> How do I get results like this:
> http://homepage.mac.com/gapodaca/digital/blonde/index.html
> Is that just airbrushing?

Don't go assuming you get those kind of results (good or bad) with 10 minutes
using the airbrush (not really the right tool). You will probably need an
impressive array of tools and techniques to come close to those results. Not to
mention a few hours.

At the same time, not all of the result may be what you want/need to accomplish.
There are certainly some impressive enhancements (e.g., pore reduction, which
can be accomplished over broad areas at times using the right techniques), but,
ahem, as a rendering of reality...I would not pose these as a study of the human
animal. The blurring of original detail in some cases seems to improve the image
and in others obliterates fine detail that make the image seem real (rather than
impressionistic). What is more impressive is, perhaps, the creative
visualization needed to achieve the result. To get such results not only do you
need a good handle on the tools, but the creative ability to see the result (so
you can use your expertise with the tools to pursue the result).

Clearly this image serves a particular purpose. Not all images need to look this
way nor need to be so heavily manipulated, and some might do more to retain the
'reality' of the subject. Tis a matter of taste (so long as you have the vision
and technique).

Definitely NOT just the airbrush. There are no singular magic tools in Photoshop
-- or else there wouldn't be so many of them.

Richard Lynch
http://hiddenelements.com
http://ps6.com