Below are variations of a photo I played with in Photoshop. The photo (a picture I took of my younger daughter a few years ago) in the top left corner is the photo I started out with. The arrow points to my usual easy photo fix (duplicate layer, Gaussian blur of 55 over copy two, set blending mode to overlay or soft light).
In the following 6 photos I replaced my backyard with a photo I took of the California coast 2 years ago. Then, for each photo, I used different textures (all from Nancy Donaldson) and blending modes.
This is all in my attempt to improve my portraits. I have to start taking notes on my techniques so I can replicate the things I like.
Love the 5th one the most - you just can't beat a bit of b&w!
Posted by: Sue Berry | February 10, 2012 at 05:09 PM
You definitely should jot down your methods. Either that or just keep experimenting. You have some interesting photos.
Posted by: Dolores | February 10, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Amazing, but gotta say that Annie is the most beautiful in her "natural state".
Posted by: Last minute lynn | February 08, 2012 at 10:15 PM
So impressed with the differences in these. I mean really! They all have such a different feeling to them. I envy your talent for this!
Posted by: Kris | February 08, 2012 at 09:32 PM
wow!! this looks amazing! i love sseeing all progress of your work, thanks for sharing and playing along!
Posted by: nancy donaldson | February 08, 2012 at 10:26 AM
I agree with everyone else. Your daughter is stunning and altering her photo is like gilding the lily. But I understand your wanting to practice your photoshopping techniques and having a beautiful subject makes it all the more enjoyable.
Posted by: Judy Streger | February 07, 2012 at 11:56 PM
First, she's lovely. And these are fascinating. I just love how you keep learning!
Posted by: jeanie | February 07, 2012 at 09:06 PM
It's amazing how a photo can be altered. Your daughter is beautiful.
Posted by: Elaine Akers | February 07, 2012 at 05:30 PM
what a fun experiment with some very cool results. Of course your daughter is very pretty!
Posted by: Lorri Scott | February 07, 2012 at 11:46 AM