Measure Twice, Cut Once

Step 1: Analyzing the Image and Creating Image Maps

As you have seen, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of work to be done on any image, whether simple or complex. In order to avoid that feeling, it’s best to break the task into manageable steps and attack them one at a time. The first step is to map out the image. Next, define the issues you must resolve in the image and how you want to approach them. Always work from global to granular. For me, the issues in the Stardust image are:

  • Remove the CCD color cast.

  • Remove the blue color cast from sunlight.

  • Create areas of selective depth of field.

  • Retouch the face (see note, below).

  • Light the image.

With those five issues in mind, I will show you how to create image maps ...

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