Using Gradients

I've experimented just a bit with gradient layers.  I know they are a great tool for coloring a photo when accompanied by manipulation of the layers.  Let me show you a before photo. . . . . this pic was taken in Sedona, AZ on a cloudy day.

I began the transformation by duplicating the layer and then changing it to "multiply".  The intensity of the photo changed instantly and I merged it down.  After that I added a gradient layer called "rust, green, gold" and changed the layer to "saturation".  That's it.  A completely different and more beautiful photo than the original.

Old Tucson Studios

This photo had a bit of work done on it.  I started by applying a duplicate layer and upping the contrast.  After that I desaturated the duplicate and applied a creamy photo filter.  At this point I merged all of the images down and applied two different filters. . . the first was a grunge layer and the second was a torn photo layer.  Both were adjusted to my liking.

Old Tucson Studios

Macro - The Cactus Flower

Sometimes macro is the only way to go!

Vintage Frame and Layer

I found a new vintage frame set at The CoffeeShop blog this morning.  Rita has done all of the work for us.  I dropped in a new photo of our dog Gracie and tweaked things just a bit to get this photo.  Thanks Rita!  

Before

Already my mind is thinking ahead to how this frame set can be used in the future as it comes both vertical and horizontal.

After

Flowers

I have found that I love focusing on the middle subject in a photo.  I had three different bouquets, front to back in graduating heights.  The middle green flower dominated the grouping so I made it central to the photo.  In Photoshop Elements, I duplicated the image two times for a total of three.  The middle photo I changed to multiply and adjusted the opacity, and the top one I applied a Gaussian blur.  The next step was to link the top layer to the middle.  I then merged all of the layers and applied a creamy layer around the outside by adding a solid layer, selecting a border then feathering at 25px, backspacing that center, then adjusting the opacity of the border.  

Re-touching Photos

Before

There are so many family photos taken back in the 1950's and 60's that need help and I'm not sure where to start.  Some pictures are easier than others to work on, including this 1959 shot of mom and me at Lake Michigan.  I use Photoshop Elements 9 and begin with the spot healing tool.  There are always so many flecks and spots that need attention.  The next step I take is to add a levels layer to adjust the light and dark areas of the photo.  Some times there are more steps in between but lastly I head to the "adjust for skin tone" action which is under the header Enhance, then Adjust Color.   In the adjusted photo I also straightened the horizon line.  More could have been done but I wanted to retain the vintage look of the original.

After

Focusing "in the middle"

 I have been trying to take more time setting up the shot rather than moving quickly through the process.  By focusing in the middle with a foreground object such as the plant, a depth of field shot is created making the picture more interesting.  Gracie was wet that afternoon so her hair looks focally magnified.

Vintage

 

This photo was enhanced using an action called "Velvet Cream" from The CoffeeShop.  The aperture was set at f/8 allowing the flowers in the background to play off of the flowers in the skirt really well but not so well that they distracted from the foreground.

Photo Cut-Out

This is a fun way to present a photo. . . . especially if you enjoy scrapbooking.  The cut-out came from Rita at The Coffeeshop (see link at left).    The blueberry muffin had vintage layering applied before placing into the cut-out.

Smoothie Pop!

This photo has seen a small amount of Photoshop layering and yielded big results.  It's a combination of High Pass filtering, Color Dodging and a solid color top layer adjusted to taste.  Kinda like a layer cake.  After all was done I cleared her eyes so they would sparkle.

Cherry Pop

This photo was created using an action.  The only change I made was to turn the whipped haze layer to soft light and then reduce the opacity.  

Snapped!!

An old camera, awesome lighting, and a steady hand.  That's it!

On the Rise

Simple effect using a texture layer.  "Multiply" the top layer and adjust opacity.  

An instant "antique look to a photo that is brand new.

Gardenia

Gardenia's are blooming!  So soft and beautiful using the Orton Effect.  

The flower appears to be nestled deep in a forest rather than in a backyard with bright sunlight.