Work stuff, and piccy

Haven't been posting much recently... not since Strikethrough, actually. Laazy. -_- I realized that I haven't even posted yet to tell you guys the news - I got the job at the Credit Union. :) Only part-time, though, so I'm keeping my job at Doc's. I've had three shifts so far, including the grand opening today. It's going pretty well so far, though I haven't really had any training yet. She's going to train me next week and the week after... it's a nice environment, though - office is brand new, and the people are friendly. I'm excited to finally have a real job. :) Met our MP Blair Wilson today at the opening, too. Didn't realize who he was at first because I voted in the North Van riding last election and am not too familiar with the West Van riding. ^^ Anyway, I think it will go well and I'm excited to get training...

Anyway, forget real life. XD I've been in a big Pirates mood recently, specifically a Sparrington mood. I never used to ship them, so now I have a huge wealth of fanfiction to read... I've also been inspired to do a bunch of drawings of them, most of which I've already posted. The other day, however, I was browsing elessil's excellent fanart and came across a tutorial she did about graphic manips. I've never tried manipping before, but I was intrigued and decided to give it a go. She provided a few links to boykissing pictures which were very useful, and I chose one that I thought would work well. Finding the right pictures of Jack and James to go with it was a pain in the ass, but I eventually found some that would work... Though I did fiddle with James's mouth a bit to make him look somewhat happier.

Well, all things considered I'm pleased with it. Took a cue from elessil and combined manipping with brushwork/drawing, mainly abusing the smudge function in Photoshop... Not too happy with Jack's hair and I'm a bit iffy on James's arm. But like it otherwise.. I enjoyed doing it, at least once I found pictures that would work, and I might practice some more later.

Please let me know what you think. :) I'd appreciate any feedback, and definitely would like some constructive criticism and advice anyone has to give. I want to get an idea of what I can do to improve it next time...

( pic under cut - PG for shirtlessness )

EDIT: Okay, I think I just realized one of the main problems with this pic... Jack's head is too damned big. Woops. -_-

EDIT 2: I fiddled with it a bit more... can't do anything about Jack's head being too big without redoing his head, but fiddled with him to try to make him blend into the picture more... I think it's a bit better.

( Under cut )

EDIT 3: Okay, fiddled with it again... stil not wholly happy with it. Jack needs more lighting... meh, whatever, I don't think I'll do anymore... want to try another one later. XD

( under cut )

EDIT 4: Okay, I lied, I did another one based on some of the comments I received (thanks guys!). Added a bit more shadow into both guys' faces, think it helped a bit.

( under cut )