[JamesEssex]

Hey - so here is a picture of me, self taken. I have included the before image and the after image (a bit of airbrushing and lighting change) I am quite happy with the overall look ......

BUT

I am wondering if anyone has any inspiration to make a piece of art out of the after pic! Something crazy, slick, dimensional or interesting!!!

I've lost my inspiration!

???

James

[12fretter]

Fun with filters.

[LonK]

Originally Posted by JamesEssex

Something crazy, slick, dimensional or interesting!!!

Kind of a subjective request, but here ya go, James.

[Pam]

Very nice shot, James. I like the perspective. Here's another look for you...

Retouch really grinds up the contrast on these small shots, so here's the link to a larger version:

http://www.pbase.com/pam_r/image/80971674

[saby]

just triing to inspire You

saby

[rythmique]

just fooling around

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/1198/jameshp6.jpg

[pellepiano]

Pam, that is so great. I love what you did.

[yelhsaneerg]

that looks awesome PAM...and James....i thought the original was very nice too.....hope u find what ur lookin' for
ash

[Ant]

I like what you did there Pam.

[Peter S]

An attempt to cure digital artists block.

Peter

[JamesEssex]

Wow - some great stuff!! Inspiring!!!!

Pam - yours is really great, how did you achieve that?

Rythmique - thats exactly the sort of thing I was thinking of, subtle changes! How did you do that? Stunning!

[Pam]

Pelle, Yelhsaneerg and Ant -
Thank you for the kind words, it means a lot to get feedback, particularly of the complimentary type! Especially to Pelle, only because I know his great Photoshop work : )

Hi James,
I'm glad you liked it : ) These were my major steps:
- Used curves and levels to increase contrast, brighten it and warm up the colors.
- Added some Diffuse glow to blow out and at the same time, soften the highlights.
- Added a texture on top, played around with blend modes and opacity.

If you want to experiment with textures, here are a couple of good resources:

Mayang's textures:
http://mayang.com/textures/

Image After:
http://www.imageafter.com/textures.php

Texture Warehouse:
http://www.texturewarehouse.com/gallery/index.php

[JamesEssex]

Thanks Pam

Testures definitely make a whole lot of difference and I'm not too experienced with them yet, so will look at those links!
I feel quite confident with me actual retouching skills, in the sense of smoothing out the skin and getting that flawless look - but just need to start throwing some creativity around!!

[emilylt87]

Heres my try never worked with textures before thanks pam, what do you think?

www.myspace.com/kissofglamour

[JamesEssex]

Emily thats so good!!! Another one of my favourites! What did you do to my eyes too? I feel I may have them changed to that color ;-)