This portrait would be perfect for any type of portrait effect.
Photo editing software has gone from being able to create simple vignettes and editing effects to now being able to create an underwater portrait, turn a face into a stone statue, and other wild effects. Most professional photographers use Adobe Photoshop for their photo editing needs, but since Photoshop can be fairly expensive, most amateur photographers do not have access to that software. Newer photographers enjoy the mid-priced Corel PaintShop; however, there are also multiple free, reliable software programs that can be downloaded off of the Internet, such as GIMP.
Illustration Effects
There are many illustration effects that can be achieved with digital photo editing programs. A color ink sketch effect, for instance, allows you to transform a normal photo into something that looks more like a painting. You can also create pop portrait effects and a grunge type illustration with stains, great for use in flyers or to show off to your friends. If you are interested in comic books or the work of Roy Lichtenstein, there is even a way to give photos a retro comic book effect.
Natural Effects
Photo editing software offers many interesting textures and nature effects that can be created with a bit of concentration. Among the possibilities is the ability to layer a portrait and a stone statue to give the portrait a stone statue effect, apply the texture of bark to a portrait to make the face's skin look like a tree trunk, make hair look like it's on fire, and make a face look like it is underwater.
Surreal Effects
Surreal effects are great for adding a creative, yet extremely artistic edge to a photo portrait. You can make a portrait fade off into the background by creating a smoke fade effect, or make the subject appear to be a ghost with a ghosting effect. Another option is to create a dreamlike photo by applying an abstract lighting effect.
Other Effects
There are an endless number of other effects that can be created by using photo editing software. Turning a baby's face into a beautiful daisy, creating an Andy Warhol pop art piece, turning one portrait into many small Polaroids, creating a portrait with only text, and applying tattoos to a subject's face are just a handful of other options. Each of these effects will take some time to master, but the outcomes will be unbelievable.
