to answer your question, the easiest way to 'retouch' a photo is do the hard work up front. get your lighting set up, move stray objects that will distract from your subject, etc.
to retouch this shot would be tough. i am not sure what you are expecting to be done, or what your desired outcome would be. with that said, there are some VERY talented PS guys here who might be able to do something with it, but it would be a lot of work because of the lack of set up you started with.
BTW, your GF is very cute. I would bet that with good lighting and some minor makeup, she would need very little retouching.
It is really the "near perfect" shot that needs photoshop cs3 to tweak it. There is tons you can do to improve a poor shot prior to taking it - like lighting, pose, make up, etc. - none of which requires Photoshop.
Wow, if the photo wasn't funny enough already - Sheesh!!
here's what I'd do if I had PS on this computer:
Crop above those godawful stockings. Clear the mirror by cloning. Add a vignette to remove the blinds. Adjust the curves and contrast so it looks a bit more interesting. Maybe even do a b/w conversion.
in all sincerity, paul's first version is pretty darn good. so greg, if you are looking for a way to 'sell' you buying CS3, show her that one and promise her that by honing your photography skills you will be able to make her look even more beautiful than she already is! if she says no, drink a bunch of wine with her and ask again later!
My try. Don't really know how you want to make it look better.
Did a little sharpening, noise ninja, shadow/lgiht stuff, and framed. I'm not too good at photoshop yet but trying to learn as much as I can.
You should try photoshop element, it's cheaper. If you must have the big brother, I suggest that you buy the student version (cheaper).
Also, if I may give Greg some sage advice, there are less complicated ways to get rid of your girlfriend. Surely she will leave you when she hears that you want to buy a $600 piece of software with the intention of improving her looks.
well thank you guys, i would be commiting suicide if i showed her this thread, but i have coppied some examples to show her. I see the humor am not the one with a low self esteme so this is funny, but she wont see the humor in this. thanks for your help, i hope the good examples will convince her. I can get CS3 on my own, but without her blessing, it may prove to be much more expensive then the sticker price, sitting be her side thru countless chick flicks, talking to her about mindless tv shows, etc etc.
Greg Hawkins wrote:
... it may prove to be much more expensive then the sticker price, sitting be her side thru countless chick flicks, talking to her about mindless tv shows, etc etc.
Greg, if you marry the girl you are going to do all those anyway...
Here's the line to close the deal...
"Honey, if I get Photoshop I'll also need to get a big thick book to learn how to use it. Hey, I could read it at the Mall while you are shopping!"
) 
