lwm3b invades i heart faces

So, Handy Man - aka Boybarian Dad or B-Dad to the IHF crowd - might be the photographer in the family, but we both know who runs the post-prod around here. So, I really hope B-Dad doesn't feel like I'm stepping on his toes when he sees this post. I don't think he actually reads my blog anymore, ever since, you know... he's like soooo popular over on his own blog.

Up until now, I have not participated in any of the I Heart Faces things. I've kept my hands off, and let that be his little pet project. Hey, someone has to have a voice for the Nikon users. (ps - Ang, Nikon. No contest.)

But I couldn't resist this one. I love baby pics. Oh, what I wouldn't do to rewind and invest in a great camera when mine were babies. Instead, I'll wield my desire to Photoshop all things baby on this little bundle of joy. If you have a baby, or if your baby factory is still open... save your pennies for a great camera. So. Worth. It.

Here is the before pic, which we are supposed to "fix". Phew! It's a good thing they didn't say "steal". Don't want anyone 'ccusin' me of baby stealin'.

I don't know if this photo is available in a larger resolution. I usually like working on a larger canvas. So to speak. But I think I shamelessly just stole this off Handy Man's post. I should probably feel bad about that.

I don't. Anyway. Here's the final result.



Software: Photoshop CS3

Steps:
Unsharp Mask on the Light channel in Lab Mode
Curves, dropper on white. Adjust opacity.
Slightly desaturate the image.
Heal brush the facial blemishes.
Dodge the whites of the eyes.
Burn the pupils.
Select only the eyes. Run unsharp mask again.
Soften the skin using Powder Your Nose from MCP Actions. Lower opacity.
Paint out dark shadows using Touch of Light from MCP actions. Lower opacity.
Burn the edges for a vignette look.
Flatten edits to a single layer.
Pull the original photo back on in a layer under the edits.
Lower the opacity of the edit layer for a more natural look.
Resist stealing the baby.



You can play along, too, by going to I Heart Faces. I assume they'll put up the Mr. Linky soon. I'm guessing I have a contraband version of the image since I stole it (not the baby) from Handy Man's blog.

ps - Handy Man if you're reading this... we need water and bleach for science experiments. Thank you.

pss - Did you know that most Photoshop jargon is not recognized by spell check? Either is the word "homeschool." I think I use PS jargon and the word homeschool more than most words. The dictionary hates me.

ppss - I get to hang out with my BFF's chubby baby boy today. I will try very hard not to steal him, either.

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