The Day that Would Not End

I finally finished editing photos I took on Wednesday! What have I learned just from editing this batch? That’s probably best broken down in list form:

1. I spent too much money on actions, but at least I’m having fun.
2. Less is more. Less is more. Less is more. Okay, maybe I haven’t actually applied that yet, but I do know it.
3. How to make a snapshot and use the history palette in Photoshop.
4. How to assign keyboard shortcuts to actions in Photoshop.
5. How to arrange my workspace in Photoshop (yes, it really did take me this long).

I know I’m going overboard on the actions, but it’s really hard not to when I want to try them all out. Even if this batch of photos is a bit over the top, I think there are some really cute ones in the mix that I’m happy to put up on my walls at home. That’s all that really matters. (I guess.)

I am really happy with how this sky photo turned out! I used a circular polarizer to take it and I’m not really sure if it made a difference one way or another. I need to get out in the open landscape more to play with my polarizer. Straight out of the camera, this photo looked really wasted. I made some relatively minor edits to achieve fairly stunning results though. In addition to some basic exposure and contrast corrections, the most dramatic change came from running MCP’s Sky is Bluer Illusion action. I also applied PBK’s Mermaid 3 texture, which made the blue sky even richer.

I haven’t done much at all this week in terms of developing my photography skills; I’ve just been working on editing. I’m disappointed in myself this week because I had such high hopes to participate in Creativity Boot Camp, but I am just too busy. Maybe I can care out some time soon to start. I’ve been reading along, but I haven’t had a lot of time to devote to it.

Mr. Serious took the photo above; can you believe it!? He definitely understands the concept of cameras. Naturally mine is not one I want him to be touching too often, but here he was in my lap and asked if he could take a picture. I’m holding the camera with him and have my finger over top of his on the shutter button. Last week when we were at the Family Dollar, I got him a little toy camera that makes snapping sounds when you press the button and he’s been going around to everything and everyone taking pictures. It is so cute to watch! For his 3rd birthday, I really want to get him a kid tough camera. I can’t wait to see what masterpieces he produces! I know he’ll be absolutely thrilled to be able to have full control of a camera and see the results of his snaps.

We’ve started giving Boa and Mr. Serious baths together and they do really well! Mr. Serious seems to like bathing with Boa and is very careful with him. Boa is more of a water baby than Mr. Serious, so he doesn’t mind a little extra splashing around. They are really cute with one another in the tub.

Click on the thumbnails below for all the pictures posted for Wednesday. I’m hoping by Monday or Tuesday I’ll be caught up enough to start making regular, timely posts again!

All Photos Taken 06/09/10