Category: Graphicus

Purpose: Improve the original in-the-moment photograph.

Audience: Family and friends.

Development Tools: Adobe Photoshop

Notes: I like black and white photos but they really shine when used as computer screen wallpaper. The program icons on the screen stand out far better when set against black and white. Ultimately the dimensions were altered to landscape orientation for this purpose.

The people caught in the background of the original photo have been cropped and the pair of visible legs has been removed from his facial area. Shading at the pixel level was required where his nose and brow meet the water. There were at least 10 shades of gray used for the blend process. I always alter the contrast and curves on photographic subjects and this shot was no exception. Using these tools adds a richness to the photo that's nearly impossible to achieve with action photography.

Notice how his profile and hair have become the focal point of the photo – that's exactly as it should be.