Damien Symonds

Of course. Every screen needs calibrating. http://www.damiensymonds.net/what2buy_cal.html

I have seen the Lens Corrections to do some pretty awful things to photos when left on all the time. Distortion and stuff. As Sam said, use them as needed.

You'd still need to clone for the nostrils, though.

Dust & Scratches filter at 8/6 seems to work well.

Yes, I think there might be. Go ahead and do your raw processing, then post the close-up again and we'll discuss.

Download the PSD

Ok, excellent. How long have you noticed this problem? And the associated question, how long since your last calibration?

I think people will understand a tiny bit of missed focus in a photo like this. Go with it.

Oh, sorry! I extracted it first, THEN put it in my Program files folder.

Oh gosh. If you don't have any photos to borrow smooth fabric from, I don't have anything to suggest, sorry

This is the best I can manage. I realise it's not perfect, but is some improvement better than none?

Can you clarify your setup? It sounds like you are using a desktop screen plugged into a laptop, is that correct?

I put mine in C:Program Files. Then a shortcut to it in Startup items, so it pops up as soon as I log in.

Oh, that is SUCH a good question. I don't know for sure. But no, I rather think you'd add the overlay to the master file.

Camera Raw Default is how a photo looks before you begin editing it. Since CRD fixed this problem, it means that the problem was caused by something you did editing.

That's right, or scan it.

Great! So go ahead and do your raw processing again, and watch out for it. By the way, I beg you to consider a refresher of The Raw Class. The new updated material will blow you away. As a previous member, the price is significantly discounted.

Oh, sorry, I see what you mean! Yes, if you don't wish to buy a suitable overlay to use, you really would make one with sandpaper, I reckon. Probably paint black paint onto white paper, then scuff it artistically.

Hmmm ... what am I looking at, exactly? The edges just look a bit blurred to me?

I zoom in to about 400% and use a 6px brush (soft!) for this. And the Shift key. I can't stress this enough. NEVER use Hardness higher than 0%.

I'm flummoxed, sorry. I have no idea what it would be. I assume that if you choose "Camera Raw Defaults" from the little submenu over on the right-hand side, it's still there?

Yes, a closeup of the corner would be good, thanks.

Ok, may I see a screenshot of your whole ACR screen (including sliders) and zoomed in to 100% on the area?

You're really really not. Masking is done with Hardness at 0%. Always.

No, I mean in ACR.