I must admit that I had my doubts when I first saw the image. Mainly because most of us have yet to reach this standard which you have. I am very impressed! It is an assurance too that it is attainable. Your training and skill really comes through. Your use of colour and light and brush strokes really shows that you have mastered the art of realism ! Thanks for sharing! Truly amazing!

I agree with what Chris said, except I didn't see the first image so I don't know about that. Very excellent work.

Well, one needs a lot of talent and experience to do what you did. I think your "Chris" image is so very amazing. And when looking closely to the image some of the hair gives a hint to the fact that it is painted. Thank you also for posting these steps cause it shows even more what incredible postwork you did on the original. I'm a fan, lol. :D

Ahh..Excellent! Very nice work! :)

Thanks for showing us - I love seeing how people make their images. Wonderful image, you are incredibly talented. :)

Amazing work! I'd leave poser behind if I were you..it's obvious you could paint it all.

Thank you for sharing your work. As you said, there is no tutorial for talent and a great talent you are. I've been a member here for several years and just about every piece of Poser work has that computer generated feel to it except yours. You are an inspiration.

wow.. to be able to do that is a dream you are amazing.

This is amazing work! :D My aspiration is to be half as good as you! :D FABULOUS!!!

Truely inspirational, and love that work you do! I believed you!!! Your fantastic!

Perfect!!!! It real looks like a photo! AMAZING!

You can show us the steps but it was your talent that brought it to life, I am stunned at this image, excellent!

WOW, that's so perfect!!! Fantastic, I find no words, it's just perfect!!

This is just amazing Addy! You are fantastic and this is an inspiration to all! Fantastic! ~jen ;)

Remarkable! I can kind of understand why some still think it's a photo... Very impressive, a true work of art!

Sorry, I just wanted to say "WOW!"

Unbelievable! I really thought this was a scam but nope, just some outstanding art talent!

I know the Poser image... and I have seen the photo too...however, big parts from the photo were placed over Michael face, there is no doubt, the eyes are not Michael's, they are choped from the photo with some postwork, it is visible, I compared with the photo and the similarities are huge, I am sorry...the beard, the nose... a lot of things dont look at all like in the first render but like from the photo. I am not saying you dont have talent, your post work is amazing...still, I believe a lot from the photo was placed over the render and then a lot of postwork has been done. This is not pure Poser, it is a collage with a lot of painting on. Good work though.

How could I doubt, since I added you in my fav artist list? ;-) It's outstanding the way you give life to your projects. Thanks for sharing this, you are a truly inspiration to all of us.

Art of Victor : I am really truly sorry that you cannot accept or understand that no part of the photo was used in this image period. You really need to open your mind to the concept of talent and what a true painter/artist can accomplish with the tools. It is obvious by your statement that you just cannot grasp accept that this is possible and for that I feel sorry for you. And I once again assure you that there is no trickery done on this image and it is EXACTLY as she said it is period, but thank you for your input :) Peace and Creativity Chris

Thank You for the tutorial!!! Fantastic artwork!! Your talent is incredible and you amaze and inspire me!!!

hey...how about we keep this place as it should be..an ART FORUM and not a place where ppl insult each other and argue...huh ? Make Renders NOT war !

Bravo Vali ;-)

To all of you who doubt, this is an extremely well done photorealistic image, but it is not a photograph! Look carefully, but there is a whole scale difference, the facial dimensions aren't 100% on, and the hair in certain parts is obviously (be it very well done) painted. This is an outstainding portrait and whether or not it was done in 100% poser or not is irrelevant! It is a true piece of artwork!

Cool tutorial! Your a credit to all painters and give me something new to try for. Excellent work!

Oh well Vali, its not like I didn't try... I guess I should broadcast my desktop next time I make an image and maybe then ppl will begin to understand that these are my images indeed and not some photos with lots of Photoshop postwork...

What ever others may say about the above portrait, there are areas in which you can tell they are not photographic. The work is outstanding in it's rendering as should be treat as found. Art is there to create discussion. I for one would be unable to create such a piece of work; I take my hat off to Addy. I salute your work and would like to congratulate you on a marvellous gallery. You are superb in what you do. Congratulations on another fantastic post.

Addy... I sincerely hope that any negative input received for this piece does not hinder your incredible passion for creation. You have a pure talent that shines through in both your photography and in your ability to use a simple base program to create outstanding works of art. It is obvious that this piece is NOT a photograph no matter what said "experts" may believe. It is completely possible to create unbelievable effects in Photoshop as long as you have the talent and the know-how, and only the narrow-minded can not grasp this concept. The eyes are not that of the photograph. Period. You added an extra touch of emotion that the photograph could not convey. I can only hope that you will continue to create and show everyone what a true artist can accomplish. Once again, congratulations on your incredible accomplishment and best of luck. Chris Count your blessings. I hope you know what you have.

Some of the critics here should look at the work of Chuck Close, Carolyn Brady, or Ian Hornak and get some education on photorealist paintings. As an exhibiting artist myself I learned never to be concerned with the baggage that the viewer brings to my prints - it's not about me. Anyway, I appreciate this posting of the process! Excellent bit here. BTW when Man Ray showed his film in Paris the audience rioted and burned the print - god what fun that reaction was....! Rock on.

WOW!!!! That's amazing!!!! You are very talented!! Would like to see a close up of him!