept pretty busy in the next few weeks. We will be dropping by from time to time to check messages and things.

Regards

Vixen and Fox
Vix-N-Fox

WOW! This is the most incredible photoshop resource I have ever found. I'm in that middle ground between photoshop noob and intermediate user. I am by no means a graphics tradesman, let alone an artist. I muck with photoshop and toy with plugins. With brute force I sometimes achieve some of the results I desire.

I'll be lurking here for a LONG LONG time.

:)

Hi I have just joined.

I work in a Large Retoching House in London England and have been retoching for almost 20 years the first 9 where with brushes dyes and bleaches untile I got myself on a computor 11 years ago. Anyone need any tips I will be happy to help. 20 years and I still love my job cant think of anything I would rather do. Anyway Great site I will be visiting when I get a chance and work is slow.

Laters Lex

Hello Jak, et al.!

I may not be a newbie in terms or length of membership...but...
I sure am in experience with the site.

I'm so glad to be here. You are right, Jak, people are nice here! It almost makes me want to say something rude--just to break it up. So here goes:

Snot!

Ok then. Hehe. So I'd like to thank all of you moderators for you efforts. This is a wonderful site. I've learned SO MUCH. In fact, the thing I've learned the most here is how much I have yet to learn!

There are some unbelievably talented artists here. It's humbling...and yet extremely exciting to me.

Thanks again,

Scott A. Stewart
Gurnee, IL

Hello Scott!

Welcome to RetouchPRO!



.....It almost makes me want to say something rude--just to break it up. So here goes:

Snot!

:lol: .... Pheeeewwww .... and I was fearing a bout of "Tourette's Disorder" ....

Glad to have you onboard!

:wavey:

Hi all !

Had my account approval in the mail some ten minutes ago.
Done a bit of scouting on this site and ... wow..!! :dizzy:
This is going to be fun IMO.

And how did I end up here .. ?

Well, you know, been beating some versions of Photoshop without really knowing what I was doing. Done photography off and on since 1976 ( still on chemical version ) and actaully understood the power of Photoshop even though I've not really got the proper grips of it.
... and I'm now on ver 7

Bought Kateryn Eismann's "R&R 2nd ed" from Amazon and is now beyond all salvation... :jacko:
Probably doing the book to fast - kind of "turn-page-and-do-turn-page-and-do-turn-page..." and can't stop !!!

But hey, am I learing stuff or what ?!
I'm now half ways through the book and have learned more in 150 pages than all my collected "hacking" since ver 4.
Perhaps I've soon learned enough to change my avatar :)

My location will in the next few weeks be back in the old country - which is Sweden.
Not a needed info, I know, but could perhaps be nice to know ... ?

K' - so, now you'll be stuck with me for ever and ever and ever and ever....

-- Jiger --

Hi guys! :wavey:

Found out about this place today through DPreview.com where I've been participating in the NTF for almost a year.

Have very basic Photoshop skills and use mostly curves/levels/USM/healing brush (how did we ever live w/o it? :ditsy:

Looking forward to extending & improving my abilities with the help from RetouchPro.

Hi moderators and all you other clan

this site is cool and i have learned something all ready but can anyone tell me how to put somebodys head on to someones else shoulders and make it look real and also how to cut someone and insert it into another picture and make it look like its not been plonked there

soory if there long ?s but i really want to learn photoshop and this seems the best place

u can e-mail me if u wish at superman40@ntlworld.com

cheers for all your help

roger

Hello users of RetouchPRO;

Always wanting to learn something new, how to do something a different way, make doing something easier. RetouchPRO popped up in a search and so I am making the commitment of time to see if this site makes things simple enough (how to do it lessons) for me to learn a little more as I go through life.

Ani (the BOSS, wife, daughter too? :)) and I both shoot. We have a little bit of Canon gear and enjoy the time together. We are always looking to improve our photos (Myself more than Ani, who, coming here from Thailand 4½ years ago is still "growing up" to the ways things are done in our home), she plays with PS7.01 on her computer and I use Photoshop CS on mine (yes :rolleyes:, his and hers, side by side so we can play footsies too) and our notebook.

We both enjoy taking Landscape photos but want to learn how to take Portrait/People photos...thus here to learn.

That's a little about me (us) as an introduction to this forum board.

As always, thank you all for making learning resources available to us who need them, (all of us!)

Ken

KenChevy.com (http://KenChevy.com)
AniChevy.com (http://AniChevy.com)

Another hobbyist in the door here of retouch pro, I am very amazed of this site, I've been working with retouching and restoration for quite a while and wished (but never tried) that I could find a suitable place where I can mix up with kindred spirits... I'm so happy I ended up here "I can't even remember how" :) I'm looking for a very good time. Whoever did this website is really very "kind" ... you'll go to heaven... I promise :)


Michael Angelo Alano
Dumaguete, Philippines :pleased:

Welcome MrChevy. I'm sure you will enjoy learning, creating, and contributing. This is a truly wonderful place for people with the computer/photo/painting bug.

Enjoy,
Janet

Just wanted to say Hi! I am new to the forum.

Hey!

I’m learning Adobe Illustrator which I really like what it does and needed some examples of what to do with AI, so I googled and used “Adobe Illustrator challenges” as my keywords and wouldn’t you know it brought me to the ProRetoucher site. What a great find! I have always wanted to make use of what I’ve been learning with these Graphics Softwares and now I’ve found a place to practice and maybe improve my skills.

Howdy from another new member! I joined several days ago and have spent some REAL quality time reading posts and seeing the wonderful work done here. And learned tons of new tricks already!

What a great site and resource.

I am a pro shooter in SoCal, mostly newspaper, but some freelance too, and a couple of retouching gigs.

Right now I am taking it easy because of shoulder injuries and surgeries so that means I can spend time learning new things.

Is it still ok to participate in past challenges?

lara

Welcome to RetouchPRO!!!! :pleased:

No time limit for any of the challenges .... so just go ahead and have a lot of fun!!!

If you have doubts or questions just ask .... somebody here will surely answer! :nod:

P.S. .... Lara .... my daughter's name as well :pleased:

Hello...I'm Eric, I'm in coastal NC, and I just managed to get retired. So, I'm :lmao:

I've been shooting for maybe 40 years and been using Photoshop for maybe the last ten. Frankly, I haven't much of a clue how to use it well. Almost all my work involved converting color pix to grayscale for the newspaper my wife and I published, and for other job work in our print shop.

Fact is, I'll probably go back to work in a few months, but right now I am wanting to set up a series of maritime shots I'm taking as sepia prints. I've read and used the info in the tutorials on this site. Unfortunately, I've had only partial success with them. So I'll be posting some questions about that on the appropriate forum. I think some of the problems I had with the tutorial stem from my using Photoshop 5.0...and the tutorial may have assumed 5.5 or above.

One thing I really would like to discuss is the use of a service bureau/vendor to get true photo prints once I get the digital files the way I want them. What would be a good forum to broach that topic?

Just FWIW, I am a dog trainer and a sailor...and I will not admit to any sins beyond those :wink:

Hello All

Just enjoying a mooch through this Super site, and paused to say Hi Although new to Photoshop was hooked from day one ~ I live in the wilds of Northern England being an Antiques Dealer on a good day :grin: lol I love Travel, and capturing those special moments with my last venture Hiking in The Breath taking Grand Canyon, and my next Travels taking me to India in February click... click...

Looking forward to getting to know you all

Sue x

I am trying to figure out how to use the patch tool to patch an area that joins a hard edge and you do not want the tool to pull in info from the surrounding edge area. I did find Russell brown's tutorial on the disappearing surfer to be helpful in photoshop 7, but I would like to know how to use this same technique in CS. How can I make the hard-edged area temporarily transparant to the patch tool like you can in PS7. thanks for any help on this issue and hello to all of you I am newe to this site!

Stephen

Sgaphoto, use it exactly the same way. It works for both 7 and CS. Have fun.

Janet

Also new. Joins awhile ago but didn't post until now.

This summer I purchased the Nikon D70 and I also just purchased Photoshop CS. What a learning experience that is!!! I went through Adobe Photoshop CS Classroom in a book and the Photoshop Cs book for digital photographers by Scott Kelby. Both books have been just great for learning some stuff.

I may find what I am looking for here if I snoop around some more but what I have is a b&w photo that looks like its rusty. I was going to see if I could post it here but the closest I came to find how it says it has to be in a tiff format. I put my pictures for upload to other sites on Webshots.com and I don't think I can upload tiff format there. Any suggestions? Also I will go through the challenges to see if anyone else has submitted a picture that looks rusty.

Hi. Just stopping to say hello and be polite as I rummage around trying to absorb such a vast array of knowledge. A friend led me here and I'm glad she did. Fantastic site. :)

was told about this site by a friend, and decide I needed to check it out! :)

Following a link on another forum I have just found your site. I must say, having had just a quick look, it is impressive!.

I have only done very few restorations in the past, but look forward to learning how to improve my skills.

Hi all...

Another newbie to Retouch Pro. I'm impressed with the friendly, constructive messages and willingness of folks to help others! My kind of people :knockedou

My background is in specialty advertising which requires line (vector) art 99% of the time, but I've been doing some freelance work for a local print shop selling and creating ads for a 68 page Chamber of Commerce membership book, and creating a souviner book for their Caladium Festival Committee. Some manipulation, but mostly scanning, cleanup, color adjust, crop and insert text for ads type work. I'm looking forward to learning some more creative techniques.

I'm not new to computers. I've been doing digital art since the mid 80's, mostly in FreeHand. Ad specialties have special output requirements (embroidery, die cast, hot stamp, silk screen etc) and usually requires spot colors for the separations and line screen requirements are usually very low.

I work on a Mac G5 using the Adobe CS suite and FreeHand (my preference over Illustrator). I'm looking forward to digging in to PhotoShop and I can see this site and the users here will provide much inspiration.

swampy

After reading the welcome note and the friendly words, i have the feeling to come back home. Thanks to give me the oportunity to be here. :wavey:

Hello people just want to say I am one happy guy having found this wonderful
place, where the people are all friendly and willing to give out good sound
advice. Wish I come across it some time ago. I could have saved on the
head aches LOL. Keep up the good work and I hope I can help someone
in return, One question am I seing things am I right in thinking that
this forum has more female members than males! Not one to complain makes
a change go go ladys. :cool: What a great place..

Regards Barry.

Hi durob and barry!

Enjoy yourselves!

Welcome to all the "new" newbies :pleased:

Look, try, learn, share, exchange ideas and opinions ... feel at home ....

Hi all…
Another new newbie here :pleased: . My regular job does not involve photography or Photoshop. They are just my hobbies. I hope to learn from all the gurus here to improve my skill and knowledge in these areas. Thank you. (I keep a photo blog at http://pengsan.fotopages.com)

Seems like I'm really late... I wonder if anyone is even going to read this.... lol.... Hi... 'stands on chair waving arms' Nice to meet you!

greetings,

just found this site yesterday from a google search on 'retouch'. very nice site and thought i'd say hello :)

the reason for searching google in the first place, was to do a little research on retouching and restoration(r & r). i've recently been doing a number of r & r's for friends and family and have been using paint shop pro (Paint Shop Pro) for years. i also recently upgraded my hardware to a better photo quality printer, a negative scanner and a normal flatbed scanner. all of this in preparation for doing a little professional work, part time. i'm currently semi-retired.

so far, (since yesterday) i've done one challenge, the 'back to work' one with the picture in segments. quite fun :) i've also been browsing the site and trying to figure out all the rules, orientations, places to post, and layout. quite an interesting site. i'm still looking for how to get this challenge pic posted somewhere. seems it's one that has been discontinued and i cant seem to find how to log into the member area. so, i'm somewhat assuming that the member area is something a bit other than your normal account thing here on retouchpro. yes, no?

at any rate, thanks for being here. i've a feeling i'll be spending some time here :)

K.

p.s. i just edited this post to include the challenge pic i did... hope this works :)

Hi Krazy,

....no wonder you didn't see me waving back.....the distance, maybe, and your hat is covering your eyes!!! :grin: :grin:

Only kidding, ....

A very warm welcome to RetouchPRO!! :pleased:

Hi Kraellin,

A very warm welcome to RetouchPRO!!! :pleased:

So glad you found us ... whatever interest or future plans you might have for R&R ... you've surely found the right place!! :pleased:

You have done quite a nice job on your restoration ...

We usually don't post our work in the 'Welcome Forum' but I know that, finding the right place in this great site, can be very confusing at the beginning.... :o:

The 'old challenges' area' can't be updated anymore, still, you can work on all the old challenges and, as far as I know, once you have registered here, you can upload your work in the Members' Galleries ....

This Link (http://www.retouchpro.com/gallery/uploadphoto.php?cat=500) will take you to the 'upload' section of the Members' Gallery ... if in doubt, click on the 'Help' button on the top right of the 'RetouchPRO Gallery Image Upload' window for further informations ....

Hope this helps

hi flora,

thanks for the welcome :)

i found out why i was having trouble with the gallery. i had blocked the cookies from this site yesterday (i always do on new sites) and forgot that i had to re-enable the cookies for this site. so, i can get in and see all now.

as for the attachment in the first post, i can remove it if necessary. call it a greeting card :) i may post the larger one in the gallery when i get more familiar with things around here.

again, very nice site :)

K.

ok, being a newbie, i'm entitled to a few of these; i looked at your link to the gallery upload and noted that it's a 200k limit per pic and a 1 meg limit of disk space. that's really nice of you folks! however, i'm curious, what's your policy on posting from another site (one i use to post pics on other forums... see my avatar properties). is there an area in the gallery, perhaps, that allows this? and what about in other threads? and do the smaller 100k pics with thumbnails count towards that 1 meg limit, or is that a separate thing?

K.

Hi,
.... however, i'm curious, what's your policy on posting from another site (one i use to post pics on other forums... see my avatar properties)."The gallery can't handle links, and you can't post outside pix directly to the forums, but many users have posted links to their sites in the relevant area of the forum. It would be better to attach, since the link will inevitably go dead, rendering the information provided in that thread useless to future readers."
.... and do the smaller 100k pics with thumbnails count towards that 1 meg limit, or is that a separate thing?As far as I know, they are separate...

Hi thomasfoo,

Welcome to RetouchPRO! :pleased:
My regular job does not involve photography or Photoshop. They are just my hobbies....Just a word of warning... these hobbies can become quite addictive!!! :dizzy: :wink:

...Anyway, you have come to the right place and we are happy to have you aboard!! :) :)

I agree with the warning about this hobbies being highly addictive. I love anything that have to do with colors, images, photos, etc. that is why as I say above this is the place for me !

I have been browsing just a few places in this fantastic site and I am sure it will still take me a while to get to know it completely.

Thank you Doug for creating it !

and a Hi ! to all the fellow members !! :happy:

marthig (Martha) :wavey:

Hi Martha,

Welcome to RetouchPRO! :pleased:

Glad you decided to join the place I called 'paradise' on earth when I first 'stumbled' on it!!!

Hi Martha,

Welcome to RetouchPRO! :pleased:

Glad you decided to join the place I called 'paradise' on earth when I first 'stumbled' on it!!!

Thank you Flora for your welcome :wavey:
As a matter of fact I found this site with "Stumble upon", a fantastic portal to countless marvelous places like RetouchPRO !! :bow:

Martha :happy:

thanks flora :)

as you've seen from at least one thread we're sharing, i'm finding my way around. what a great bunch of folks and what interesting subject matter. so again, thanks for being here and communicating :)

K.

I have to echo Kraellins sentiments. I have been a registerd user since last year. I have finally got my backside into gear and posted on the restoration forum. I just love trying to rescue other peoples lost treasures. I hope I'm going to learn a lot more ofphotoshop by trying the tutorials and joing in on some of it interesting topics that are all over this vast forum.

cheers
deadants

I am on another forum and your link was posted this morning. I am very excited to be able to join you all. I am in the process of doing a hertiage album for my 91 year old Mother.
Many of her pictures need help and I am looking forward to learning how to fix many of her pictures.

I purchased Adobe Photoshop CS2 in April and have been taking a wonderful online class to help me learn how to use it.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Joan :hairbow:

Welcome Joan !

You will find excellent professionals here to learn from. You are in the right place for the heritage project for your Mom.
I am sure you will enjoy being a member in this forums.

Best regards - Martha :wavey:

Hi

I am Melissa. I guess I am a newbie when it comes to this. I am a Mixed Media artist. I mainly do rubber stamping and collage type art. I have recently opened a businiess selling collage sheets to my fellow artists. I have 100's of antigue photos well over 100+ yrs old. My reason for joining here is to get these photos restored. Some are a mess with yellow blotches and some are just faded and worn. And some are not recognizable, So I came here to learn how to fix these.

I have read a lot of the tutorials and am impressed by all. I can't wait to find the ones that can teach me how to fix these photos. Thanks for making such a great place.

Melissa

hi melsa,

and welcome to RetouchPRO!

probably the best place to get started on your restoration project is right here in this forum, the restoration forum. if you've got the pics scanned, just post one and folks will wander in and take a look, offer advice and tips, and perhaps even do one themselves.

if you'd like to date the images, try the history forum further down in the list of forums. we've got folks here that can help with that as well.

Craig

Hi everyone

Im fanally here, after a very looong period of ups and downs and no work I fanally got internet connection.

I would like to thanks eveyone in here for such a wonderful site, my passion is photography and photoshop. I recently moved to Australia and after a very long period I started ussing photoshop againg.
I also trying to finish my site, which is been a lot of hard work, with some major problems such as hard drive giving up and then my monitor! so at the moment im ussing a rented one and not sure if what im seeing is right.

Anyway I will be around looking for in the tutorials and forums.

Reagards

Christian
http://www.sunpixs.com

Thanks for the welcome....

So much to learn here...I never knew. WOW!!! I have a lot to absorb reading all this info. Every one seems so helpful in finding your answers. I will be here a lot.

Melissa

This site is the marriage of two things I hold dear, Digital Photo Editing and a supportive online community.

I am in awe of all that is here!

Cant wait to upload some of my work.

Lac

Hi there, Lac :bigthmb:

If you are posting to the Forums, remember that the limit is 100K - have a look at this thread (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7933), just to get off on the right foot.

For the challenges area the limit is 200K.

Have fun!!

Rô

Im Tonya a photographer here in the Houston metro area. Im looking to also learn pro retouching so I could also offer that service to photographers around the area, and also national.

I have been here a few days and posted on your forums. This is really a excellent site for retouching I have learned more from here in the few days i been here. I have passed this site so many times but never joined, I could kick myself for that, but a makeup artist in a forum on ezboard told me to come here for retouching guidance and Im glad I did.

Hi All,

My first post :) I have been playing around with photos & videos for sometime, but only recently got a digital SLR with a couple of nice lenses and I am having a ball, so have spent the last couple of weeks looking for books, mags & the net to help me get the most out of it....

I have Photoshop 7 & Photoshop elements 3 and am struggling to say the least, but sure with time it will get better :rolleyes:

Look forward to reading the old threads and picking up some great tips.

Cheers,

Atlas

Brisbane QLD
Australia

comic sans How can I get help I need to put a old photo here since am new here I do not know how to do it can you help me??

Hi Jorge/Gon

Welcome to Retouch Pro.

Please follow the link below for Instructions

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7933


Ken

I am a new member but have never taken part in forums or chats. I need to understand how to reply to a forum. When I click on the retouch discussion I only see a new thread button, why does this one have a reply button and others don't. I don't want to start a new thread do I when I want to join a discussion. Maybe I just don't get the forum terms. It looks like there are forums that have many threads and you can reply to a thread or start a new topic? If I have questions like these or problems with file size to upload etc what do I do if I don't see a reply button? When do I know I ought to start a thread?

Hiya :wavey:

I'm a professional photographer and have been using Photoshop for a few years now. I actually thought I was pretty good at re-touching faces.....until I came across Chanelle's website [her username on here is Shellby] - and quite dramatically I felt like a complete newbie that had had a huuuuuge head!


So I'm here to learn. I've spent so long trying to improve my photography skills, why not the photoshop side too?!

I can't wait to see how it's all done so very well. I may even post up a few attempts [if I'm brave enough!!] at a later date after reading up on techniques.

Hello and thanks.

Do a search for skin and you will find a good few threads on here explaining the subject. Also search for the user HEYRAD he outlines a great technique for skin using non destructive dodge and burn.

Good luck
Shellby

Hi All,

Just joined up cos I've decided to take that step into the world of re touching... I've been fairly hard core against retouching but its time to open my eyes a little.. :nod:

Anyway, here's my website of fairly un touched images if you wanna have a look - www.detunephotography.com

Thanks all,
Doug :grin:

Detune...Welcome aboard. :-)

I took a tour of your gallery, GREAT stuff.

thanks so much :) I'm kinda leaning towards the world of film a bit more these days but the work when i do get it is always digital so, gotta do what I gotta do to survive right? Otherwise I'll have to settle for my laaaaaame o day job :cold:

Hey all! I've been using Photoshop on and off since version 5 (mostly off, to be totally honest ;) ), and have gotten more into it in the past 7 or 8 months to the point where I joined NAPP in April :)

While my main interests lie with color correcting photos, retouching does come into play now and then. I can do some of the basics, but a photo with a million scratches all over it...that's a Katrin Eismann level photo ;)

Anyway, I hope to learn as much from this forum as I've learned from NAPP already!

-Bryan

He who doesn't speak a foreign tongue, doesn't know his mother tongue.

Interesting signature.

Welcome to RetouchPRO, have fun learning.

Hi.

Ive posted a couple of times since I joined a few weeks back but I thought id say HI.

I have a few years and many thousands of images of experience in restoration. I was one of the original people at the place in New Zealand that walgreens outsourced all their work too ( After some of the work that managed to get through our QA process im not sure thats a good thing to say :) ). After a year and many thousands of photos later I moved onto a quality control / trainer role at the same place. Was made redundant about a year after that, and now working on a helpdesk for an ISP. :dead:

Me and my girlfriend ( who is also an experienced retoucher ) are starting our own restoration firm at the moment.. so stay tuned :) . It will be primarily New Zealand based for a start with the possibility of some internet jobs. Not sure.

I have also done a few high end retouches for major companies like sony etc and would love to one day to be involved in that side of things for a living.

Outside of retouching I enjoy sailing, music, and beer.

Hi,

I'm Al and I have recently joined the community. My primary professional interest is in digital photography software and image processing. Computers and programming were the first thing I loved. But then... one day me brother bought a digital camera and I fell in love with taking pictures. More than that!Having advanced computer skills and experience I was able to do magic around photos. Color correction, watermarking, colorization, artistic frames, digital albums, galleries etc. This world makes me glued to my monitor. Recently, I've started a blog (http://www.digital-photography-software.com) devoted to digital photogrpahy software where I publish my real-life stories about digital imaging and utilities.

The last review was about photo retouching. I tried a specialized photoshop plugin and restorated several old photos from my grandma's old photo album. However, while the utility saved me much time, there were some things that it couldn't cope with.

So, I joined here to learn more and share my own experience.

Greetings form Minsk, Belarus.


__
Al Murauski,
http://www.digital-photography-software.com

Hi aceman, Al,

welcome to RetouchPRO! :pleased:

Great to have you both on board!! :thumbsup:

Hi, I am new to posting here. Being shy it is hard for me to post. But this place is so awesome. I have recently upgraded to Photoshop and am addicted to photo restoration/repair and editing. I found this place awhile ago, through one of the many tute sites I have for Paint Shop Pro and there was a link for this place for skin tones. I thought I had found heaven when I found this place. I spend many hours here reading and printing all the wonderful tips and techniques. One this I was wondering about was I absolutly postive that there was an eye color chart here as well, and I have searched high and low and can not find it anywhere. I think my most favorite technique is colorizing black and white, and I have a precious pic of a baby over his mummys shoulder, and I colored the blanket a nice powder blue, but I would really try to colorize his eyes as well. Anyways, thanks for all posters who take the time to place tutes I really appreciate it alot.

Eva

Hi Eva,

Welcome to RetouchPRO.

Don't be shy, with a few exceptions most members here are house trained, and don't bite, I'm sure you'll be made welcome by all.

Can't help you with the eye colour chart I'm afraid, colouring is not really my thing (as will be clearly seen if you look at my entry for this month's competition), but I'm sure someone will have what you want.

While I'm talking about the monthly competition, if you're into colouring, this months offering might be just up your street. Give it a go, it's a great way to learn and introduce yourself at the same time.

Anyway, enjoy yourself here.

Best wishes, Gary

Hey I am Ryan, I am new to the forum but I am not new to Photoshop. I found this site a few days ago and I have been looking around and decided to set up shop as it so here. So hey!

HI Everyone, thanx Jac for the big welcome! I've been working on pics from operation photo rescue and was lead to this forum by another member of OPR.
The amount of info here is astounding,have been cruising around for a few days on and off to try to get my barings,and I've got to say it's a little overwhelming!
Looks like a really great site!!!! :)

Hi to everyone. I think this site is the one I've been looking for. I have been browsing the forums for a couple of days now and I can't tell you how impressed I've been by the depth of knowledge on display and the friendliness of the place.

A bit about myself: I'm from Leeds, England. I've been in the print industry for 28 years, the last couple of which have had some involvement in Photoshop and Illustrator (although I've been dabbling in Photoshop at home for a few years previously) My dream, though, is to work from home in my own digital imaging/photo restoration business. I hope to do this by the time I'm 50, in 3 years time. I have so much to learn from any of you out there who have already done this.

There are also some great tutorials here!

Wayne

New neighbor here!

Professional photographer. Digital scrapbook designer. Photoshop addict. Adobe Illustrator newbie.

I hail from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the men are men and the sheep are nervous...

I love the site, love all the infinite wisdom here. I plan on sucking it all up like a big ol' Hoover!

One tiny question though. I'm new to the whole forums thing. How does one add a photo to their comments?

Nevermind, I figured it out. Not nearly as intimidating as I thought it would be!

Hi,

I am not sure how to upload my repaired image to a challenge. Is there an upload link somewhere, I don't see any on the page with the large image.

Could someone point me at the right place please.

Thanks

Les

After clicking on the "Reply" button in a thread, if you scroll down below the text entry box, you'll see another button called "Manage Attachments". Click on this, select your file, upload it and then complete your text message or just click on "Submit Reply" when you are done.

Hello, Jak and Friends:

This is my first visit to RetouchPRO and it is a wonderful site. I will make a post later in the Restoration, Retouching and Manipulation section, showing a recent project I in did on my Mac in Photoshop7 for my guitar player, Bill's family. It's his grandmother at a wedding in Fort Worth, Texas in 1912. In the original picture, she's standing behind the bride seated in front of her and she is pretty much completely shielded by the bride's veil and head. Bill's request was to isolate grandma and enlarge her so they could see her face better in one picture instead of picking her out standing behind the bride. Well, I looked the picture over and decided to take the arms and bouquet from a lady standing on the end of the group and put 'em in front of the bride, did some resizing and clone-stamping around here and there, and now grandma is all by herself. I did one version in duotone, converted from the RGB scan, and one in grayscale. Hopefully the links I provide to my Glowfoto album will be good to use here.

I was referred to this site from the administrator at Draglist.com, a drag racing website and message board, where I am doing a lot of motorsports graphics and photo restoration and manipulation. Today I did one of our members on the cover of Hot Rod magazine, just for kicks. It's funny and we had a lot of fun with it, but...BUT....there are concerns that somewhere down the line I might receive a letter from the big guys at Hot Rod's lawyers about that. I don't know the legalities of it, but I think if I was doing that stuff for money, that I would be liable to pay up...this was just for fun, but I sure don't want to step on anybody's toes. I was also referred to a site where the guy uses all of the major magazine titles and so forth...his work did not look very good to me, actually...and he charges huge money to put your face on Britney Spears or something. Just quick cut-and-paste stuff with no quality...I have no intention of doing anything like that, but if y'all have any tips or advice about the magazine cover thing, I'd sure appreciate knowing what's right and what's not...

This site is excellent. I browsed the tutorials and I'm going to study several of the subjects. Thanks again for putting this essential site online! It's great to be here.

John

Welcome aboard, John!

This is my first post on this forum, and I'm also very green when it comes to the art of converting images to paintings...it looks very intimidating to me at this moment, but I'd like to give it a serious try.

My skills in drawing and painting are at this moment at zero (in a scale of 1-10)but with your help I hope to learn to eventually turn one of my daughter's (5yr old) portrait into something that "resembles" a painting...

I have worked in Photoshop just for a year, and have taken photographs since 1973 with a 35mm film camera, now I have "graduated" to a DSLR, an Olympus E-300.

Thanks for your patience,

Carlos

:pleased: ...Great to have you all aboard!!! :pleased:

Lost:
I'm seeking a operator's manual to learn all the in's and out's of enjoying the benefits of the group dynamics is there such a thing, How does one post?

Ernie Wells

Hi Ernie,

welcome to RetouchPRO!!! :pleased:

How does one post? .... If you wish to start a new Thread on a specific topic (.. it would be very useful to search (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/search.php?) the Forums first to check if a similar topic has been dealt with already... :wink: ), do the following:


Decide which Forum is the best for your topic after reading the short description of their function here (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums)...



Click on the 'Forum's ' title and, on the new window, click on the 'New Thread' Button... (Attachment 1)



In the new window,

give a Title to your Thread
write your request/comment in the message window...
Click on the 'Submit New Thread' button

(Attachment 2)


To post a reply on an existing Thread, do the following:


Click on The 'Post Reply' button (Attachment 3)


write your reply/comment in the message window...


Click on the 'Submit Reply' button


For 'how to' attach images/files to your Threads or posts, please, follow the first link under my signature...

Finally, keeping in mind that images only slightly bigger than postage stamps are nearly impossible to retouch/restore :o: , for image/file size and resolution, please follow the second link under my signature ...

Hope this helps... and looking forward to your posts!!! :pleased:

HOw do I post a new message...you know one without replying to a post..Im new here and cant seem to find the post area...thanks a bunch...G

Hi Gaylene.

Welcome to Retouch Pro.

Flora answered the question in the post above. Please see above. Post 134.

Ken.

Hi there, Sean from Taiwan! Love the site and hope I can contribute as much as possible.
Cheers, :wink:

Hi Sean!!

Welcome to RetouchPRO!! :pleased:

Great to have you aboard!!!

Hi ,Every one, nice to be here :wavey:

Hi magic!!

Welcome to RetouchPRO!! :pleased:

Great to have you aboard!!!

magic,

welcome to RetouchPRO.

seanmacman,

welcome to RetouchPRO. taiwan. beautiful country! i spent a week there in 1971.

craig

Hi Everybody,

I found this site when searching for information on making backdrops for portraits using Paintshop Pro. I immediately joined and added it to my favorites.

I've been interested in retouching and restoration for a LONG time. I started when I was in college. I worked at Kodak while in college and had access to darkroom facilities. A neighbor gave me a set of oil colors for hand coloring photographs. I learned a lot during that time in my life. Life interfered for a while but I'm now active with my photography again. My methods are digital now.

I enjoy preparing DVD shows that include my photos, video and music compositions.

I look forward to learning from and hopefully contributing to this site.

Jim

hi jim, and welcome to RetouchPRO. jump right in. always glad to have experienced folks here.

Just a day surfing the posts in Retouch Pro have had me learning tons of great info already. Thanks guys and keep it up! :bigthmb:

welcome, rad.homme. feel free to add your own wisdom :)

Well here I am! What a great website to be associated with. I just spent a half hour browsing and signed up right away. I started restoring photos a year ago (mostly family photos) and I am basically self taught. I know I have a lot to learn and some bad habits to loose. I have restored a few photos for friends and they were pleased with the results but still don't feel comfortable calling myself a pro and accepting money but that may soon change. Thanks in advance for all the help and learning to be had here.

bcarll

Hello from windy West Sussex. :wavey:

Despite being a photo enthusiast for more than half-a-century, with digital for the past five years, I have only just discovered RetouchPRO. What an incredible mine of information and knowledgeable folk. This is my first post, but it won't be the last, even today.

Derek F.
photoIMAG'ination

Hello from windy West Sussex. :wavey:

Derek F.
photoIMAG'ination

Hello and welcome from a wet windy and cold Midlands. There is plenty to see and do here to pass away the time till spring :bigthmb:

Palms

Hi bcarll and Derek F welcome to RetouchPRO, make yourself at home, glad to have you onboard.

Welcome to all the newbies!

Derek, I look forward to your posting some great photos for us to "play" with. :-)

Hi, This post is very informative, however I would like some specific information. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Best Regards,

shahzadmasih

You're going to have to be more specific. What do you need help with?

Thanks to all of you. I have just joined in. This is a lot more fun than I expected.

I work mainly on astronomy images and have a lot more to learn. I usually image comets with a 12 inch telescope and a CCD camera, (Lately all the comets are very faint). I am working on an image of a globular cluster called M2.

I have some digitized family album images to work on and share with my relatives.

Plus I have dozens of images taken with a Nikon D50 of the flowers around my house from last spring and summer.

It was quite by accident finding this forum. Already enjoyed Natalie's music
and a few winking avatars.

Hope to hear from you,

Charles

welcome, charlesbell.

would love to see some of your astronomy photos. every once in a while i'll visit the nasa site(s) and marvel at some of their imagery. and not that i expect you'll get the same thing with a 12 inch as they do with the hubble, but i do find it fascinating.

post them in the photophaphy forum if you just want to show off, or maybe in the art forums if you'd like to see what others might do with them.

The latest version of the image I am working on today was just posted to:

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/c/h/charbell/M2-09142006.jpg

This is an image of a globular cluster named M2 in the Messier catalog.
Its a glob of over 150,000 stars. Its looks like a fuzz ball when you look at it in the telescope eyepiece.

The sky size of this object fits well with my equipment setup.

I use a 12 inch Meade SCT telescope with an F/6.3 focal reducer, and an SBIG ST-2000XCM single shot color CCD camera guided with an AO-7 adaptive optics unit. This is the same setup I use for doing my comet studies.

This image is a stacked composite made from ten consecutive 120 second exposures. The images were calibrated with dark frame subtraction and flat field correction, and then each R,G,B color channel was extracted and aligned with an image registration program, the aligned color channel images were median combined, then brought into PhotoshopCS2 one color channel at a time via the NASA/ESA Fits Liberator plugin using a log stretch on the intensities. Then it is basic layers processing with Levels, Curves, Color, Saturation, etc. :dizzy:

I would certainly entertain any comments especially critical ones. :dizzy:

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!

that's very cool :)

you realize, of course, that everything after '12 inch Meade" all went over my head, right? astronomy jargon! he wants me to understand astronomy jargon! hehe, ok, i actually probably understood more than i'm letting on. for us lay folk, i'm guessing that you basically are allowing and correcting for the displacement blur in the image due to the rotation of the planet during the time lapse(es), no?

but why bring them in one channel at a time? red shift?

First off, the object is a star cluster. Its way way out there. So there's no rotation to worry about. :surprise: You are right about considerations for planet rotation. :bigthmb:

There is a slight image alignment difference between each image that's unavoidable. So all the images have to be aligned though a process called image registration. Then you stack the images which is basically runs a pixel addition process on the images. A median combine is the best overall process to stack astronomical images. There are random cosmic ray hits that get eliminated this way. Sometimes I get satellites tracking through the field of view. :surprise: The median combine improves the data signal to noise ratio in the combined image.

A CCD camera integrates the incoming light, but there is read noise when the chip pixels are read. If the exposure is too long the pxels get saturated. :devil: So the basic technique is to median combine multiple images. :square:

The image files downloaded from the CCD Camera are in a Debayer color matrix format that cannot be aligned and combined directly. Image registration is at the subpixel level. This is over my head. :dizzy:

So I have to separate out the red, blue, and green color components of each image into there own separate sub file, so they can be aligned.

All the red image files are then stacked/median combined. Then the green, then blue. Any order.

I end up with three files (R, G, and B) saved in Fits format. These are actually 16 but grey scale image files for each color.

The NASA/ESA Fits Liberator plugin reads Fits files and provides lots of options for histogram stretching. This is very necessary to see all the detail in bright globular star cluster.

I could use the same programs that I use for image acquisition, registration, etc.. to create an RGB tiff file, but the Fits Liberator seems to do a better job.

I open Photoshop and create a new blank RGB image and bring in the red, green, and blue component images and copy and paste them into the R, B, and G channels.

Then process with Levels, Curves, photoshop tools to bring out the detail and suppress background noise.

Now this last part is why I am here on this site. :wavey:

Everything up to this point is busy work requiring no special skills as that part of the process is very mechanical.


I think I am going to post a new thread about this because its probably off the jist of the newbie thread.

Thanks for the welcome.

Thanks Jak! Happy to find a place as this!

Registered just an hour before. Will utilize all the help available.

Also, will try to be of help!

Hi, not sure where to introduce myself, but my name is Patty and I discovered photoshop about 2 years ago. I love working with pictures (actually my children's pictures ;) I started by making small corrections then to creating actual portraits with various backdrops... I'm still learning everyday something new about photoshop and I hope that I will learn even more by being a member of this really cool site :) Thanks for in advance for all the cool things I know I will learn!

Patty

Hi All,

I am a newbie to Retouch Pro. Looks like a great site and I'm looking forward to getting all kinds of tips.

I use Photoshop Elements 3 and found this site via a posting on the Adobe Forums site.

Watch for my questions. (But I promise to search first!)

Hi,
I am new here. :D I am glad too be here.

Hello Everyone. This is my first post here. I've not been around much but I intend to be from now on though. I love it here and thank-you for being here.

Hi, This is my first post and I wanted to introduce myself...My name is Rocco and I run a home based photo restoration / retouching / enhancement biz. I am looking forward to interacting with the people here as so many of you seem so eager to help and offer advice.

Hi, all good people, this is my first time on this site, and i am looking forward to learn and enjoy this site
Marco

Hello, everyone
This is my first post here as well as a "newbie"... I actually found this site yesterday as I was looking for links to refer another fellow digital photo enhancer enthusiast. I was really WOW'ed by the tutorials and resources on this site. Am looking forward to sharing and learning more.
Ruby

Just thought I'd say hello. Just joined and it looks a very interesting site. Plenty of practise samples available and some very lively & informative discussion. Looking forward to paticipating.
Bye for now.

Hi Jak
I'm having trouble getting a clear and consistent bevel effect on my fonts in PSElements 2. Could you direct me to the appropriate forum for posting my question? Or perhaps you could answer me as well... I want to make fonts that are sharp and clear with a shallow drop shadow background and bevelled. I know how to do it in PSE2 but the results are not consistent. At times they are very clear and other times they are fuzzy. What am I doing wrong? Are there any forums that might discuss these kinds of issues.
Thank you for your kindness.

Snooky

Here you go Snooky, a forum just for you :)

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photoshop-elements-q/
Regards.....John

Hi everyone

I'm Nicki, and I stumbled upon this site a little while ago and thought I'd check in with everyone and introduce myself. I'm 29 and I live in the south of England and recently I've found myself getting more and more drawn into the world of Photoshop.

At the moment, I'm in the middle of a project and I'm getting really stuck, so shortly I'll be looking for the right place to ask a question about it lol. Although if anyone can direct me, that would be brilliant too. Basically, I'm trying to get a picture of a friend and make them look like a ghost. I don't just want to use opacity, as I really want them to look spooky. If you can help me, I'd really appreciate it.

Hope to speak to some of you soon.

Nicki
xx

Hi, I decided, what the heck, I'll post a note to say how much I've enjoyed what I've seen so far - it looks like there are lots of interesting people and places here to explore. I have a variety of interests, worked doing layout and design on a real estate mag for a few years and am now at liberty to do what I want. Sooo, I decided to work on digital scrapbooking kits since I am the sole holder of all of my Grandmother's and Daughter's photo collections (some of which need tlc) and there are other family members who want copies (and I have some relatives to remove from the photos). I know, I know, I always sort of thought that was hokey but I'm having fun putting photo collections into meaningful groupings, learning basic html, and designing off the wall fun things with Photoshop Elements 5 and Photoshop. I hope to pick up some tips and talk to some friendly people here.... Jak, since you mentioned it, there is a tut I'd love to have but will wait for another post for it.... Linda aka Xntrik

Nikki,
Try the Flaming Pear Plug-ins:
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1981064,00.asp
There are a lot of cool effects/filters here and one gives a ghostly feel to images.
Hope this helps!

Thanks so much. I'm going to try that now :)

Lynn B here....I don't remember how I came across this site....but I'm here to stay. Finally a site where being a "newbie" is an ongoing learning opportunity without the negative stigma. Thanks.

Thanks for the welcome! I gotta tell ya, this is the most AWESOME website I have found in a long time....maybe forever! I've learned so much already and can't wait to contribute some stuff. Strictly an amateur but definitely a digital photo addict!
Sue

Hi all,

Just a quick 'hello' before I get lost in this mysterious labrynth of information......

Cheers
Andy :)

Hi all
I am a real newbie, here and with photoshop, but I think this is one of the best places to learn from.
As a new mum I got interested to learn more about photography so I can have nicer pics of my little one, but I also found that I have even greater interest in learning to work with Photoshop. I loooooove Photoshop and what the programe can do, so I spend all my free time (not that I have lot) learning and playing with photos.
I hope, soon, with your help,all my bubs photos will look like professional ones :-)

Cheers

Ceca

Hello all,

Yes, I am a newbie (oh no... Not again...) and this is the first time I am posting here. I know RetouchPro through some other forum threads when I was searching for methods, tips, techniques on photo retouching, mainly on portraits.

I have been to many other forums on the Internet and must say that my experiences vary from one to another. I sincerely hope that this forum members respect other members and not use abusive words or sentences. I have had extremely bad experiences on this and now very skeptical about it.

But I am sure with Jak in the house, things will be smooth. I am not an expert in Photoshop skills. I learn my stuffs mainly through trial and error and getting inspirations from other photos. I don't shoot a lot but just occassionally. When I have done my post processing, somehow, I find them missing something but I don't know how to put it in words. I felt my processing is very boring and dull and with no creativity.

I hope to learn lots of techniques and methods from the pros here in this forum so to better enhance my pictures. I may have a lot of questions too. Just hope forum members are not pissed off with some of my stupid questions or consider me as a waste of time. I really wanna learn and make my pictures better.

Hope to have a good time here with you guys! :D

i guess im welcome over here too

i hope i ll have many to share too :)

Just found this site. I am exploring it for now.

Thanks

Glad to be here -
looking forward to finally figuring out what the hell i've been doing!
;)
and how to do it better

Hello everbody.
I've seen this forum a few days ago for the first time. And it looks great. So I hope can help/learn alot here.
I'm from Belgium and have been working with photoshop for a long time.
I've just posted my picture in the retouching challenge, i hope you like it.
So have fun and learn alot :)

Hi everyone, just came across this forum tonight, I'm a computer using gimpist photographer amateur wannabe better at it all person:grin: Gonna get lost in this a-maze-ing place

Hail from the southern part of the Globe, Kiwi in australia.
Name's Kevin

seen that photo of yours Mane, impressive :thumbsup:

Hi,
first, excuse me for my bad English.I'm a french newbie on this forum and I hope learning a lot with you.

hello all, im new here,
very glad to be apart

Regards to all !!

hello everyone! happy to be part of retouchpro:grin:

Hello all. What a wonderful site! I can tell already that I'll be spending some time here. Members seem to be more gracious and sharing than most I've seen.

WOW, you guys got a great little corner of the net. I just found out about your site after tearing apart the net looking for any information about Digital Darkroom & Photography. I found your link in a Photoshop Newsgroup, and I'm really looking forward to exploring.

You make everyone feel Welcome no matter what the skill level is from Newbie to Experienced Pro. :grin:

Mark G

Hello everyone, I'm glad to join this site.So i hope exchange some experience with everyone.

Sorry for my bad english.

I am so happy to find such a wonderful resource and such a nice people. I went to PayPal right away to support this venture. Look forward to being a small part of it all.

Karen

Oh... Hello

I´m three-toed Sloth (kidding ¬¬)

This is Cklipperx, I´m from Brazil, and I´m just dropping by here to say hi to everyone and, it´s great to be here.

"I´ve seen a million faces, and I rocked them all!"

see y´all

Cklipperx

hello people :D
im from Poland but on this moment i live in London :d,
its great board :D

;P

Thanks for the nice welcome to NewBies. I know I will find these forums very helpful.

Fotoz34

My name is Dan and this is my first post to this forum. I hope to be able to find all the information that I seek and more throughout my travels here:)

just joined retouchpro.

i am in lakewood, ohio, on the west side of cleveland, and have been taking photos since the 70's.

last year i bought an olympus e-500 and will probably buy the not yet in stores olympus e-3.

i use photoshop cs3 and acr 4.2 and have been a photoshop user since early 90's when it came out.

Hello!

I found you via google and as it looks interesting here I joined :)

Have used photoShop since 4.0 but what I don't know still exceeds what I do know..

Don't know what to say? Try saying hello to our community in the Salon forum.
I try to say hello :)
unfortunately my english is very poor.
best regards!

I'm new to posting here. I've been lingering for almost a year. Not quite sure why I haven't dove in to the great amount of resources that are out there. I'm a serious ammerature (sp?) and I want to learn all the tricks of the trade. I'm willing to work hard to learn what is right and not do what is sloppy just to get the job done. I hope that there is lots to learn here. I've been to so many sites and it seems that they all say the same thing and I don't feel like I'm learning what I want. Hope to gain some wisdom and knowledge from all the greats out there. Thanks for being available to all of us.

Sincerely.

Hi, I'm Edna B, and a newbie here. Not doing too good finding my way around, so I hope I'm in the right place.

Hi everybody! My name is Nick, I'm a newbie here. I have been around a couple weeks trying to absorb all that is offered here. I am a hobby photographer (for now,) trying to learn how to retouch pictures in an acceptable way that I can start working on putting a portfolio together and making some money to pay for all this expensive camera equipment. Hopefully soon I will be at a level that I feel comfortable posting some images without being laughed out of the club. :)

Hi my name is Mike. I have been interested in restoration for a little while. I am really pleased to find this site and hope that I can make some progress in what I am trying to do. The current competition looks challenging, way beyond my capability. It will be interesting to see all the entries, the standard so far looks high.

Hi everybody, My name is Hasan and I am from Turkey.

I interested with prof. Photographing and Photoshop.

See u

Hello, Have been a member of this site for a few months but I don't think I ever said Hi.
I love photography and love to restore old photos.
I am a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Full time employed BUT would love to do photography full time. Would love to hear from other beginning photographers. I have been playing around with my camera for about 6 years now and the more I use it and my computer, the more I love it.
I would like to know how to post pictures for oppinions.

Hi

Really like point #8 of your thoughts. I am sure that I will not be able to visit often but I am really glad to have found this group.

Kevin aka fotografiklee

Hi,

I just joined retouchpro today, and I'm eager to become an active member (as time permits). I'm from Connecticut in the U. S.

I use a Canon D20, which I love. Most of my photos are cats (for the local humane society), musicians in performance (my husband's bands and other musicians), and nature (during walks in the woods). I'm an amateur.

I look forward to learning a lot and hopefully offering some back, too.

Marcia

Hello--I'm just trying to understand how this forum operates and am sure I will get the hang of it soon.
Know there is a wealth of knowledge to tap here love new ideas.

glasater

hi everyone . just standing in the corner listening to the sounds of the party. Picking up some interesting conversations. will hopefully be able to fully contribute one day.

Hi everyone! im new to this site, but have viewed some forums for a month or so and Im so happy I found a site for retouchers! Ive been in this for about 13 years. I only play with photography sometimes, but am a professional retoucher/not-a-bad artist too. I live in Tennesse, US; 35 year old mom; grew up a military-brat and am thrilled to be active in this site and get critiques about my work. I would like to go solo as an idependent retouch/restore/ manipulater(sp?) of photos, so any advice and opinions(really!) is very welcome. ;)
Nice to meet all of you.