Photo Challenge | Before & After - Texture Thursday

It's been a little while since I've posted, and I sure have missed it!  We've had a lot going on here, not to mention storm after storm that has blown through.  Wednesday was one day I'd not want to repeat any time soon, or ever!  I've been off more than on the computer these days because of the constant warnings.  Lightning and computers do not go together, but thankfully, we've had nothing as serious as other parts of the country.  So much devastation, and loss for so many ... they all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!

Well, needless to say, I've missed a few of these photo challenges.  I've wanted to get back here to share some before & afters, and some textured images with you, so I thought I'd do both today.  I enjoy browsing through antique malls, and when I came upon a booth full old cameras, I couldn't help but stop to look over a few of them and snap a couple of quick shots for old-time memory's sake!  Here is one of the images I took but as you can see, it's not very appealing when it comes to composition, or lighting.  It was a bit dark and shadowed in the area where these were, so I had before me the challenge of giving this image some much needed character ... oh, but I do love an editing challenge!  First, I straightened and cropped it up a bit then went to work on fading out the color, adjusted contrast, and lighting, then finally added the texture layer to give it an even more 'weathered' look ... reminds me of something you'd find in an attic!  To add your own creations, or to see more 'Before and After' and 'Texture Thursday' images, just click on the links below.  Hope you all enjoy a blessed weekend!

Before ... SOOC

After ... Vintage Cameras Textured

Fix-it-Friday #77

Well, it's Friday again, already, and another opportunity from I Heart Faces to practice with our editing! I loved working with this image ... a little girl lost in thought ... how often I find myself there! This one courtesy of Michelle Johnson.  I had some extra time today, so, I did more than one edit.  It had a vintage sort of feel to it, so I went for that look.  Would love to know your thoughts, and if you might have a favorite among the ones here. :)

Using PSE7, I started out on the first edit by fixing the little flaw on her cheek, and removing a few stray hairs ... adjusted levels, contrast ... sharpened to bring out more of those beautiful eyelashes.  Adjusted color for skin tone, working with both hue and saturation to fade out the color of her shirt, giving it a more vintage feel. I then added a mocha layer, dialing the opacity back to 40%.  For the second edit, I used the first one converting it to b/w, with a bit more sharpening, then added a taupe layer - opacity 70%, then finished with a vignette.  For edits 3 and 4, I used the first edit, added two different textures, the last one giving it a 'dreamy' look, then, I masked those off her face, adjusted the contrast and colors just a bit, and these are what I came up with for this week!  To see more edits on this image, click on the logo below and scout the links at the bottom of the page. Thanks so much, for stopping by! Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

 . original .

 #1

 #2

 #3

#4
(Kinda dreamy)