editing screenshots the [old] eversims way

[eversims]

Let me preface this by saying that I use Gimp, a free editing software, but I'm sure it would be extremely simple - and possible - to convert what I do in Photoshop. (edit: link to PS action at the bottom of the post, thanks to selenaq13) Also, the way I edit may not work on all screenshots, it really depends on how you like your images. What also makes for pretty images is a pretty graphics card; I have a NVIDIA GeForce GT 555M.


 
 


INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Resize. (I usually go for a 500-600px width)
2. Duplicate the background layer
3. Set to screen, 50% opacity.
4. Add new layer (#1)
5. Bucket fill layer #1 with #ffb369 (a light orange)
6. Set layer #1 to soft light, opacity 20%
7. Add a new layer (#2)
8. Bucket fill layer #2 with #af9c9c (a beige)
9. Set layer #2 to soft light, opacity 50%
10. Flatten image
11. Sharpen (Somewhere between 5 and 10)

EXAMPLE:



Unedited (S2) // Unedited (S3)

OPTIONAL (Before flattening and sharpening; for a lighter image):

• Add a new layer (#3)
• Bucket fill LAYER #3 with # d1d1d1 (a light grey)
• Set layer #3 to soft light, opacity 30%
• Proceed with steps 10 and 11
• Example

PHOTOSHOP ACTION(S):
The wonderful Selena made a photoshop action out of my instructions! How awesome is that? You can download it here at her livejournal.

++ UPDATE : 
The new way I edit can be found here. :)