I read this tutorial on removing blemishes and smoothing skin and I just had to try it out.

EDIT: I’ve created a side-by-side jpg to show the subtle changes I made per my note in the comments. As always, clicking on any image will take you to a larger version, and will be very helpful for this particular image.

I took this photo from the other day . . .

Removed a few blemishes, lightened the dark areas under my eyes, corrected a few lines and smoothed my skin. The tutorial said to go 50% on the smoothing, but I just went 25%.  Anyway, it was a fun exercise. And the results are interesting.  It’s still me, but better.

I’m stopping on my way home to have my camera’s sensor cleaned. I was horrified today to notice specks of dust. And since the camera is nearly two years old, I am sure it needs it anyway.

No photo of the day until my baby is all cleaned up. I’ll check in later.

EDITED SIDE-BY-SIDE (click on image for larger resolution)