Friday, January 29, 2010

Heth Takes the Plunge

I dragged my feet. I kicked and screamed. I resisted as long as I could, but finally I caved. I've started editing my photos.

This year for Christmas, Nate bought me Photoshop Elements. Photo editing was a world that I knew nothing about. It was a world that intimidated me and I wasn't sure that I wanted to join. I wrestled around with the thought in my head that it just felt false. That the image wasn't really the actual image that I had captured anymore. It was a new and improved image, with enhanced colors and smoothed out skin. Didn't I want my images to capture the truthful moment, no color boost, nothing added or taken away?

And then I tried it.

Oh my gosh, I love it. Why am I such a dorkhead sometimes? What's with the stubbornness? It has been so fun to play with. I know almost nothing about it so I'm watching tutorials and picking the brains of fellow photographers. One of the only things I know how to do is this. It's Pioneer Woman's "fresh and colorful" action, step by step for people with Elements. The "after" makes the original look like it has a thin grey haze over the whole image. Here, let me show you. And please forgive my amateurishness. (is that even a word? I guess so, spellcheck says yes) Here are a few before and afters:
Before:


After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:


After:

15 comments:

Natalie Joy said...

Incredible photos! Great editing! Beautiful subjects. Love those girlies!

KarenK said...

Uh, wow. I want that program, too! What kind of camera do you use?

And your daughters are so, so very cute.

Heth said...

Karen I use a Canon Rebel XT. It's an older model but it works for me.

Truth said...

Wow, impressive! The reason you stayed away from it for so long is because it is just one more thing that steals your time, lol. At least in my world.

But I don't have Elements.

Anonymous said...

lovely, lovely editing.

as for me, i just can't take that plunge. yet.

love,
dorkhead lindsey

Naomi said...

editing's the best.
imagine being graded on it. :P

melanie said...

how fun.. someday you must teach me :)
such beautiful girls..

momzie said...

Good job! I'm not even going to think editing thoughts. I'm still on my new-camera honeymoon, trying to take photos as good and you and Shane's worst ones!

Unknown said...

beautiful, your doing great!!!

Sara said...

looking good heth!! xxoo

Christine said...

aww shoot. I was just starting to enjoy your blog with all of your great writing and real life hilarity (with a good dose of faithful thinking and living), and then you had to go and get all photo savvy on me. Trying not to be intimidated by all you crazy talented ladies...

Michele @ The Hills are Alive said...

really noticable in the grey fur hat one
More crisp, better clarity
Love it

Good work

Homegrown Tribe said...

beautiful photos! PS is fun... isn't it! :)

britt

Our Beautiful Disaster said...

Editing is super fun (and addicting...) Great pictures!
-Lindsey
http://www.followingthecall.org

Anonymous said...

Be careful. It is addictive.