Portrait Pro 9

[ukglyn]

Do many of you use it? what are its advantages/disadvantages over just using photoshop?
I did have a quick play of the free trial quite a while ago, but only used the aoto features & the effects were too unrealistic looking, this is no doubt easily worked round by using it more manually.
So all in all, is it worth it when I already have cs3?:shrug:

 

[melaniew2000]

ive got the program - it is good but goes a bit over the top when it first shows you the end product especially with the face shape (although all this is changeable with the many sliders it offers). i usually reduce the facial amendments to zero (ie zero change) and then move the sliders marginally to enhance the face-if needed. the skin softening works really well and also the eye and lip enhancement makes portraits of females that bit more perfect! i usually only use it on close up head shots to perfect facial features. on the whole i have been pleased with the program and am glad i bought it.

 

[haggis]

Quite good if used sensibly and not left to it's own devices! The face sculpting is a bit OTT so I just turn it off.

Other than that if you're not too skilled in Photoshop it's a good tool to use. Can actually install as an addin with Photoshop.

 

[Canonite]

I have it but rarely use it. As mentioned it resculpts the face and turns pretty girls into testosterone filled she-males with squared mandables and an apparent interest in power lifting.
Turn everything off when completed then slowly move the sliders to get your desired effect. That said, I find it's quicker to use the surface blur tool in PS and paint it in using a layer mask.

Al

 

[DDP]

I have it but rarely use it. As others have said it turns people into barbie dolls if you're not careful. Used well, it's a good bit of software to have, I find it much easier/quicker than trying to get a smiliar effect in PS. Occasionally people ask me to give them the full works in terms of retouching so it's useful then.

For weddings I don't use it, I occasionally use a Lord of the Rings action in PS and then back off some of the effects a little. That gives a very flattering smoothing effect on skin without being noticeable.

 

[Spiritflier]

I bought a copy at Focus this year and to be honest, it's not a bad bit of software as long as you work it properly. As the others have said, turn off the face sculpting bit 'cos that can create quite scary looking faces!

Si