Over at the Totally Rad Blog, the Boutwells are hosting a "recipe" contest. I can't wait to see some of the entries and winners. I love seeing before and after images. I find them inspiring. Because I'm not so creative on my own. And because I'm a total copycat. ;-)
Anyway, I've been playing with a few "recipes" of my own. Here is some of the fruit of my
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It's fairly subtle, I think. My recipe, that is. I wanted something that would brighten midtones (Claire-ify is probably my mostest favoritest action in TRA2) and leave a slight pastel-ish toning over the image. So, my recipe is:
YinYang, Claire-ify (between 40-60%), Oh Snap! (adjust opacity), Faded Autumn (40-60%), Lux Soft (40-60%).
Here's the same recipe two more times...
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On this last image, I additionally used Selective Pop and highlight and shadow separator (which were fantastic for recovering her darling freckles). The irony: for her pictures I had my in-camera saturation levels boosted, which is why the SOOC image is so vivid. In processing, I ended up, in essence, desaturating.
Here are a few more edited images, along with the actions I used:
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Flare Up, Dirty Lovin', Dirty Used Up 50%, Burn Out 40%
Wish You Were Here, Select Pop, P-O-S 65%.
So, there you have it. My first two days of playing with my new action set. Yes, the house is not as clean as it ought to be. No, the dog did not get walked. Yup, m'boys have been a little neglected. Certainly, my "recipes" can be improved upon. In fact, I'm sure this time next year (or even next month) I'll look back on these images and recognize their unsophistication and overdoneness. But, for now, I'm kind of pleased with my amateur efforts.
TRA is having a sale?! It looks like Angie is going to be spending some $$ here in just a second! Woo-hoo! :)
ReplyDeleteI think a year from now you are going to look back on these and think "I still love them all" because they are all fantastically beautiful.
You're up late, m'dear... ;-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you create with your new actions!!
Very nice! Too bad we're on opposite coasts! It would be nice to get together and share our hobbies! Don't know how much you'd be able to learn from me, but I'd learn a ton from you. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine you looking back and thinking that about your photos but I do that about mine. : )
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you have been having way fun!
So, here is my question. How did you decide which one to buy? And if you have both which is your fav, because I am considering these but can only get one set.
Thanks, for your input in advance.
I am crying right now because I still don't have Photoshop...one day though : )
ReplyDeleteAll of the photos are amazing but I am particularly in love with the maternity photo. That was an amazing edit!
Amateur? I have had both sets for over 6 months and haven't even begun to explore them the way you did--great job!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're having a great time. Super fun and creative uses of these actions.
ReplyDeleteah. beautiful addiction. Ü
ReplyDeletewow, still need to figure these out - summer project, I think! I love your processing!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love your photos. All of em.
ReplyDeleteWahoo for you!!! I'm glad you now have Clarify and Bullet Tooth. :) I'm going to have to try your recipes.... you've already used actions I have no idea *how* to use. I might have to spend all day tomorrow neglecting my duties to try and catch up. :)
ReplyDeleteLove all of these but my favorite is also the maternity shot. I can't imagine you not loving these no matter how much time goes by!
ReplyDeletelove your before and afters, as always...
ReplyDeleteand oh my Goodness I don't recognize that baby, and that lady swallowed a basketball! :)
Leslie-
ReplyDeletesmallest basketball I ever did see...
;-)
These are just stunning! I had been eyeing the sale for about 2 weeks and this was the straw that broke my piggy bank! I bought both sets and I LOVE THEM!!! Thank you! You are so amazing with your photography and your post processing. Such an inspiration!
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