Photo to art conversion

Final 'artistic' version

Original Point-and-Shoot photo

While I would normally use a more sophisticated technique to convert photos to photoshop painting, I set this one up for a friend who did not own the full Photoshop program to demonstrate what is possible using PS Elements and some textures.  The process starts with the key step of simplifying the photo to remove tiny details.  A low-res point-and-shoot image is often ideal.  Use a blurring technique to remove the details if possible, but at the very least resize the image to a low resolution - around 72 dpi is fine.  Next apply a combination of filter effects which should at least include a watercolor effect.  Then obtain a 'watercolor texture' and apply it to the image to render the paint stroke effects.  Finally, apply a texture overlay of watercolor paper, etc., to give it an authentic presentation.  I always wanted to paint, but never had any talent in that direction.  Digital image processing programs such as PS Elements can almost make you look like a painter.  See more on the flickr page  http://www.flickr.com/photos/vamedia/

PR shots demonstrate crop and texture

Original Shot unedited

Final Shot

Here is a sample of a PR image taken for Brian Muller, local bluegrass and jazz musician.  Two processes were performed on the original shot.  First, the image was cropped to convert the original digital frame to an 8" x 10" format for use in promotions and to tighten the focus on the musician.  The shots in the studio are generally left a little wide so that I can crop to suit during post-production.  Second, I added a little texture overlay to the image which warmed it slightly and created a little more flatness while simultaneously smoothing and vignetting the backdrop.  There is a slight loss of contrast in the result, but for printing purposes, that is often desirable.