nothing wrong with your eyes.. you look perfectly stunning.. and this photo is beautiful in tone of black and white..dont wish to offend far far from it... but l so prefer this to the 2d version.. its natural and the light is soft... hugs hope l havnt offended..hugs..:) nikki

Attached Link: http://www.optikvervelabs.com/

learn layering... that would be copy to a new image,
apply a softening effect to one, copy again layering it over the original, erase back to the details

you'll just have to practice different effects & technique
this takes time

& btw... your postworked image does not need to be moved to the 2D gallery, it still resembles a photo

I like the gallery version, but I think my personal preference is for this version more..... nicely done!

oops sorry.. saw the comments in the gallery and naturally guessed.. it was 2d..as actually l dont have a clue about 2d art is yet alone look like... so sorry..:( and thanks cindy might give that link a try myself..looks good... nikki

I definitely prefer that one too, Kim!!!

I just went to the Monet gallery. He was crititized for not doing fine detail... he had his own idea about art.. And stuck with what his heart told him to do... i used to teach art at a school... and i used to tell the children to do it their way... Of course helpful critics are important... Now regauding my last work I personally - I like the drama of the eyes coming out more and the softness of the rest. I will not change it But however I will learn from your advice about photography and yes I need to learn layering... that is the sore spot with me i have learned almost everything on psp and can draw in complicated detail with a mouse and make an exact strait line. So I dont like the detail of my old 40 year old face... just me.. i am teachable.. but also an individual with strong beliefs and a stubborness .. take it or leave it i love you all thank you for your help and teaching me.. i will play with that picture and take cyns advice as I RESPECT HER Highly and consider her to be like a mentor on her.. highest regards and respectful admiration for your advice and help.. i am grateful ... just stubborn about my own liking. LOL forgive me and do not hate me for telling my feelings thank you you are important to me and i have set aside down allot of my time in the real world to be a part of this community... and my suggestion is to think about putting a picture of your face up with all the detail ...think about it...hard thing to do... especailly when i feel far from pretty after 3 csections, and the wear and tear of living with an x husband who is verbally abusive (came back after 5 years cause my dad asked me to on his death bed...and so i come on here to do my artwork and rest from the hardships of my situation.. i have to fight for my time on here.. and so I have to stand true to my heart. thanks love you all Kimarie

I understand what u're saying Kim but, personnally, I just love ur face! As I told u in my comment, I think u're drop dead gorgeous! But of course, we never see ourselves the way the rest of the world does! :(

i'm honored kim, i think you will excel at this & grow, i've learned a lot in the 3 years i've been here, one of them, figuring out layers which will open up much for you in PSP instead of using only your smudge tool, which you have mastered to a T... no one is trying to change you & i think you know that... not everyone was thrilled with my postworking images but there's a place here for all... i'm 44... embrace yourself as you are... sure i may postwork/soften my photos of myself but let the light shine in those gorgeous eyes of yours & leave some of the imperfections that make you uniquely you... but most of all do what pleases you in your work & bugger the rest :]

Exactly! Cyn said it beautifully! :D

ok i changed it .. figured you all are too sweet and nice enough to take the time so why not see i can be flexible...

You are very beautiful...excellent photo! -Jeff :-)

hmm i edited it but it didnt change.. maybe it just takes a while hmmm.. thanks jeff... sweet of you but you should see me right now ... no makeup and facecream. this is hard think would have rather put up the sheep picture i had in mind.... hmmmm LOL

Indeed! What Cindy said is so true..... and I'm not more than a couple of years behind you in age Kim.... :~) And just as an aside, when you post stuff here, most people will give their honest thoughts on it. You may not always like what you hear..... and you may not agree with it. But they're nothing more than opinions, ya know? :~)

WHOA! That is SOME portrait Kim! Stunning is an UNDERSTATEMENT! Wow! As was stated...PRACTICE & EXPERIMENTING are the key! That virtual Photographer plug is a GREAT way to start, using its built in presets. You can also create you own custom settings! One of the best freebies (IMO)!

Take it easy!
Joe

Message edited on: 05/17/2005 20:22

This is a beautifull portrait of a 40 ears old lady that still loof like a young one in the thirties ;-) Your skin is still like porcelain..i like very much the cone contrast of your face over the fine cotton . If you really wish to try some effects, may be a soft glow or artistic blur would be fine too in my opinion..but really light...This portrait is very beautifull!

thank you so much... trying to get to commenting today but Chrissy is hyper and i got the flu... ok i am NOT 40 yet not till oct 16th!! gunna milk my 30s as long as i can ...LOL!!!!

Aaaaaaah! A Libra! :) Nice! And yea, Chelle is right too here! When u post something in the forum, u will mostly get a honest opinion! Better not being too frisky! ;) Hehe!

Hi Kimmers, i agree with the rest of the gang here...luv the one in your gallery but definitely prefer this version!!! You're sooooooo beautiful and this image just enhances your beauty IMO!!!! :)

Great link Cindy, that looks like a pretty cool plug-in!!!!! WOOOHOOOOO!!!! As far as your portrait goes Kimmie, im gonna go out on a limb here and say that i actually prefer the postworked version....not that you needed any postwork...just saying i liked the highlights among other things in that one...sigh...now ive really painted myself into a corner. You look beautiful in both okay! Gonna log out now before i confuse myself even more...bla bla... #:o)

Oh and i didnt bother reading the replies to this thread before i posted my first statement...sorry, LOL...now i need to add that you should always and forever do whatever you want. Michelle said it perfectly: "They are only opinions". And trust me, when you get a hang on layering, a whole new world will open up to you. And if you ever need any help or advice on the subject, id be happy to help you in any way i can. Although...my knowledge is probably quite limited compared to the rest of the crew here. YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! Work has ended and im going home!!!!! SEEEE YAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL@Andreas!!! That's it, I'm refreshed! ;)