This image started with a portrait shot I took of my daughter-in-law. In PS, I duplicated the background layer and then applied Filter>Pixelate>Mosaic and reduced the opacity to 60%. I created a mask on the mosaic layer and painted out or further reduced the opacity of some of the squares (original 2). I wanted to make the top of her head randomly disappear and flow into the background, and the only way I could think to accomplish it was to select squares from the background and duplicate/place them to get the look I wanted; very tedious, many layers (original 3). If anyone knows of a faster way to do this, I'd welcome suggestions. Next, I used Topaz Silver Efex Pro to convert to black and white. Then into On1 for Glow, Texture, and Border. As a final step, I brushed in catchlights in her eyes to give them a bit more pop.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 5 comments posted
Mike Cowdrey
(Group 21)
I love the conversion to subtle silver mono, and the addition of the inner frame which works so well compositionally. The pieces of Tetris are well positioned, and create a super final image. I feel that this would work so well as a print. I bet your daughter-in-law loves it! Posted: 05/02/2023 09:11:04
Steve Estill
This is a fine creative portrait. The tedious process has worked well (can't think of an easier way) and the final image is a credit to your skills (and patience).
I like the change to B&W with the texture and the border is the icing on the cake.
Excellent. Posted: 05/09/2023 15:43:42
Gunter Haibach
An interesting image - unfortunately I don't know what "Tetris" is, but the end result is not my cup of tea - my head can't get around what I should be seeing. If the blocked-out pieces could be individually selected, I would certainly not place one next to the mouth. I applaud your journey to make this happen, but I don't get the purpose of the Tetris approach. Posted: 05/09/2023 19:35:46
Frans Gunterus
This group not just upgrading my photography skill but also my English. :) Gunter made me google the meaning of ... 'my cup of tea' ... I appreciate Jan efforts to digitally draw her imagination into a canvas. I love how Jan placed a thin square and glowing borders. Like Steve said its the icing on the cake :) Nice work Jan. Posted: 05/24/2023 09:28:39
Steve Wessing
Very interesting and stylistically diverse. I love the contrast between traditional portraiture and exaggerated pixelation. One suggestion would be that the pixelation would look more natural if you had a matching original of just the background. Posted: 05/24/2023 11:59:13
