The other day, I spotted a lady bug hanging out on the side of our house. I just happened to have my macro lens on me, so I snapped a few photos. I’ve been editing and re-editing this one particular shot for a few days, and…I think I’m finally ready to share a couple of edits. I also thought it might be interesting if I made my SOOC shot available for anyone that wanted to practice editing, texture, etc….so here it is. Just click on the image below > go to actions > view all sizes > download.
ISO 100, f/4, 1/160
My process is a bit organic but I did save my steps in Photoshop Elements 7 so I could share my work (I feel like I’m in algebra all over again):
- Adobe Camera Raw white balance adjustment
- Crop
- Curves Adjustment
- Duplicate Layer – Black/White Conversion
- Levels Adjustment
- Gradient Map set to Soft Light blending mode at 16% opacity
- Photo Filter – Sepia set to Soft Light blending mode at 100% opacity
- Duplicate Layer set to Multiply at 16% opacity
- Duplicate Layer set to Screen at 31% opacity
- Artistic Filter (I think Palette Knife) set to Soft Light at 70% opacity
- Square 171 by Shadowhouse Creations set to Multiply at 54% opacity
- Coffeeteaorme by Kim Klassen set to Soft Light at 78% opacity
To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted this photo to look like, so I experimented with my adjustment layers, blending modes and opacities to create the first edit below.
I really like the way the texture hides our vinyl siding, but I wanted a little more color, so I applied Pioneer Woman’s Seventies action and lowered the opacity to 22%. I then applied Amy McMaster’s Berries N’ Cream action with a levels adjustment and multiply layer. I really like the effect. What do you think?
Like I said, feel free to download my SOOC shot and practice editing the photo yourself (and if you do, leave me a comment with a link…I’d love to see it). Or, just check out some of the other great touch-ups. I’m also linking up with Ruby Tuesday for the first time.
Also, don’t forget to enter my photograph giveaway. You have until December 2nd to enter! Click on the icon below for more information.
With that said, we are leaving in the morning to go to my inlaws’ for Thanksgiving. I will have my computer with me but may be a bit delayed with my blogging/emailing, etc. I hope everyone has an awesome day and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
