Re: PAW: Street Portraiture

[Paul Stenquist]

I used the word "Street" only to indicate that I was trying to take a 
studio type portrait on a street corner. I believe the gaussian blur is 
roughly the equivalent of the soft focus filter, but it allows you to 
apply it selectively. As Butch said, makeup, contact lenses, filtration 
and careful studio lighting could have accomplished the same thing. I 
just wanted to see if I could do it in a minute or less with no extra 
equipment.
Paul
On May 30, 2004, at 11:04 AM, Steve Desjardins wrote:

Of course, many of the PS tools are named after there film 
counterparts,
like air brushing.  The second layer Gaussian blur is a good trick I
learned recently.  I'm curious if its effects are similar to using a
soft focus lens.  And. of course, color saturation can be controlled
with choice of film.

I think the big problem in this thread is the term "street".  The
original has more of the "street" look.  That post-PS version is simply
a nice image (with really good PS technique, BTW) more typical of a
studio shot, and nothing that she couldn't have done with some good
make-up.
One difference between an photo and the actual person is that they
rarely stand absolutely still and let you stare at them, so that all
photos are to some extent "unnatural".  The camera can also capture
things like facial blemishes and highlight them in an unnatural way.
I realize there are issues if you are using a photo for ID (although
zits are not very helpful there) but as soon as the issue becomes one 
of
aesthetics I think you are free to do what you want.

How about a composite shot with the original and post PS versions back-
to- back like a mirror image?

[EMAIL PROTECTED] 05/29/04 12:32AM >>>
Hi Bruce,
Thanks. She had some complexion problems, so I did some work with the
clone tool. Then, I selected her eyes, pumped up the blue and the
saturation. Next, a second layer and a heavy gaussian blur at 50%
opacity. Finally, I erased her eyes and lips from the second layer.
Paul
On May 28, 2004, at 9:58 PM, Bruce Dayton wrote:
Paul,
I like the shot.  It looks very natural and she seems quite
comfortable.  The lighting does very well for her eyes as well.
When
you say "photoshopped" - what all did you do?
Bruce
Friday, May 28, 2004, 4:44:49 PM, you wrote:
PS> Once in awhile I'll stop someone on the street and ask them if I

can
PS> shoot a portrait there on the spot. I found this lady earlier
today,
PS> knocked off two frames of her in front of a blue wall,
PhotoShoped
her
PS> around a bit, and here she is:
PS> http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2397401&size=lg
PS> Paul