Layers Editing

Today we had a discussion as to how advantageous it is to use layers when editing and fixing images. I am posting here what I stated in class:
"Some advantages of creating a separate layer from an existing layer style are to preserve the original image. If you don't preserve it and make an error, you could lose the original entirely. For example the error could be using the 'Save' option instead of 'Save As' or 'Save for Web.' Another advantage would be if you were intending on only making minor adjustments and you didn't want to change the data of the original layer. It gives you an opportunity to make a series of changes without starting over each time you find an edit that is perfect. Extra layers are good for when you are point editing. They allow you the opportunity to edit in masks or just editing foregrounds, subjects and/ or background separately."

Next we went on to what was wrong with the image posted and how we would fix it. I failed to do the first part at first but here is what I think is wrong with the image:
-Severe Blemishes
-Faded
-Tears
-Tonal Range
-Unfocused (Needs to be Sharpened)
-The brown on the image from age of photo. Burns?

This is how I think it should be fixed:
As for this photo, I would start by duplicating the layer and applying the brightness/contrast to the new layer. Then I would use the shortcut CTRL + ALT+ SHIFT + E to copy my selected layers as duplicate copy with ALL things merged together. I would then reduplicate that new merged layer and use the Clone tool to get rid of the blemishes and tears. After that, I would make that all old layer were not selected, duplicate the Cloning layer for a Scratch and Dust filter layer. I would range it so that all dust issues blurred out. Then I would duplicate the filter layer making it into a Curves layer then duplicating it and applying some levels. Finally I would almost finish this editing by duplicating the layer again for option to use the High Pass filter which will sharpen the image without giving the graininess. Lastly, I would use the shortcut CTRL + ALT+ SHIFT + E to merge these new layers that I created for the clone, filter, curves, levels, and high pass into one merges layer and label it healing. I then take the healing spot brush to the minor blemishes that reemerged in the High Pass filter. Then I will Duplicate one LAST time and label it final to so my final result easily.

Before______________________ After

Digital Manipulation of a Friend

For fun, I told my friend Heidi I would make her a Photoshopped picture and show her my skills. In doing this, I also made sure that I screen captured everything I had done. Originally it took me 2 hours to complete this. But thanks to modern technology You are able to watch me struggle and make endless mistakes in 5 minutes.

Watch the process of this image becoming something more.


Here is the final product.

Clone Stamp

I think I am getting the hang of the cloning stamp. Every time I get a set of images from class, one of them needs cosmetic repairs. I tend to shuffle towards images that don't need the use of a Clone Stamp. By and by, I got it this time.

Before_____________________ After______________________

I used the Curves Tool to eliminate the blue color cast. Then, I used the Vibrance Adjustment to bring out the saturation in the minor colors. After that, I went into Levels and slid the gamma slider in various ways to elevate the tonal range of the high, mid, and low tones. Next, I went back into Curves to use the gray dropper to get the last bit of the red color cast out. Finally, I attempted to use a mask to get rid of the tear in the photograph and that did not seem to work. So I used the Clone Stamp but as I am typing this up, I realized that I could have probably used a clipping mask to fix the issue also. Oh well. We learn different ways.