I totally understand that there are people out there who picked up a camera at the same time they picked up a laptop just so they could edit images. I, however, wasn't one of those individuals. I actually didn't buy any retouching software until a couple years after I picked up my first DSLR. I really was so fascinated with being able to understand everything my camera could do and trying so hard to get things right in the camera that adding in the editing part was almost too much for my brain. I was completely content with just capturing what … [Read more...] about Perfectly Clear: Beginning Retouching for the Non-Retoucher
presets
Lightroom Brushes and Presets by Sleeklens
There are many photo-editing products available for processing images in conjunction with Lightroom. Many of these products are third-party plugins which can be used directly from Lightroom or as stand-alone applications. Other products provide presets or brushes used within Lightroom. Presets actually move the Lightroom sliders, creating enhancements that affect the entire image. Brushes are used to selectively brush in adjustments through the Lightroom adjustment brush or the gradient tool. Recently I began incorporating Sleeklens presets … [Read more...] about Lightroom Brushes and Presets by Sleeklens
Photography Marketing: Developing a Style
I've written in the past about why you should have a photographic specialty. Simply put, you want to be known for being an expert in that particular type of photography. The same can be said for your photographic style. Having a consistent look and feel to your photos will make you stand out and become known for the way your images are delivered. It isn't just about post-processing — it starts when you first begin your photoshoot. But why is it important to have a consistent look and feel? Simply put, I want someone viewing my photos to know … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Developing a Style
Creating Custom Presets with Macphun Luminar
Have you checked out Luminar yet? It's a cool new app from the folks at Macphun and it makes it very easy to create your own preset recipes. With more than 30 filters to choose from (plus blending modes) a preset can go a long way. Customizing Presets Remember, a preset in Luminar is merely a starting point. Different photographers will desire different looks. Plus a preset may work great on some photos, but need a little tweaking for others. Once you select a preset, you have the ability in Luminar's Side Panel to use Filters controls … [Read more...] about Creating Custom Presets with Macphun Luminar
How to Transfer or Share Perfectly Clear User Presets
Getting a new computer is both wonderful and completely frustrating. The new machine's speed is marvelous, but getting all your settings, presets and preferences setup is enough to drive you crazy. The following steps will help get your Perfectly Clear presets installed on your new machine. You can also use these steps to transfer your presets to your other computer, or share them with a friend. It's super simple. (For instruction on making presets and using Perfectly Clear, click here.) All you have to do is open Perfectly Clear, and click … [Read more...] about How to Transfer or Share Perfectly Clear User Presets
The Argument For Using Software To Help You Complete Your Images
Warning - rant ahead! I have seen a recent surge in people claiming you don’t need plug-ins or filters or presets or “HDR” software if you just take time to learn how to do it yourself in Photoshop or Lightroom. You can learn to create HDR by blending or you can learn how to soften skin by using a combo of the healing and paint brush or you can learn how to mask out hair, etc. etc. etc. While this all may be true, it misses the larger point. It takes more time to do all this without add-ons. And time is precious. The add-on tools save … [Read more...] about The Argument For Using Software To Help You Complete Your Images
Presets Make Photomatix Pro Simple to Learn
Once Photomatix Pro 5 opens a set of bracketed images, especially in Tone Compressor, the choices of controls is kind of intimidating. The first question that comes to mind is "Where in the world do I start???" The answer? Presets. Quick start: Photomatix Pro Before jumping into presets, here's a quick start for opening a series of bracketed photos. The graphic that follows shows the series of dialogs to navigate to merge photos into an HDR file. Drag a set of images made at least one stop apart into the Photomatix Pro dialog. Tell … [Read more...] about Presets Make Photomatix Pro Simple to Learn
