Damien Symonds

It's simply a blank layer, on which I used the Clone Tool. The "Levels 2" layer doesn't do anything, it's just there to provide the mask for the rest of the layers (so the painting didn't encroach on the child). The four Color Fill layers are just there to paint colours onto the photo (you'll notice the top one has a different blend mode). When you're examining the Levels 3 layer, make sure you look at all the channels.

Definitely closer, well done. May I see the SOOR?

It is a lot of zoomed in masking, I'm afraid. First, add a Channel Mixer layer, check the "Monochrome" box, and enter 0/+100/0 for the values. This will make the whole photo black-and-white. Add the Levels layer above it and clip it to the Channel Mixer layer. Enter these values: Red channel: 0/0.60/230 Green channel: 0/0.70/230 Blue channel: 0/0.90/230 At this point, the whole photo is a blue tone. Click on the mask of the Channel Mixer layer, then Cmd I to invert it to black. Start the painstaking masking. Make sure you do this.

Is there a funny little line at the top?

The clipping sure does complicate things. How does this look?

May I see the SOOR for reference?

Do you mind sending me the raw file?

ALL NOISE MUST GO. http://www.damiensymonds.net/2015/10/noise-reduction-and-sharpening-leap-of.html

What? I just showed you how to do it! Don't give up now.

It should be on Default as far as I know.

Please post the photo in the class now.

Ok, here goes ... First, I used the Marquee Tool to select a big chunk of arm, and moved it up a bit (I lowered the opacity of the layer while doing this, so as to be sure it lined up ok. I also had to rotate it a tiny bit, I'm not sure if you can tell that in this screenshot): Then I gently masked it in, to cover the extra creases in the armpit: Next, I selected a big chunk of her flank, and again I moved it and rotated it (at temporary low opacity) to cover those wrinkles: Then I gently masked it on: In case it helps, here's a view of the mask on that layer: Finally, I used the Handyman Method to tidy up the last of the shadowing (as already discussed, I think I made it a bit lighter than you prefer): Hope this helps.

Oh, actually, I'd dodged that shadow because I thought it looked better lighter. But yes, of course you can do whatever you want. I have to go and make dinner now, I'll try to come back later and explain the process.

Do you think this is passable?

Doesn't have to be 700x700 in this case.

Just to be safe, can you check this for me?

Oh, this is always tricky. May I see the whole photo (or at least a larger section) for reference?

Exactly as the instructions say, yes.

The Handyman Method should handle it just fine.

Then yes, that might indicate that 7415K is too high.

You're already on the waiting list for the Raw Deluxe class. It's the Levels Deluxe I wish you'd upgrade to. For now, let's pretend that the baby is light enough (it's NOT) and press ahead with a Cooling Filter LBB for its skin.

What? Your photo should have already been in sRGB. http://www.damiensymonds.net/art_tscs000.html

Tell her that you will be sending the file at the dimensions and resolution required, but in sRGB mode. You will require them to perform the CMYK conversion, and you will hold them responsible for the resultant print quality.

Ask her AGAIN. I need you to fully appreciate how catastrophically BAD your photo will look if printed in the wrong CMYK profile.