Can someone tell me how this is done?

AFrazier · #16 04-29-2008, 07:30 AM

Agreed. The step by step I gave you is only the first part in making the image workable, and it took me a long time to get to a point where I knew to do that. What those steps accomplish isn't what you saw on that website. You would still need to do quite a bit more. All that did was set the stage for a quality touch-up.
I'll say again that the image was low res., and there are other touch-ups the artist did to clean up the photograph ... but those other touch-ups are more difficult with a poor image.
To get what that person accomplished, you will need time, patience, a bit more knowledge, about ten more steps, and a high res. image.

BUT, the few steps I did give you are excellent starters for color management. Use them. Practice them. They go a long way towards creating great images.

Gary Richardson · #17 04-29-2008, 09:36 AM

The same question was being asked in both the Software and Photo Restoration forums, so I've merged the threads to keep replies all in one place.

NYBOB · #18 04-29-2008, 04:38 PM

Did this with Elements 3 with a layer mask tool add on.Not perfect,but with a little more work it shows what can be done with Elements.I use CS3 & Elements.Sometimes you do not need all the power of Photoshop.

TommyO · #19 04-29-2008, 09:30 PM

Beth,
Just one more opinion : )
Yes, it takes time to learn. It is a complicated hobby, or profession. If you really enjoy it, then take the time... but pace yourself.

I started years ago at the beach and spent 2 hours a day studying a book and practicing the tutorials on a laptop using an older version of Photoshop. Once I felt it was worth it for me to upgrade, I did. You could spend many months learning under Elements, then upgrade when you know the time is right... you will want some of the additional features once your skill level gets to that point.

The photo's you're looking at on line are done by professionals. You will not get those results for a while, as in a year or two at least. However, if you will buy a book and go through the tutorials, you will have the opportunity to correct some images just like those on the site you referenced. I agree with Tom below. A very good book is Katrin Eismann's series. One is "Photoshop Restoration & Retouching, 3rd Edition" and the other is "Photoshop Masking & Compositing". You will need both. Both come with a link to her website where you can download all the images to work with. Believe me, there are more there than you can stand. You will be busy.

Good luck,
Tommy