Texturized Peeps - a Few Tips

mouse over to see the before texture photo

I have a confession.... I didn't take one single people pic this week... or the week before... or the week before that!  'sigh'....

Something must change.... I'm telling you... it must. :) 

I was sure this week's TT challenge would get me inspired.... but the truth is... I need some cooperative peeps to photograph!  I need to hang a sign...  

Wanted: Willing Models NOW. {please} 

If you missed it.... this week's Texture Tuesday challenge is - PEOPLE... :) Are you feeling it? Can you dig it? Are you ready?

I had to dig into the archives....and beg my sweet friend and fab photographer, Denise Balyoz, for a few people pics to play with. Watch for a few of Denise's fab photos in the next post. 

Above goes way back in the archives....  a 'for-fun' shoot for my hairdresser.... and this beautiful model.... I dug it out and reprocessed the photo. I have to say I adore what 'granny's cupboard' did to the already grungy background!

So let's talk texture on people .... 

I love both textured and non-textured portraits and people pics. Textures can add the coolest effect to the background of a photo...

I normally remove the texture from the skin.  Unless I'm going for an artful look.... than I may leave it.... There's some amazing flickr folk who do the coolest things with textures and self-portraits....Heavy texture can be fun and oh so FAB!

But if you are going for a natural more subtle effect...removing it from the person/people is the way to go.

There's all kinds of techniques you can use....

• you can use a selection tool and outline the skin area, then add a blur filter to that area of the texture. This allows you to keep the tone of the texture, without funky lines and texture on the skin. 
• Another options is to select the main color from the texture, create a new blank layer, and paint over the skin and hair (and clothing). You can then go ahead and change the layer blend mode and adjust the opacity. Normally it works best if you set the blend mode to match the blend mode you used on the texture layer.

I converted today's photo to a vintage feel black and white. I then added 'granny's cupboard' and changed the blend mode to soft light. I desaturated the texture layer. Then added a layer mask and removed the texture from the model's skin, hair and clothing. 

Because the photo was black and white, and I desaturated the texture itself, I didn't have to worry about the skin looking greyed after I removed the texture.  

.....

So there's a little food for thought, my friends.....

What about you...any tips to share? Thoughts?  I'd love to hear!

I will be back to put up our TT challenge post before midnight. 

I seriously can not wait to see what you all have come up with!!

xxo, 

p.s. I'm thrilled to be featured at A Place for Twiggs, today.  I'd love to see you there!! 

p.s.s. The final round, before Fall, of The Essentials eCourse begins tomorrow. Are you in? :)

Comments

[Jillsy Girl]

I love it!!

[Anna]

Kim, thanks fro the tips. The texture addition and modification of color in this shot is perfect. Gorgeous finished piece!

[libbyQ]

i had to 'cheat' too. i'm not a good people photographer and, like you, don't have willing 'victims' to practice on.

i'll do the big reveal on the TT post/linky thingy.

:-)
libbyQ

[Dianne]

Hey Kim, thanks once again for hosting us and for your lovely blog--the textures you so freely give and your sweet spirit. I love the picture above--great job!

BTW, could you please give us a heads up as to where to find the instructions for "mousing over."

Thanks,
Dianne

[Elaine]

I don't have any models close at hand either, but I'm playing around with a photo I took a couple of years ago of one of my friends modeling one of my necklaces. Not happy with it so far :~( We shall see...

[Teresa]

Hi Kim,
I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! I've resorted to photographing a scene with a person in it, I really don't enjoy photographing people and wonder if it's because I hate being photographed myself. I'm much more comfortable in front of a flower!!

You made a lovely job of the shot, I really enjoy the subtlety of touch in this.

Best wishes, Teresa

[Cricket]

Kim.. is this the class i signed up for before when camera was on brink?? If you have a record could you let me know...
Would love to join back in! Thanks!

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