I was just trying to redo what I did on #3, but I couldn't figure out what exactly I did to achive that effect. Instead I didn't something similar but not exactly the same. Here's how I did it.
1. b&w using channel mixer
2. set blend as multiply ( i might changed opacity for my original #3 edit)
3. darken bg using your technique. when darkening, i always try to leave a little bit of glow around the subject, it makes the subject stands out. in addition, i also set the brush with low opacity to darken part of his clothing. so I can get relatively bright face, hands and tea pot.
4. duplicate layers and did some level, curve, color balance, saturation, sharpening.
that's all I did. frankly, i'm still not quite familiar with masks and layers, i just tried many ways to produce the color i wanted. as you said, each image is manipulated differently, i think now i should keep a history of everything i do.

thanks for checking the website, i haven't put up a portfolio yet, but i will do that shortly. i just have too many slides and digital files.

if you logon to gettyimages, you can download images without watermark.

btw, here's the new copy i did using techniques stated above.
http://www.williefoto.com/test/03s.jpg
and here's the old one for comparison
http://www.williefoto.com/test/03.jpg



DannyM wrote:
>
> I visited your site.
>
> Why dont you set up a porfolio where people can see examples of
> your work.
>
> I saw the football series, but not a portfolio.
>
> Maybe I missed it(?)
>
> also, Where did you find those images?? I saw the first one in
> gettyimages. I havent look for the rest. Im just wondering because
> you dont have a logo. maybe you PSed it out. Maybe you took them.
>
> -Danny

--
Willie
http://www.williefoto.com