I heart photoshop.

I posted this today at http://www.2croppincousinz.com/ but thought I'd share it on the blog for everyone as well....

I love photoshop, I run CS2. however, I'm guilty of using photoshop actions as a "crutch" for editing my pictures. I really don't know all that much about photoshop, or how to get the looks I want. I use ACTIONS all the time. I have a ton of them. I found a website that has changed my life though, http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ although her blog is much much more than just photography, she has FANTASTIC step by step tutorials on photoshop. also, she has just released a KILLER set of FREE ACTIONS that will wow your photos.
while cruising through the tutorials on the site, I found one on how to make the eyes in your photos "pop" I have been playing with this and some of the actions all morning. Now don't get me wrong, getting great light and good composition straight out the camera makes things easier, however, sometimes it just isn't possible. anyway...this easy trick has made a fantastic difference with my pics. here's some examples.
this one is straight out of the camera (just an okay shot) it's really yellow and a little blurry.

I used actions to correct the tint (yellow correct from itty bitty actions) then used a quick burn action (pioneer woman free action) and used the tutorial on how to make her eyes pop. I love the result.

it turned a picture that I likely wouldn't scrap into one that I can wait to print.
here's another example:

I had already edited and printed this picture using several actions
(Lighten, cooled it down, vignette - totally rad actions) (yellow correct - ittybittyactions)

I decided to go back to an already good edit job and try the eyes. the change is subtle but effective and I like it so much more!

I did today's tutorial. and OMG so EASY....
what do you think?
straight out the camera picture of my magnolia tree during a hail storm last week:

and here's the same picture, using today's pioneer woman tutorial.

I love dramatic. so this is right up my alley!!

anyway. I hope the site is helpful. I love learning more about photoshop and what I can do. it takes my photos to the whole next level. download those free actions (they do NOT work with elements) and try them out, then check out all the AWESOME addictive tutorials. you'll be amazed!

30 Day Photo Challenge

Hello all! I have just started sign ups for a very fun 30-day photo challenge over at 2 croppin cousinz. the challenge is open to everyone, as long as you register on the board, and will begin on May 1st.

I hope to see you all there! the thread to sign up is here: http://2croppincousinz.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=81276#81276

something new...

the monthly challenges are up at http://www.2croppincousinz.com/ come on over and see what the DT has cooked up for you! I loved this LO I did using Alicia's challenge

and i don't want to forget the LO I did for the 12 x 12 sketch at my sketch world! (blog link on the side bar!) I loved Lucy's sketch this month and was really pleased to have a Peter Pan LO done!! woot woot!

I am working on a few other projects, but really I've been pretty uninspired despite the awesome papers and embellies I have on my table right now....I had all weekend to scrap and didn't. I have no idea why. and now that I go back to work tomorrow, I want to get stuff done, but I have a super full day today...isn't that how it happens though? I'll be back soon with some other new stuff! XOXO

Playlist..

Yes, I've done it. I love music I can't help it. so I have added a playlist of some songs that I'm loving right now, some new, some very old. Music is such a personal preference. not everyone loves the same things, and that's okay. you can always hit stop or pause on my playlist to turn off the music, or if you don't like the song you can browse for another. either way. I love it!

Word Cloud + LO's

Hellooo...my friends. as I was checking out my friend Emilie's blog I saw this word cloud. HOW COOL IS THIS IDEA?? these are the words I use most often on my blog, with the big ones being the most. how fun! get one here! http://snapshirts.com/index.php

well...today is the first of the month so I'm also able to share with you my creations with the http://www.2croppincousins.com/ April Kit. Papers this month are dreamstreet and super yummy! I'm totally happy with what came out of this, especially the frame. I never alter so this was a fun!!! thanks for stoppin by!

Page Plan by Alicia Barry for 2 croppin cousins.