The original is larger, of course, but I thought if anybody can save this and do something with it, please let me know.

I appreciate any replies at all.

Thanks,
Syyd

Furdnik Thank you, colors and skintone look richer, obvious camera shake here, and didn't know how to get rid of it. Original file is 1.3mb, I can zip it up and load it to the server. Thank you so much. Syyd

excellent....also want to ask tomorrow night about how to photograph things through thick glass too.

I thought rather than get rid of the camera shake, - shy not use it..? :) you could add some stars, some blur (I blurred you) and I sharpened the little dreamy girl. And wishes are to be made this season, - aren't they?? :) Britt

wishes are to be made and fulfilled, and I want to thank you so much for for the stars....This is really touching.....Thanks again Britt, thanks!

First, I guess we could get philosophical and ask if the original is really bad? It is an impression of a slice of life, like a "gesture drawing", and as the years go on may become more real than something perfectly posed. The expression on the little girl's face is precious, and she will remember Mommy, as you remember yours. OK, philosophy aside, and back to practice. I like Britt's twinkle on eye and lip. Other directions we could take it is reducing the saturation as with an old photo. Or using something like a drybrush effect to go the watercolor route. My guess is, that is not what you have in mind? The softness is not disturbing; it adds to the mood. I wouldn't do anything different with your daughter. The part I find most objectionable is the whisp of hair covering your right eye. [I really like, BTW, how both of your hair blends together in this picture.] Maybe we could burn in that portion of the face to hide it more in shadow. In real desparation, we could re-photograph you from same angle, lighting, and do a reasonably nice job of patching just the face together, (as long as you didn't mind some blurred artsey effects). This is likely more than anyone wanted to hear, but I can't attend the chat tomorrow night. Maybe as folks are throwing around ideas something will click. It is really very nice as it is!

Britt, which plug-in did u use to get the stars? Cheers (",)

You're welcome Syyd. :) JordyArt: It's not a plugin. I used the hatchformed brushes in Photoshop. There are two; one 25 pts and an one 48. I just added a layer, and drizzled them all over! :)) Britt

I like them all.....I am so overwhelmed by this, you have no idea.....thank you one and all, from the bottom of my heart, thank you again.....Merry Christmas.... Syyd

Its not a fake, its from the heart, and that makes it totally original.....I have to tell you all, I am not feeling well, and this just buoyed our spirits here 150%. I cannot wait to show Chelsea all of these when she returns home from school. My mom will also love you all. Its hard to pick a gift for someone who's 83, she has everything and she specifically said she did not want another knick knack! I've been giving her pictures over the last year and she loves them, she also adores Chelsea and I wanted to give her that in a photo......You certainly all made this a happy happy christmas. God bless you all, Syyd

all of these are a great interpretation of the first. each one seems to add a different emotion to the mix. tough choice so far.

Wow, there's some great versions in here! svdf, really like that, and Rork your 2nd one is about the best, imo. Britt, cheers mate, I'll have to have a play about with that one! Mike (",)

(Second try)

gooser this is beautiful....that starburst is incredible....it just sort of radiates....I love all of these.....

Im typing on a french keyboard right now, so no punctation besuides periods and commas for me, cause this, is the quotations key without and with the shift key pressed. questions mark, etc. Hows about I give it a shot in drawing it out. Seems like it be fun, and I can send you a full size tif sacn if ya like. I basically gotta wait until tomorrow to start though, cuase I cant be much aof a jackass and stay on the drug pharms computer for more than 45 minutes or so (though I waited at least an hour and a half, but I refuse to be a dick is all). Whatcha say

Wow, what a neat idea....I can see the eyes.....I love the painted feel and the like daubing of blue around the edges. Very painterly effects are always some of my very favorite work to do......I also like how there is more color in her face, because really its about her.....THANK YOU....