Manipulate an Image

Heyy!!
The past two classes we have been learning how to retouch images on photoshop elements. Our assignment this week was to choose five photos and retouch them. Under each image, I will explain what changes I made to them. Enjoy :D

 This is an original image that I took during my last visit to New York City.

I wanted to put a lot of focus on Nick Jonas. I did this by blurring out the furthest background and then the background right behind his picture. Follow these steps and you'll be able to do the same thing!
File>Open>File#>open>polygonal lasso>select part of image>
select>inverse>edit>full>effects>blur>
surface blur x4>magnetic lasso>select part of image>select>inverse>blur more x4>quick selection tool>select part of image>enhance>auto contrast>

In this image, there are a lot of blemishes.

 I wanted to get rid of the blemishes so I did with the magical healing brush!

File>Open>File#>open>healing brush>enhance>adjust lighting>brightness/contrast>
Brightness:-1,Contrast:-11>

This is the band Marianas Trench's new slogo: Face The Music.
The website name for my blog is inspired by this :D

I played around with the different editing options and I found this one the coolest looking.
File>Open>File#>open>
edit>effects>stylize>glowing edges>

I took this picture of Dean Richards, the guitar player for The Artist Life, a few summers ago.

I love that I can see his vain coming out of his neck when he sings because it shows how passionate he is about his music. I wanted to outline Dean and enhance just him.
File>Open>File#>open>magnetic lasso>select>inverse>enhance>adjust color>remove color>quick selection tool>enhance>adjust color>remove color>enhance>adjust lighting >shadows/highlights>ok>

My cousin in Israel really can't skate.

Just wanted to have fun with this picture and I find this effect really awesome!
File>Open>File#>open>
edit>full>effects>all>quadrant colors>