Not too long ago, Drea posted some great info here on Photo Bliss about using free actions to automate processes in Photoshop Elements. She mentioned CoffeeShop, whose Creamy Toffee Latte action I used for this belly button shot. Here are some other places to find Photoshop Elements friendly freebies! One caveat before you start downloading - confirm that these actions are compatible with your version of Photoshop Elements and with your operating system (Mac, Vista, XP). Graficalicus - Not only does Graffi have a great free action sampler pack, he also has good tutorials in his blog, and he posts free stuff there from time to time. The free sampler pack has these actions, among others: Soft Black & White, Old Romance, and Sketch. Grant's Tools - totally free set of … [Read more...]
How To Take Crisp Photos
1. Use The Lowest ISO That You Can I explained ISO previously, so I will keep this short and sweet: The lower the ISO, the sharper your photo. This all depends on available light, of course. Basically you want to use the lowest ISO setting that you can get away with so that you get a crisp photo with minimal digital noise. Digital noise is not techno music, despite what you might think. It basically means that your pixels are all wacked-out and grumpy and not letting you have a crisp photo. This applies to most of you using point-and-shoots too! I have a Canon Powershot and you can use manual settings. Don’t chicken out. Be brave. You will be happy that you did. On a bright, sunny day you will want to shoot at an ISO of 100 (or less, if your camera lets … [Read more...]
Creative Photo Backdrop Ideas
When I entered this photo of my daughter in the I Heart Faces “laughter” photo challenge, I got a lot of questions about the pink background. Was I in a studio? Where did I find that pink backdrop? Here is my secret! The hardest part was keeping her on the right side of the blanket. It's way more fun to play behind it:-) There are lots of ways you can create your own in-home studio backdrop on a budget. 1. Find a location with good natural light. Face your backdrop towards the light source. I moved the crib near a window and made sure to open the shutters wide. 2. Be creative. Use a sheet, fabric, table cloth, or blanket. For $8-$50 (depending on size), you can get a e roll of seamless paper in any color. 3. Find an easy solution for hanging your … [Read more...]
4 Easy Ways to Add Photos to Blogger Posts
I have heard MANY people complaining about the way photos are uploaded to Blogger and asking how to make that easier, but other than cutting and pasting the HTML, there didn't seem to be a way to insert photos into a post rather than just upload them and move them from the top to where you want them. It's honestly maddening, and one of the main reasons I've contemplated moving to another platform. I'm about to let you in on a little secret... I've found the way to make it work! Many of you may know about this already, but I'm willing to bet that many of you are thinking, "Tell me already!!" Ok, here it is: Windows Live Writer Yeah, I know. Sorta blows the mind, but it's a little program that you download to your computer for free that allows you to write blog posts offline and … [Read more...]
How To Take Photos of Water Splashes
Water splashes captured well are incredibly beautiful and can even be breathtaking. You may think that it's impossible for you to capture these types of photos, but you most certainly can, even if you are using a Point and Shoot camera. This article will give you some pointers that will teach you how to take great photos of water splashes. We've talked about capturing falling water droplets and improving your photos of water droplets with photo editing software, like Photoshop Elements (and others). Tips For Water Photography: use your macro setting turn on your flash use a tripod to avoid blur from camera shake (or set camera on something stable) good lighting is essential - both from flash and other sources be patient shoot a lot Then try some different … [Read more...]
Photoshop Elements 6 Hack
As a fairly new photographer and business owner, I have to watch carefully how I spend my money. One of the things I have yet to invest in is the top of the line Photoshop CS3. I have many photographer friends who own PS CS3. I envy that... but! I am also very content with what I have. Photoshop Elements is a fraction of the cost and can still do amazing things. One of the things people miss are the "Actions," aka "Filters." Actions are wonderful at giving a photograph a different look with the click of a button! Most people don't know how to download and apply new Actions to their Photoshop program. Through the help of a wonderful Flickr group geared towards us PSE peoples, :-) I have found a hack. Totally legal, I must add! 1. Find some FREE actions. A great resource … [Read more...]
