don't know if you use PS or PSP...

in PSP, I would duplicate the image. Then highlighting the lower image, click on effects, grassian blur about 3 radius or experiment with any of the blurs. for the top image, go to selections and lasso it using freehand and circle the hands area, mist/feather using about 19 (similar to tubing an image). Hit delete and only the hands would remain visible. Then merge the two layers and there you go. Not certain about PS because I use PSP.

It also looks like a texture could have been applied and erased off the hands and ring in the last picture.

Thanks everyone!! Actually I was talking about the colouring, not the DoF

Do you know how to apply a texture on a image?

samy that's exactly what I'm talking about -- how to get the background coloring - Next time I'll keep my opinions to myself.

Abickel - yes, I know :)

Dvault - so my english is too bad cause if I follow your explanations the only thing that I will achieve is a blurred background, nothing with the TONES of the photos.

Michelle Kane actions have a lot of these tones. You could probably achieve close to these with those actions

Thanks a lot golden01!!! I'm definitely going to have a try!!

I assumed you already had a background, texture, pattern with the brown in it. Oh well, guess not. Anyway,I would use my paint or air brush and create a custom brown color gradient or color on my pallet.

Thanks a lot dvault!!! The color gradient is a great tool that I always forget >_

Very important!

To achieve much of the same colors in your samples and much more, you have to use "Gradient Maps"

Open an image (In Photoshop) and then in the LAYERS tool box at, the bottom, you will see small icons. The fourth icon from the left is a circle half black and half white. It also has an arrow next to it. Click on it and a drop-up menu will show up. Click on the second from bottom called "Gradient Map". Depending on what gradients installed on your computer Photoshop will add one.

At the top of the screen you will see a dialog Tool Box that will show the gradient used.

NOW (and that is very important), you can create your own by clicking on the gradient itself. I won't detail it here, just experiment. For example, the second photo in the list above has purple and pink to it. Add some to the gradient and experiment.

You can also download many more very good ones from the Internet, many are absolutely free.

Gradient Map is the secret to all those "Antique" "Vintage" and the other creative looks.

NOW here is the second best tool to use; It's the "Solid Color". That is the top most tool when clicking the half white half black circle at the bottom.

Choose a nice deep brown color and then lower the opacity and change its blending mode. You will be amazed with the results.

Hope that helps.

If you need more help let me know.

Melanie

Golden 01 about Michelle Kane's actions. Particularly Botanical Blends. They offer a hazy look with colour toning and you can mix and match them nicely to achieve different effects. Also in her heart and soul collection the translucent haze gives a nice effect. Pure actions Pure Haze collection offers some similar hazy look try the brown haze one. P.S the actions I just mentioned I think use the same technique as Melanie has described with the gradient mapping. If you can do it with her fabulous instructions you are probably better off than relying on actions but I thought you might wanna check out MK and Pure anyways : ) Hope this helps!