Fix it Friday - 81

Another challenge to creatively edit a photo at I Heart Faces!  I dare say I love this challenge and out of all the challenges I have done so far this one is probably one of my favorites.  Not only is the photo adorable, but I dare say that my edits are some of my favorites yet.  That may be because I spent a little more time and played with textures this week.

Here is the original

When I started editing this initially I thought I wanted something softer, which I did do, but I spent the most time and think I like thuis darker, more vibrant edit the best. 

How I edited this photo:

1. Increased the Gamma
2. Increased the contrast
3. Increased the levels towards the right
4. Adjusted the curves
5. Cropped the photo slightly
6. Reduced the saturation
7. Added a gray texture from Shadow House Creations and overlayed it at 100%
8. Added a lighter texture from Shadow House Creations and color burned it at 50%
9. Erased the textures from both faces

It was relatively simple.  Much of the transformation was done by adding the textures!  Of course I did a couple of other edits just to look at the photo in a different perspective.  

 The lighter, more whimsical, version I initially envision.

A cropped black and white version.  I love the close crop of the faces, those eye lashes, and that hand so firmly on his collar.  The dead space on the left is left to create a image of closeness between the man and woman, in case you were wondering.

So which one do you like?  I always love hearing your feedback.  And of course, be sure to check out I Heart Faces to see the challenge and all the other edits!