(photo desaturated 40% and edited with the tranquil preset in Picmonkey)
Ok, it's time for me to come clean with my photography friends.
I don't own Photoshop or Lightroom or any professional quality editing programs.
My camera and lenses are a blessing to me, an amateur hobby photographer.
I received the camera and three of the lenses as gifts from the hubs for Christmas and birthdays
and one of the lenses using a Christmas gift card.
I used to have an older version of Photoshop Elements as well.
But when my PC died and I switched over to my MacBook Pro I never purchased a compatible upgrade of Photoshop.
(texture-Kim's "to be", soft light, 50% opacity, erased off of the blossom)
What I did do was purchase the inexpensive upgrade of the online editing program Picmonkey.
So, all of my editing and playing around with Kim's beautiful textures is done using Picmonkey.
Now that I have my confession off my chest, let's talk about cosmos flowers.
This is my first year growing them, but it won't be my last.
They are easy to grow and just so lovely!
(texture-Kim's simple 2, add, 100%opacity, Kim's 411, soft light, 30% opacity)
This cosmos blossom is in an old ink bottle that's adorned with an old skeleton key.
I love the simplicity and beauty of this still life.
The following two shots are my favorites.
(photo desaturated, texture-Kim's just a touch 2, hard light, 30% opacity)
I'd love to know which photo is your favorite!
( no texture)
still following,
hands down--#4--beautiful!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! Thanks, friend!
DeleteOh, dear! How am I supposed to pick a favorite? I love each of them for their beauty. And I was doing OK until I went back and looked at your camera and equipment - and now I'm a bit jealous. But happy that you have such wonderful equipment. You inspire me, dear friend. Some day I'd like to sit down with you and learn about the textures. That would be fun!
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~
There's always something bigger and better to want isn't there? We have some professional photographers in our church and their cameras are amazing, but cost as much as a used car! I learned what I know about textures from taking one of Kim Klassen's classes.
DeleteWell, Elizabeth...I have a "ton" of editing programs, but I use PicMonkey frequently! I've bought a library of textures from different artists, but rarely use them (Kim is an exception because it's a requirement for Texture Tuesday). I just can't make them work the way others do. I love Cosmos flowers...I bought one pink plant this year and am hoping it reseeds in the flower bed. I also bought a chocolate Cosmos, which is less impressive in size, but dramatic in color. As for a favorite, I believe I like your main image at the top of the post. It's a beautiful scene.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn, sometimes I think we overcomplicate things. If something gets too technical for me then it ceases to be creative and relaxing. So, for now, Picmonkey is good enough for me.
DeleteSo many lovely shots I love the top one with the book
ReplyDeleteThank you, Viv. I sure appreciate your encouragement.
DeleteI deeply appreciate your photography. Honestly you have inspired me to just find the beauty and my own way. I have a less amazing camera equipment than you, but the Lord is so good to help me capture some of His wonder with it. These photos are lovely! The texture makes them look "portrait" like! I love quotes, so going with your first one.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, you bless me so much. It's so much more about the photographer than the equipment I've come to think. One of the loveliest blogs with the most enchanting photos I was shocked to find out she uses a simple point and shoot. It's about having an eye for the right shot, the light, etc. I'm still learning, trying, failing, and trying some more.
DeleteSuch lovely still life's, I especially love the composition of the first one, so lovely
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! I wish we could have met in real life when you were in Portland. I live here!
DeleteThe first is by far my favourite, love the soft tones, the old books and how you composed it !
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Aenee!
DeleteAmazing and beautiful! Love everything about how you composed, edited and photographed these.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your encouragement, Tessa!
DeleteI like the softness of the second one..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Thank you for coming by and taking the time to comment.
DeleteI love the colors on the third one, and the composition of the first one...My poor little cosmos are just struggling this year, after a squirrel thought they were for him. I love these too!
ReplyDeleteBeverly, we have so many squirrels around here, I'm surprised that they haven't eaten my cosmos up! I sure appreciate your encouraging comment!
DeleteWonderful. Love the little bottle. It looks like an old ink bottle. The key is a great addition. Beautiful flower with great color. My favorites are the first and third photos. Especially like the texture on the third.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great encouragement, Earl!
DeleteThe first and last are my favorites, but they're all lovely, Elizabeth!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, June! You're a blessing!
DeleteThey are all so beautiful, but my favourite is #1... lovely words! I also have a D7000 and love it. I've heard of Picmonkey but never tried it. Looks like you do an awesome job with it!
ReplyDeleteWe're camera twins! :)
DeleteI think they're all beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill!
DeleteI love the last one but I like the processing on the one before. I have a few friends that use PicMonkey. Confession is good for the soul. LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for soothing my conscience, Roxi! I appreciate you coming by my blog and taking the time to comment. :)
Delete#4 all day long!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brandee!
DeleteThere are all gorgeous, I didn't know picmonkey could work so well with textures!
ReplyDeleteKristy, your encouragement means so much to me!
DeleteWhatever works! These are gorgeous shots and whatever you use is definitely working well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing your comment is!
DeleteYour photos are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ashley!
DeleteYou see my big smile right! Cuz you know I am loving your confession! Yeah, you! I see no reason to purchase a crazy expensive editing program. that is why I am still at Photoshop Elements. I will eventually purchase Lightroom, mainly because I am wanting to open my business back up. You do a perfectly beautiful job with PicMonkey. Love these BTW! Your still-lifes are on of my favorites. I enjoy stopping by every week. Maybe I should do a picmonkey texture tutorial.
ReplyDeleteYour opinion means a lot to me, Lisa. Thanks so much for the encouragement!
DeleteHmmmmmm, if I had to pick, I'd go with 4, but 3's gorgeous too. I love that we're looking down, and I love the way the flower appears so delicate. The colors. Everything! I've been playing around with picmonkey too. Haven't yet bought it--just figuring out how to use the free version. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the picmonkey upgrade is definitely worth the price, Julie. You should go for it!
DeleteOh Julie it is! I actually still have PicMonkey and Photoshop.
DeleteThese are all so beautiful! if I had to pick one I'd pick #3. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lynda!
DeleteI really need to learn how to take advantage of all the features on PicMonkey. These are gorgeous. I think the first and the last are my faves but all are so beautiful. Blessings. xoxo
ReplyDelete