How do I create this photo effect?

Question:I work with Photoshop Elements 3 or Painter X. Does anyone know how this photo was lightened and whitened while still maintaining the contrast and definition?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I work with Photoshop Elements 3 or Painter X. Does anyone know how this photo was lightened and whitened while still maintaining the contrast and definition?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31...

I don't know if Elements 3 has the tools I will give you, but here is a way to produce an effect like that. I use Photoshop CS.

Convert photo to black and white.
Duplicate layer and set the layer mode to SCREEN.
Duplicate the layer again, and set layer mode to SOFT LIGHT.
You also need to initially take the photo against a white or near white background.
Use COLORIZE in the Hue / Saturation dialog box to color whatever part of the photo as you want it.

Here is a photo I did similiar to your example:
http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott/image/900...

I’m not sure exactly what was used for your photo. However, in trying to give you some direction, I took a picture of my daughter and commenced to playing. I use Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 and Microsoft Digital Image Pro, for all my editing. Digital Image Pro, is what I use most. In fact, of all the affordable editing software, it is, in my opinion the most user-friendly and will do just about anything you want to do with a photo. Anyhow, I was able to get nearly the same affect in a really short time, messing with the HUE and TRANSPARENCY.

I hope I was able to help a little,
good luck