On this photo, I wanted softer colors and an over all, dreamier, softer look. (at 53 years old, I can use all the soft effects available for my skin!!)
So, I skipped all the fixes on Edit and went straight to Create. I turned the whole picture Black and White, under Effects at about 20%. Before applying it, I erased the black and white from the eyes and jewelry.
Next, I used Eye Bright on all of the jewelry and the eyes.
Then, under Eye Color, I used the full strength gray to take away the yellow in the flowers, applied it, and tinted them to match the other colors with a purple Eye Color, faded.
Under touch up, I used Blush, in a skin tone on the skin, and faded it away, then did the same with a pink Blush on the cheeks and lips. I added a bit of faded blue to the iris with Eye Color.
One of my favorite tools for faces is under Seasonal, Valentines Day. Its "Heart's Desire" and gives the whole photo a pink tint, with blurred edges. I applied it with its largest size at 53%.
Finally, I used Matte (Effects) in two layers, a pale pink full size, but faded a bit, then a darker pink very small and faded over that. To finish, I added a grey drop shadow.
I can see many hours wasted on...errr...devoted to picnic. Thanks for sharing these great tips.
Posted by: gypsy rose | August 19, 2011 at 06:11 AM
Oh, my, can't wait to try out all these techniques! What fun lies ahead - thanks so much for sharing all this, Karla!
Jane-Jacksonville
Posted by: Jane | August 19, 2011 at 07:07 AM
I love Picnic to touch up photos! Never did master Photoshop and my copy is so old now that it is useless. You did a great job and look 30 years younger!!! Good job!
Posted by: Judy B. | August 19, 2011 at 09:04 AM
Joo loook mah-va-lous!
Posted by: Jill | August 19, 2011 at 10:07 AM
Karla, I love all your Picnik tips. I've signed up with Picnik after reading about it on your blog. Love it!
I'll be seeing you in Ashville in October!
xoxo
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah aka Miss Bee | August 19, 2011 at 10:55 AM
If only real life looks were as easy:)
Leann
Posted by: Leann | August 19, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Love it , Karla. Now we can all looknyears younger. That's a lot of work, though!
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | August 19, 2011 at 04:49 PM
I truly love it.
Looks more beautiful, younger and elegant.
Cassy from Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Posted by: Cassy | August 20, 2011 at 02:07 AM
I can frankly say that you defenitely not looking like a 53 year old, looking at the picture before editing. You look much younger!
Hugs /Therese
Posted by: linnea-maria | August 20, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Thanks for the PICNIK tips; however, I really think the
before pic is equally beautiful. I love the play of light on the subject's hair. Speaking of "the subject", what a beautiful subject it is! No, you certainly don't look 53!
Posted by: Diana Connell | August 20, 2011 at 12:59 PM
You look so pretty in all your photos!!!
Posted by: Laraine Atherton | August 20, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Always helping us! Thank you!
Posted by: Vicki Cotnoir | August 20, 2011 at 08:44 PM
Karla, I dont understand much of what you are telling here, but you look beautiful on the photo- and I will have to try PICNIK ,once when having time, to really play with that.
Hugs,Dorthe
Posted by: Dorthe | August 21, 2011 at 02:19 PM