Painting with a lens

My original idea for this session was to use my little sister as a model. She has been pretty sick with the flu and I had the idea of capturing the feel of The Black Plague. However, my sister has a mind of her own and that didn't fly to well!

So after the session I decided to go after the art of editing. In this first image I wanted to get rid of all small details and create the illusion of painting. 

I love the way this turned out, So I thought i'd show how I got from the raw file to this finished piece. 

This image was actually really difficult to work with because I had to use the JPEG file instead of RAW. Thankfully I won't have to do that anymore!

-So first I changed the colors. I always just eye this, I don't have any secret formulas I just change tones until I like what I see.

-Next I did all my retouching and airbrushing to color correct the face. 

-The final (and hardest) part was removing the detail from her hair and coat. It took me a really long time but it was worth it to me, and the smudge tool and I became friends really quick!

So here it is side by side-

These next two I edited much later. They both have an old vintage feel to them while maintaining their own individuality.

This last one somewhat depicts my original idea.

Over all I am pleased with the way these images came out, and while they all share a similar style, they could also stand alone.

What one is your favorite?!