Here's the basic rundown of what I do with a color photograph. If you like the colors bright and intense, set your camera accordingly. On my camera I have the saturation set high and the color to vivid. When it comes to editing (which I do in Photoshop CS2) I usually always use these two tools: 1) curves 2) brightness/contrast. I find that when I use these two functions I don't have to bump up colors or play with saturation (which I used to always do). I do have some actions that I really like, but lately I haven't relied on them as much.
There are many tutorials and information available online relating to editing in Photoshop. Here are two relating to the tools I'm referring to: Here is an editorial about curves . And here's one on brightness, contrast.
Here is an example from start to finish:
The original picture:
First I played with curves until I was happy.
Then I went to brightness/contrast and bumped up contrast a bit.
Finally a little burning around the edges.
Before & After (click to enlarge)
Happy Friday, I hope this helpful to at least one person! Have a great weekend!
10 comments:
I'll take any and ALL photoshop tips! Thanks
~Leslie
That is amazing the difference. I really need to start to do this. I really appreciate the tips. Thanks.
I love your step by steps. I need to get Photoshop.
Thanks, Kim! This is what I love!! I have been playing with curves like you showed me and I like doing it that way. I still just have a hard time knowing when to "stop". The before and after are very helpful (to me, at least)!
Were you a teacher? Just kidding. I love your tutorials. They really are easy to follow. Now I need to just get Photoshop.
Good tips! I just tried some out on my camping trip post. The curves function was new to me and really works wonders!
Sweet! I am excited to try this! I get very frustrated sometimes with CS2. THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!
I love Friday Fun! Thanks for the tips; I can't wait to try them!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I usually mess around with the brightness/contrast, but have never done anything with the curves. I'm sure that's what's missing. And those actions are awesome. I know whats on my Christmas list!
Thanks for the info Kim - I will have to remember that - I am such a digital camera phobe! We have 2 and I rarely use them - maybe these tips will inspire me to get over it!
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