You might have noticed “mailbox monday” has disappeared with the blog update–it’s taking a backseat right now, but might find its way back sometime in the future!
Many of the questions I received had to do with editing–what actions do I use? What programs do I use?
I use Photoshop, and I use my own editing steps, recorded in actions.
I’ve decided to compile a few of my actions and make them available for sale.
But first, a little disclaimer (I am compelled to say this, for the sake of your sanity and mine!):
do not rely on photoshop to make you a better photographer.
Actions don’t have the ability to make a bad photo good–but they do have the ability to make a good photo great!
Don’t “fix” your photos in post-processing, enhance them. Your photos should generally need just a little quick zip and you’re done. Otherwise, ask yourself–could you have changed something in-camera so that you aren’t bogged down in photoshop? As in, metered more carefully? Focused more accurately? Lowered your ISO or modified your light so noise was reduced? Made sure you controlled the amount of shadow and highlight on your subject? (By the way, these are all things we cover in my photography workshops… hint hint!)
Making sure you are using your camera well, and to the best of its–and your–ability is the first step. Okay, so you’ve got that… what next?
I’m putting together a bunch of my go-to tools–even some helpful resize-for-web actions–and my hope is that maybe they will save you some time and give you a creative kick in your post-processing.
Included is my own special “sarah’s black and white” action–it’s a punchy take on the classic black and white, with deep blacks and brilliant whites, with just a touch of antique. Check it out below…
I’m still working on compiling the set, but if you are interested in being on the email list for when they become available for purchase, email me and tell me you want on the action list!
This past weekend was a whirlwind… I photographed the Chattanooga St. Jude Dream Home for the upcoming Dream Home Giveaway, and then hoofed it up to Knoxville for the UT School of Law cookout, and then made it on over to Memphis for a private family shoot. I should have found a location in northern Tennessee just so I could say I visited all four borders in three days!
It just goes to show… you can work with any lighting condition if you have to… just get creative!
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