Photo editing assistance/guidance

[MysteryLemon]

Morbid said:

OK then, here's my version...


_DSC2639editV2 by Ian J Bradshaw, on Flickr

In hindsight after seeing yours, the blacks could probably come down a touch in mine

The tattoo thing was the first thing my eyes saw on the full res version! Had to go, but was hesitant incase it was some kinda of birth mark etc. Had that before only for a customer to be slightly miffed I had removed what I thought was dirt, only to be told was a facial feature that made them unique

[james_tigerwoods]

The boy in the middle has a red spot under his eye which is a birthmark, but I would have edited it out anyway (I did try, but I made a hash of it, so I left it in)

As it's for the mother in law, she'll be pleased with that anyway

[MysteryLemon]

I edited it out

If anyone asks, Morbid did it!

[Morbid]

If it's ok for celebs then I think it's ok for your nephew. I can put it back if you think it might cause any family issues?

[james_tigerwoods]

Nah, I wanted rid of it anyway

Thanks again - I need to learn how to do it myself now

[Morbid]

I've just noticed there's some grey in the background on the right that I've missed, can you sort that out (clone tool would do the job)? If not I can sort it out tomorrow. It'll be noticeable when printed so needs doing. Sorry! I work with a window behind me and must have missed this in the glare.

[ian in lancs]

another approach for patchy backgrounds is to create a layer, blur the layer, and erase the blur layer where the subject is

[james_tigerwoods]

Morbid said:

I've just noticed there's some grey in the background on the right that I've missed, can you sort that out (clone tool would do the job)? If not I can sort it out tomorrow. It'll be noticeable when printed so needs doing. Sorry! I work with a window behind me and must have missed this in the glare.

Ahhh, I emailed you saying that - I'll have a bash tonight

Just not on my crappy works laptop

[Morbid]

Ok, hadn't seen the email. Select the clone stamp tool. Set the pixel size at about half way or above on the slider. Set transparency(?) to 100% if it isn't already. Hover over a section near by that is white and press Alt and click. This sets where it will sample from. Then move the cursor over the grey and 'paint' over it. A little cross will move near where the sample was taken from to show you what's going on. Repeat as needed. If you have trouble, it's a five minute fix and I'd be happy to do it.

Edited by Morbid on Tuesday 18th November 19:19

[Morbid]

James - YHM !

[james_tigerwoods]

Thanks again!

[Simpo Two]

Morbid said:

Select the clone stamp tool. Set the pixel size at about half way or above on the slider. Set transparency(?) to 100% if it isn't already. Hover over a section near by that is white and press Alt and click. This sets where it will sample from. Then move the cursor over the grey and 'paint' over it.

Don't forget the edge softness - I usually use 100% to eliminate any edges showing. You can also use [] to alter brush size quickly.

[james_tigerwoods]

I always seem to forget just how much I still have to learn...

[james_tigerwoods]

I've had a stab at another photo using some guidance as above and in emails with a very helpful PHer - This was my original final edit:



And the second edit - which still needs work, but it's getting there.

[Simpo Two]

Much better but the cheeks and forehead look a bit overdone.

Why not flatten out that awful sheet and see if you can light it directly (ie keep the light off the subject)? Also the original is underexposed - get that better and there'll be less bashing to do.

[james_tigerwoods]

The source photo is done but a lesson has been learned.

It's odd though as in PH I can see the dark patches in the bottom corners but in PS, I can't.

I'll have a stab at the forehead and stuff tomorrow

[GetCarter]

Buy an iron!

(or stretch the sheet)

[james_tigerwoods]

GetCarter said:

Buy an iron!

A very, very sore point....

[james_tigerwoods]

Simpo Two said:

Much better but the cheeks and forehead look a bit overdone.

Why not flatten out that awful sheet and see if you can light it directly (ie keep the light off the subject)? Also the original is underexposed - get that better and there'll be less bashing to do.

One question - I only have the one flash (an SB600) which I can use off camera with some basic ebay remote triggers. Would it be more effective to point the flash at the white backdrop?

(Potentially stupid question, I know)

[Pixel Pusher]

james_tigerwoods said:

GetCarter said:

Buy an iron!

A very, very sore point....

Ok, I missed a bit of your thread but here you go…..