Before...
These pictures are my raw images. My daughter, in a cool robe, hands up and hands down. I also took the grafitti image in an old abandoned factory, thinking that it would make an interesting picture.
Have you ever tried to force yourself to be creative? Sometimes it just doesn't work :) I tried several different projects that just didn't feel right. I love the two finished images that I finally ended up making, each for different reasons.
Here's the first one..."Double Vision"
I started with the face shot. I created some luminance masks to change up the brights a bit. I added in the hand layer and experimented with different layer settings. I opted to use the multiply setting on both layers.
After getting the images lined up and showing through, I worked with a mask to blur/darken the surrounding area to focus more on the face. I use a bit of blur to soften the entire image. The blue sapphire is a personal touch.
Our family mines sapphires whenever we get the chance and the ring Maranda is wearing is made from one of the sapphires she mined, had treated, and cut. I added in the pop of color as a point of interest to the portrait. By softening the brush, the stone appears to almost glow...LOVE IT!
I chose to go with a center alignment and feel that the image is interesting enough to really draw the eye in both concept and placement. The sapphire gives a great contrast/interest area as well as nice contrast in the black and white part of the image.
Next... "Grafitti"
I started with the same face image as above. This time, I wanted to print the grafitti to her face, in a little more muted color scheme, reminiscent of an older tattoo or tribal paint.
I started by cleaning up the face a bit. Then used a blur on the face and saved it for later. Then, I went back to the original image and added in the grafitti image, which I duplicated and used the Distort/Displace filter on (referring to the blurred image saved previously for reference). I then turned off the first tattoo layer and turned the distorted layer into a multiply layer. I softened up the whole image and added in the blur black on the left.
This image is cropped significantly to place the eyes in the premium grid position. I also aligned right and framed the face in tight. I used a mask to clean the eyes and inside of mouth.
Overall, this image really captures what I wanted to. It shows individuality and really pulls you in. The contrast of the grafitti on a face and the colors also add interest to the image.