Creative Filters / Painting with Photoshop

So I have always been a huge fan of the old pinup style drawings/paintings.

I have been looking for ways to create that look in Photoshop for a while now.
Although I still have not found exactly what I'm looking for and since I do not have the drawing talent to create that exact look, I have been playing with some creative filters and I'm happy with some of the results.

This Thread is intended to display creative results with photoshop filters, and any creative contributors are more than welcome to post your own stuff. Any Artistic style you like.

I know there are plenty out there who look down on this sort of stuff.. And think that a great photograph should be untouched and stand on it's own.. To that I say there is always room for improvement and artistic interpretation... I grew up looking at SI and Playboy and other magazines... They all retouch the HELL out of pics. I looked at those images from a fantasy perspective.. Not a reality one. I know what real women look like.

Most of these images will look like the original in thumbnail size.. They need to be looked at in full size to be appreciated. Most of what I post here will be of the female form.. Something tells me most of you wont mind that.

I will try to include names for search purposes when I am able.. Please do the same if you post here. Occasionally I will post original images with the edit. Feel free to do the same for comparison sake.

I'm sure some of you will hate these images, but I'm also certain there are plenty of others out there who will enjoy them..

With that said... On to some examples.

 

A few more...

 

like this?



I've been working with this technique for several years now, especially where I want to give that Rockwell/Varga feeling

edit* I use a clone layer>desaturate>blur>edge>grain extract>set trans where youre happy>new layer from visible>clone layer>multiply>15% opac

 

Im doing my conversions by hand, are you using topaz?

 

Yes my friend.... I am... I have tried so many conversions and watched countless tutorials... And none has been able to duplicate the options Topaz has.. I do find myself doing a lot of post editing after Topaz.... Curves....Lighting effects.... Color Balance and more.... Looks like there are not a whole lot of fans of what I have posted so far... So this thread may be doomed.. I usually spend way too much time on each edit.

 

On another note.... It was not until I started playing with these type of pics until i realized that the Topaz or similar filters were so widely used... Esp in the modeling biz....
Playboy and Victoria's Secret use the shit out of such filters.... I still like the results they come out with...... And millions of dollars in sales.... prove others like them as well..

My favorite edits of these type of photos... are the raw amatuer photo... Made to look for print... I love making the girl next door look like a magazine cover..... Like this awesome shot...

 

yes, I agree. IMO, filters are way OVER used. I love to find raw material that hasnt been hype-adjusted.

Still, the artsy versions we are doing have their place. ASA creativity/interest goes on phun today, if it isnt a blend in collage or animated gif, forget it. Thats the current flavors.

 

Cy, Much agreed My friend... I like the look of many of them... Hopefully some more will like them too. I have plenty so share... So the show goes on for now.





Is it too obvious I'm an ass man???