February 5, 2018

Normally, I would not post so quickly but in order to supplant the thoughts in my mind from last evening, I decided to work more on the "Layers" in my photo software.  Yes, the Patriots lost and credit must be given to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Back to my therapy...

The first set was taken on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.  There is a 'before' picture taken right out of the camera and an 'after' photo.  Apart from adding some punch to the photo, I changed the sky, as I did yesterday.  When choosing a sky from a file, it is incumbent that the one chosen is compatible with the scene to which it is being added.  Often, some blending is required as well. I chose an horizon sky for the replacement.  When an horizon sky is being replaced, do not select a sky that is shot directly overhead.  This will look unnatural.

The second set is a stock photo from a website that required no fees ($) and no attribution.  As you look at both photos (click on one of them to enlarge the photos), can you note the basic changes that I made?  The answers are below the last photo.

I did a few things to the complexion; removed the obvious blemishes, mostly the dark freckles, adjusted the smoothness of the skin, and lighten the shadows.  Note the eyebrows.  I trimmed them on the inner ends.  The eyes and teeth have been whitened, and added some red to her lips. 

This is my first try at photo-shopping a portrait, apart from some minor touch-ups.  

Would you agree with my opinion (do I sound like Sean Hannity???) that the original picture has the subject frowning or squinting and that the second picture has her looking more sultry?