7.19.2010

touch-up Tuesday

Edit: Although I didn't list this step below, I always resize and sharpen for the web. I had to resize my SOOC, but I did not sharpen. The 2nd and 3rd pictures were resized and sharpened.

This week I'm going to keep it simple; my edit only has two steps (three if you count cropping as a step). Easy enough, right?

I got some nice compliments on my macro flower shots, so I'm going to show you how I edited one of them.

Here's my SOOC:
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Step #1:
I cropped (which I won't count as it's own step) and did a curves adjustment. I wanted to lighten the green background, but in doing so it made the flower too light. I masked back the flower at 85%, almost returning it to it's original color.
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Step #2:
I added this texture (using the soft light blending mode at 85%)...
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...to give us this result.
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When adding texture, I always mask it off of the subject. Otherwise in this case, you would have the texture all over your flower, making it look dirty. You can mask it off at any opacity; here I used 100%.

Here's the side-by-side. A subtle difference, don't you think?
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If you like more texture, some options are:
1. use the overlay blending mode
2. use the soft light blending mode as I did, but hit Ctrl-J to copy the texture layer
3. use more than one texture (you can layer multiple textures on top of each other)

Hope you'll join in for touch-up Tuesday! :-) Please copy and paste the text below if you'd like to link up. Have a great one!

<center> <a href="http://thebonnie5.blogspot.com/search/label/touch-up%20Tuesday"><img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/xpxbno.jpg"/> </a> </center>


11 comments:

elizabeth said...

thanks for the step by step - your awesome!!

Unknown said...

I really like that flower shot.

I need to learn how to use texture better, too. :)

Ashley Sisk said...

Gorgeous...I mean...AMAZING. I'll try to link up later today.

Sarah said...

That's so beautiful! Love the subtle difference. Just gorgeous! :)

Krukow Family said...

I love your photo, is just beautiful. Hopefully one day I will achieve your greatness.

The Mommy said...

Hi Karli!! That is one pretty macro shot!! I really like that texture too:)
Sorry I've been so out of touch. I've been on an unofficial vacation from blogging and I promised myself not to read or write any blogging stuff for atleast two weeks. Well, so much for that promise because not only did I come back early but I checked your blog every now and then (I just couldn't resist!)
I have to tell you, I love all of your flower macro shots that you posted a some days ago. You did a great job there.
I have so much catching up to do. But, just letting you know that I'm back and there is more "explanation" on my blog;)
See ya around:)

Sarah Andrews said...

BOOOOOO!

Did I scare you?

I'm here with a quickie edit! I did another post below my TUT post which might explain why.

I love roses! Beautiful job but don't hesitate to leave a little bit of texture on the petals. Textures look nice on flowers - just not on hair or skin!

oxox

Natalie said...

I just love this photo and your edit! Gorgeous! I got my first touch-up tuesday posted. :-)

Sarah Andrews said...

Hi! I always shoot in raw. Although the files are huge - it gives me a lot of play. Try it! Do not hold me responsible if you start shooting it in from here on out.

I used my 100mm macro lens for that shot - it's super crisp close up and FUN! Great for portraits too!

Re: textures. I've even left some texture on skin before - erased at about 60% and it's a totally vintage-y feel. I've also erased and then blurred the texture to make sure that it flows which might work for what you wrote about in your comment. I would blur and then gaussian blur it. I love textures but I only put them on the images that say TEXTURISE if you know what I mean. I might post a textured image tomorrow!

I'm super glad that I played along today - thanks for hosting!

urban muser said...

your photos (and touch-ups) are wonderful. i am in the process of gettin' me some PHOTOSHOP! i will play along after that happens. great blog, i am following you now.

Ashley Sisk said...

Yay - I managed to link up and it's still TUESDAY. I know you're proud. With that said, I'm going to bed. Goodnight.