Other before and after image links:
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I figured I would sit down and write up a few more quick tips on postwork as I have received a few more requests about the tools I use.

Like I mentioned in my other tutorial, I don't claim to be anything of an expert, these are just a few of the things that I do during postwork, maybe they can help you, or maybe you are already a master.  

I use Adobe Photoshop CS2, but I am sure the same principles apply to other versions or programs you may be using. And if you have newer versions, then lucky you. You will have the tools I mention here, and then some.

With the image above, I did minimal postwork compared to some of my other images, but the little bit of effort can go a long way.

First thing I did was duplicate the layer once open in photoshop, that way if you do something you don't like, no worries, you can go back to your 'original' image; that should always be the first step, and utilizing many layers is key to not doing something you regret and are unable to change.

So, I changed the curves just slightly in this image, by raising the top side of the bar up and lowering left side of the bar, this brightened it up a little bit, made the colors more vibrant and provided more contrast.

Then, I used the smudge tool to fix a few areas that didn't render very well, i.e. the crease in her right arm and the top of her hair, it's an easy fix tool and can be used much like the liquefy tool in the filters. Keep the pressure at about 50% and change the brush size appropriately. Additionally, any areas that were a little harsh, I created a new layer and used a Basic Brush with 0% hardness at about 30% opacity and flow and the eyedropper tool to select the color from the area needing to be softened. Since it doesn't have any hardness to it, any of the edge feather that flows onto other parts of the image can be easily erased afterward, and since it's on it's own layer, you wont be erasing anything else.  

And much like the other tutorial, I can't stress enough the magnificent burn tool. I used it liberally around the edges of her arms and onto the wings to add dimension, in her hair and around various spots of the background to add depth. This was ultimately the one tool used in this image that made the most difference.

Other things done with this image included adjusting the color balance and hue/saturation of the the various layers. These two things can be found in Image - Adjustments in the toolbar.

Anyway, I don't want to make this too long, but hopefully this will be of help to someone. Just a few little tools can really go a long way, and while Photoshop, or any other program for that matter can be intimidating and at times frustrating, it can really add to a piece of work. I hope you enjoyed, please let me know if you have any questions.