I have a love/hate relationship with Photoshop. When I first started with digital, I didn't want to alter my photos at all. They were what they were. It took me long enough to even think digital was a good idea so altering my photos was never going to happen. I saw photos that were altered so much, previously lovely children almost had an alien plastic doll look with eyes like no one had ever seen. I knew I wasn't interested in that. I saw photos of middle aged women without any smile lines. I knew I wasn't interested in that. I saw photos that had the look of all my faded photos from the bad film of the 70's. I knew I wasn't interested in that. Then I realized that I could change my photos to black and white. I could make them just the kind of black and white I loved - dark blacks, white whites and lots of contrast. Then I realized that I could tone them a bit to look like different eras of black and white film. All of a sudden, I was cropping, sharpening and even popping the color once in a while. I still didn't know much about Photoshop but I could do a few things.
Adding textures to photos has intrigued me for a long time but I really didn't know how to do that. Friends led me to Kim Klassen, queen of the textures and extremely generous with her creations. All of a sudden, I actually liked playing with Photoshop. It was fun to take a photo and then alter it with Kim's textures. It became art for someone like me who can't draw or paint.
These days, I do love Photoshop. I still rather spend my time behind the camera instead of in front of the computer but I do have fun. And I have to admit, once in a while, I change a photo to look just like those faded pictures from the 70's.
11 comments:
Visiting from "Texture Tuesdays". Wow, do I relate to your post here. My Photoshop program sat on my desk for a full year before I even downloaded it onto my computer. I always envisioned myself more of a purist. But I have to admit...I am having lots of fun with textures. I need to reign myself in sometimes tho :). Love your use of Crackerjack in your photo. Beautiful.
Kathy
www.youllshootyoureyeout-kathy.blogspot.com
Such an excellent creation and super a sweet texture job...I'm over from Texture Tuesday and just admiring your post! Love it!
Welcome to the club, Barbara! All your work is lovely so don't be afraid to experiment. "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."
I feel the same way about Photoshop. I'd rather not do any edits, but then...sometimes it's fun to play around to see what magic can happen. I like the crackerjack with that old camera.
Photoshop does have its perks, for sure. Adding textures is one of my favorite editing techniques. :)
I ahve no clue how to photoshop! Would love to try it, will have to go there and see if I can get some lessons:):) XO, Pinky
I am glad you have decided to like Photoshop I agree a good photo doesn't need changing but we can do so much to make an average photo look fabulous. I love playing with PSE8 and Kim's textures love it. I love you shot too the texture works really well with it.
I so identify with everything you said in your post! I have a small collection of vintage cameras. I like how your photograph turned out. Textures are a lot of fun.
I love alien plastic doll looking children with crazy eyes...but I love textures too (;
your image is lovely...enjoy your PS journey...
I am still just blown away with digital cameras, computers, and computer programs! I feel so lucky to be an old dog who has learned a few new tricks.
Gorgeous photos.
I love to hear how other people feel about post processing. I say I do not like to alter the photos and then it is so fun to try, I can not help myself.
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