Aviator Girl – Before & After
Well, I kind of got off track with my 365 project 
Thankfully, I prepared myself mentally for the day(s) when I just couldn’t muster the time/effort to post my daily photo. Plus, real life DID get in the way…in the form of PHOTOSHOP WORLD. That’s a huge excuse! I registered at the last minute, and I am so happy I had the opportunity to attend for the 3rd time. Westcott had several booths set up with professional lighting and models, which for me, was the highlight of the conference. I took over 1500 photos while there, so at least I learned something about the camera.
Back to the 365 project…
I hope to get back on track, but maybe as a once a week photo, instead of once a day. I found myself posting photos that I would NEVER want anyone to see, just to satisfy my quota. Some of the photos I posted I am just plain embarrassed of. Yeah, I know, the whole reason behind the project was to help better my photo taking skills. I still plan to take photos more often than I would like to, in order to help achieve this goal, but I will go back to my normal processing habits. Those habits consume quite a bit of time!
I took this photo of ‘Aviator Girl’ at the Westcott booth/PS World.
Total time processing: 11 hours.
I can honestly say I am satisfied with the way it turned out 
At times, there were so many photographers lined up shooting, that it was hard to get in place for a good angle. Some of the models moved so fast, and I just couldn’t focus fast enough. Of the 1500 photos I took, I threw out half. That’s how many just plain sucked. I learned a lot about beauty retouching while doing this photo. I don’t know if what I did was correct, I just did what I think looked OK. I would really like to get it critiqued by someone who knows this stuff.
After:
Before:
Quick tech stuff:
I started with a Raw file and did a Double Raw Conversion, which bought out so much detail in the hair.
Below is what the photo looked like after just the double Raw conversion:
I got this technique from the German Photoshop Retoucher Extraordinaire, Calvin Hollywood. I used so many of his techniques on this photo that I learned from his ‘Calvinize‘ video training.
I will try to post some of the other stuff I did, but it’s late and I’m tired!
In the mean time…check out Calvin Hollywood, he rocks!
Here is the link to the guest blog post he did on Scott Kelby’s Photoshop Insider blog. This is where I first heard of him…big thanks to Scott Kelby!
Photos by Regina Pagles
My husband Fred & I own Zion Cycles, a bicycle shop in Springdale, Utah - just outside of Zion National Park.
I live, eat, breath, sleep & dream about Photoshop. Sick...I know. 
I think it’s gorgeous. I’ve been thinking you should be doing portraits for while now.
My only thing (tiny) is that I find that lens thingy on her helmet really distracting. It draws my eye away from her radiant face and makes me wonder if it was added.
Hi, I’m watching your photoshop/photography work on this website, but today I had to break the rule of being quiet1 You’re just amazing! The last photo is fantastic and so is your effort, work, and concept of what you want to achieve. And of course I’m a big fan of Pablo
Your work is amazing. I check out you site just about every day. Outstanding job as always.
Thank you, Carol!