photo manipulation question

[darkscape]

Hey guys, I've found some of the "G-unit" images on the web as well as some other hip hop images that seem to have some sort of filter on them. if i had to describe it i'd have to say it appears as if the photos been desaturated just a tad and softened to seem like very intense airbrushing. here's a link to a photo...

i'm hoping that someone will have any inkling to how this is done.. hell even give me a hint and i'll roll with it... thanks

 

[sPECtre]

Welcome! this is one of the most requested questions on the net...

there are techniques, BUT you really need to work on an image with good lighting/well focussed, etc.

Before somebody answers, search here or on the net for "Airbrushing or smoothing in Photoshop"

 

[darkscape]

Hey sPECtre, thanks for the welcome and the quick response. when it comes to airbrushing and smoothing... i've done plenty of work for people removing imperfections and smoothing skin... but to me... if i didnt know any better, i'd say the background almost looks 3d... im thinking if its more of some kind of color adjustment than hands on manipulation with brushes and such...

 

[docilebob]

See also : "Painting with light"

 

[sPECtre]

For the background, it is possible that they used a fake HDR High Dynamic Range plug-in, like Photomatix.
But Draganization or Painting with light is a suspect, as DocileBob pointed it out.

 

[Sage]

also look up lucis or lucis art