Tutorial:
So.Bored.ARG! I'm loading some old videos onto facebook and seriously, it's the MOST boring thing in the world. I though perhaps I should post an icon tutorial in my spare time because to think of it, I haven't in quite a while! So here's a good one that I'v been using for A LOT of my icons (that reminds me that I have to post another icon collection :D) Anyways, here you go, because I love you all.
(1) Start with your base and sharpen it or whatever you need to start. Then duplicate and set to screen 65% opacity, or like I always say, to the amount you need depending on the photo you choose.
(2) New Selective Color Layer
Reds: C -54, M 0, Y +54, B 0
Yellows: C -26, M 0, Y 0, B 0
(3) New Selective Color Layer
Reds: C -33, M 0, Y +27, B +49
Yellows: C -40, M 0, Y -24, B 0
Whites: C +100, M 0, Y 0, B 0
Neutrals: C +8, M -6, Y -9, B 0
(4) New Selective Color Layer
Reds: C -38, M 0, Y 0, B +27
(5) Make a new layer and fill with #ABABAB on Multiply 45% opacity :D
And that is it :) You can add textures and text and all that doody to make it prettier. Here are some more possiblities:
*Note that this tutorial works best with pictures that are cropped small zoomed out and not like a full face icon.