Opening closed eyes - Please help!

[citygirl03]

Hi Everyone!

I have a photo that I would really love to frame and give to a friend of mine as a birthday gift, however my eyes are closed in the photo.

If anyone could help me open my eyes in the photo as I have no photo editing knowledge at all, I would be very grateful!

I have attached a few pics afterwards with my eyes open to show what colour they are etc.

The original image had to be resized so the 1st attachemnt is a little blurry, here is a direct link to the original photo:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4297/091w.jpg

Thank you very much in advance!

[aartist]

You seem to be wanting free photo service, since you indicate
no software or editing knowledge. Don't see where you intend
to actually do the photo work yourself with helpful suggestions.

Your requesting free photo service isn't why this forum is here.
If I'm wrong then please explain otherwise.

[citygirl03]

Hi thanks for your reply! I am not looking for a free photo service, I am willing to try, and understand that this website is not for that, I just do not know where else to look for help.

I have tried using photobucket to drag eyes and copy and paste them on to the image, but it looks strange to me. I was just looking for help and advice or if anyone can recommend me any photo editing software for a beginner.

Thanks

[citygirl03]

P.s you said a 'photo service' is there a photo service online that you recommend that could help me fix my image? I dont mind if I have to pay of course, as I have no idea where to begin or what software to purchase / use

[aartist]

I would suggest Corel's Paint Shop Pro software, which is
easy to use and costs around $50. Great software.
The most popular would be Adobe PhotoShop, about $200.
There is also GIMP, which is free to download and use.

I'm sure you will get many replies and suggestions, to help
you along. Good Luck!!!

[citygirl03]

Thank you, I will download GIMP

[mistermonday]

Citygirl, you have a problem that has a relatively simple solution. However, you have not made things easy. Essentially all you need to do is copy and paste a section of eyes from another photo, then add a layer mask and paint on the mask to blend the eyes in.
The problem you have is that your 1st potential image source is very blurry, the 2nd source is very microscopically small - you could have uploaded a much larger size because as is it is not usable. The 3rd image has eyes facing the wrong direction. In all images the lighting and color are far different form your orig closed eye image.
As an interim while you are trying to load some s/w, here is what I did. Used the eyes from the 3rd image, flipped them horizontally to better align, changed the overall color around to match the shades of the orig. That what you can do when handicapped. If you use a better original, you should be able to do a good job.
Oh BTW, the origianl had been brightened as it was pretty underexposed.
Regards, Murray

[mistermonday]

P.S. Welcome to RetouchPro!
Regards, Murray

[beefy24]

Had a little try at this one ...not easy with whats to work with but here's my attempt

[jeremy1986]

heres my attemp if you are interested in full size let me know. I had to save it lower quality to get it to fit.

[smurfing]

Though I'd have a little go

Smurf

[citygirl03]

Hey mistermonday, beefy24, jeremy1986 and smurfing, thank you very very much! it is really great of you to take the time to do that!

You mention that I am making it harder for myself because the original image is blurry / small, is there a technique that i can use to make the image larger and easier for me to work with? i have tried looking through as many photos as possible and cant seem to find any at all where my eyes are facing that exact direct with the same lighting. do you suggest a source where it will look more natural using someone elses eyes? as i have noticed that my eyes seem to be slightly different shape.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/3673/0000014f.jpg
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1611/0000013f.jpg
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1724/0000015d.jpg
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/355/093io.jpg

p.s jeremy1986, it would be great if you could send me the full size of the image!

thank you very much everyone again!

[kevinashworth]

Hi CityGirl, How about this...
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7469/091w2.jpg

[citygirl03]

Hi Kevin!! It's perfect!!!! thank you so so much!!!!! you are a star!!