Jan 27
Craigs_action_cma_retouch1
Craigs Action CMA retouch. (this is the layer I will blend into the original
Jan 27
Cantrellc
Cantrell Couture Very V (I love this BW!)
Jan 27
Kobotagmwarm1
Final Iook. Kevin Kubota GM Warm w Grain
Jan 26

Photoshop Actions a recipe for Disaster?

I admit to being an Action's Junky and have considered joining a twelve step program.  Hey, admitting it is the first step.  All kidding aside, Photoshop actions can be a
fabulous addition to your digital portfolio if used in the proper way.  If used like a seasoning, very sparingly, they can enhance an already terrific image.  Used in a "hardcore" way, can be disastrous.  It can take a lovely image and turn it into a cheap looking "tricked up" picture. 
 
Notice in figure 1 the young woman's eyes.  By careful application of Craig's Actions CMA Retouching, Facial enhancement on the eyes,  I can draw attention to the feature I want to highlight.  Afterwards,  I got to thinking that the image might benefit from a bit of Kevin Kubota's Infrared to further enhance the eyes, and face.  I hope you find the image as impacting as I did.
 
My advice,  when considering the purchase of Photoshop Actions, think of them as recipes.  Just as a cook would not have just one cookbook, so the photographer benefits from many sets of Actions.  Believe me, I have them all,  Kevin Kubotas, Marcus Bells, Craigs Actions, NIK and oh,  my own two collections (Cantrell Couture Actions Volume 1 & 2)
One other piece of advice,  don't look at the 100% application of the Action when considering it's worth.  Look at the subtle tones, textures and overall personality of the action.  One of my favorite Photoshop actions of all time, NIK Software, Color Infrared,  looks just terrible at 100% however, if you use it on a single layer of your image and apply the application to just the iris of brown eyes, then you have a fabulous winner.


 
Bambi Cantrell
Cantrell Portrait Design, Inc.
www.cantrellportrait.com

Jan 25

Clutter Free and Content

As I was performing my Monday morning ritual, that of cleaning my house before I go to the office,  I couldn't help but notice how many "nic nac's" I was repeatedly picking up to dust under, and around.  My home was filled with stupid stuff I've had for years!  Everything from ceramic cat statues, (something I am sooo not into these days) to really old "foofoo" things brought from my mother's home after her death.  I couldn't help but think of how one's taste in things changes over the years.  The things I thought were totally adorable ten years ago.. ok maybe twenty years ago,  were creeping me out now. So in keeping with my ritual, I took a couple of boxes,  ok, several boxes, and took all of the nonessentials, the silly stuffed cats given to me by friends long ago, the ceramic duck soap despensor and matching dish, not forgetting the many things collected at my moms home and packed them up to be given to charity.  (Have you been to a thrift store lately?  well it is the stock house for household stuff.  )   What was left behind were all of those beautiful photographs of family and dear friends.  Isn't it funny that pictures never seem to go out of style.  Photographs alone can conjour up memories , and happy times long ago buried in the recesses of one's mind.  Talk about the gift that keeps on giving...

What is next to go?  How about all of those crazy kitchen appliances I thought I needed! Anyone want a Vegomatic?

Bambi Cantrell

DeCluttere Clear Thinker