Tutorial-Post Processing

10.27.09

If you read the comments two posts down from this one I was asked this question:

So I have a question for you. You said that you use things in Photoshop to get your pictures the way you want them to look. Do you use actions? What set do you use? Okay I can take the pictures, but editing them is a totally different thing. Photoshop was not around when I took photography. It is so different now.

I have also received several emails asking similar questions. So here is my attempt at answering the questions.

Photo editing also called post processing IS a lot different than knowing how to correctly operate your camera, in fact it is a world of its own. The options for photo editing today are endless and I think this is super cool, because it gives the photographer/artist more of a chance to express themselves and make their work unique. I admit I am still learning about post processing and I am still experimenting with different techniques and finding new and better ways to make my pictures unique. A really good way to start learning about how to edit your pictures is to experiment. I do use actions and my favorites are Totally Rad and Kevin Kobota’s Actions. I know they are pricey, so if your not ready to spend the money, Totally Rad has a free set you can download and pioneer women have several free actions on their blog that you can download here. After I have done some basic editing in Adobe’s camera RAW I open the file in photo shop and the fun begins. So if you have photoshop get some actions and start playing around with them. One last thing. Be careful not to over process your photos. Sometimes a pretty decent photo is best with minor editing and I am a strong beliver in NOT photo shoping the poo out of your picture. It can ruin something really great. (of coarse this last part is just my opinion)

There are many PP recipes but here is one of my favorites that has kind of a vintage feel

All of the actions but the last are from totally rad

1. Lux (soft) opacity 50%,

2. Get Faded Winter opacity 35%

3. Warm it up Kris (to taste 10-50%) or

4. flatten

5. Boutwell Magic Glasses

6. Kevin Kobota’s Magic Sharp

The one on the left is right out of the camera and the one on the right has been processed

I know I used many of the same actions on this picture as well

On some pictures I use very little actions. On this one I just added contract and used Magic sharp to get it to pop

On some pictures I use very little actions. On this one I just added contrast and used Magic sharp to get it to pop

I used totally rad's troy action on this one

on this picture I added grainstorm and quick edge burn

on this picture I added totally rad's grainstorm and quick edge burn

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October 29, 2009 - 12:18 pm

Jill Facer - hey kali-

i totally remember you! in fact, i’m glad you posted a comment because i saw you from a distance at the bishoff/mccormick wedding but you were shooting away and i meant to come talk with you about how you started up your photography business, etc. it wasn’t the best time to chat it up, but i would love to hear your story & get some photography advice from you. i obviously checked out your blog and you are AMAZING! i am still starting out, as you could tell, and trying to get the ball rolling since becoming a mother in may, so i can now take this more seriously as i’m sure you know is a great side income for a mom job. i started out just charging $50 and have been so busy and have grown from there. it is such a learning curve and i am overwhelmed sometimes about how much i’m still learning about. i have done bridals, but i would be interested in second shooting with you at weddings. in fact, i am in the market for a camera upgrade and would love some advice from a pro like you. i know you are probably super busy, but if you ever have a second to chat my number is 949-338-7021. do you do workshops? how much would you charge for some one-on-one mentoring? where do you live? we are in san clemente.

i didn’t mean to write a novel. sorry. i just get so excited and passionate about photography!

-jill

p.s. dane is the best boy name! great taste!

October 28, 2009 - 12:00 pm

Rebecca - I’ve always wondered how to use those. I’ve never really understood them.. but thanks for this tutorial! Great job. : )

October 27, 2009 - 10:47 pm

Myrnie - Hmm..any tips for non-PS users? ;o) I’ve messed with Gimp, Picassa… and totally flummoxed by what you’re saying

October 27, 2009 - 6:42 pm

Jennifer Crowther - Thanks Kali! It is so neat to see how you make your pictures look so good. I am editing the pictures I took for a family in my ward, its been a big learning process. I found Totally Rad Actions the other day and was experimenting with them. He also has really good tutorials on his website that are funny to watch. I also started making my own actions. It’s pretty easy to do and I like computer programming. Thanks for the tips, you are a great photographer!

October 28, 2009 - 11:36 am

random pictures « the simple delights - [...] 2009 October 28 by Rebecca I just learned how to use actions in Photoshop. (Thanks to a great tutorial) It’s sort of addicting. : )I think I spent an hour playing with these last night… and [...]

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Tutorial-Post Processing