Fix it Friday

It's Friday! I totally missed last Friday's "Fix it"! Friday just came and went like that, with a big move, school and work, unfortunately life gets away from me sometimes.

This Friday I had to get back into the swing of things, I love that each image has its challenges, and the little details that you fall in love with, and how editing can help bring all that to life.
This is the original image, a little dark but the composition and the solar flare are darling. My goal was to warm it up a bit, draw a little more attention to the subject, while flattering the light that was coming in.

I lightened up the images using Exposure and Levels adjustment Layers. From there I worked on the coloring a bit, using a Blue layer set to "Exclusion", and a Warming filter. Next I wanted to bring out the subject a bit more, so I created a Soft  Light layer, filled in with 50% neutral gray, and used a white brush as a low opacity to bring up the lighting on the boys face. I prefer this to the dodge and burn tool, as it is non destructive, and you have a lot of control over the results. My final touch was clone stamping (On a separate layer!) out the solar flare on the bottom right, then dropped the opacity of that layer. This way the flare was still there very lightly.

Although I did lose some detail in the sky, I am very pleased with this image, it has such a calm summery feel to it, you can almost feel the sunlight on the boys skin as you wonder what has him so deep in thought.
I would love to hear your comments and feedback! How would you go about your Fix it?

Until Next Friday <3

Taylor Jade

Fix it Friday

Another Friday, Another Image!
This week the challenge was to edit this photo taken by  Dana Suggs Photography, I love the texture in it, wondering if I can find a local like this around here... lol

Any who, I decided to do two edits today, I've been on a bit of an editing kick lately trying to polish my skills

This is the first one I did, I cropped in a little closer to the subject, adjusted the colors using a Curve layer, and ran "Sugar and Cream" from the BEE-SWEET Action pack by Quick Click Design Actions & Templates for Photographers.

 From there I tweaked the action a bit, added a Vignette using another curves layer, and called it good <3 

For my second image I cropped in a bit closer. Playing around a bit I first added a Black and White layer, and dropped down the opacity, The I added a blue exclusion layer, dropped that to about 13%. At this point the image was a little bland as you can imagine, so I played around with my color balance, adjusted my levels to add a little bit of contrast, and finished it with another Vignette.

This is a little bit different from my typical editing style, I've been trying new things lately, and although they don't always work out, It's always a learning experience.

Until next Friday! 

<3 Taylor Jade

Red White and Blue

This week's theme for the I Heart Faces challenge was Red White and Blue in honor of the 4th.

I chose to share the following two photos

This woman is incredibly strong, and about as supportive of the troops as you can get, she married one.
 I am so thankful that I had the chance to shoot with her, she is such a doll. My heart goes out to her and her husband, as well as all of  the men and women fighting for us, my deepest thanks

<3 Taylor

Good Times with a Good Friend

This past week I had the wonderful opportunity to do a shoot with a close friend. 

Vinnie and I met our Senior year of High School, and although we don't get to see each other that often, we've been friends ever sinceNo matter how long it's been since we've seen or heard from each other, and sometimes we go months,  I know I could go to him with anything.  

Doing a shoot with a friend  is a blast! We seriously joked  and talked the entire time, it was just like we were hanging out. This guy is one heck of a model too! He'll try to tell you otherwise, but put him in front of the camera and he immediately seems relaxed and comfortable. 

Vinnie, I couldn't ask for a better subject, or friend, You're the best! Thank you so much!

<3 Taylor Jade

Fix it Friday

It's Friday! This week just flew by! I didn't even realize what day it was until I saw the update for the weekly
 I Heart Faces Fix it Friday.

This is the Straight out of camera shot

and this is my edit

I do all my editing in Camera Raw and Photoshop CS5
I chose to crop in a little closer to the subjects, warm the photo up a bit with a photo filter and a dark blue layer set as "Exclusion". I also felt this image need a little something more, so I added a lens flare. Typically I'm not a big fan of using Photoshop for lens flares, I prefer to capture them myself, but overall I was pretty pleased with the effect it gave this image.

I am loving Fix it Fridays! Let me know what you think!  

My Treasure Chest

I've always been a fan of "Old" things. Vintage, Antique, or just a little worn, I love it all. So as you can imagine, I fell in love with this trunk at first site. 

Isn't it beautiful! The woman who sold it to me said it was her son's toy box for years, filled with He-man and Ninja Turtles. You know this thing has been loved.  lol

I think that's what draws me to things that are a little rough around the edges, they have stories and character, and that's not something you can buy at the mall, trust me I've looked.

I'm so excited to have this beautiful piece home with me. I love all of its scuffs and marks. 

Every detail about it is intriguing and wonderful. 

 I look forward to adding to its stories and character as it will add to mine <3

I collect antiques. Why? Because they're beautiful.

Broderick Crawford 

A Touch of Whimsy

I Heart Faces is having their weekly photo contest, and this weeks theme is Whimsical.

I love everything about this photo, the lighting, makeup, and of course it's Whimsy! <3

Head over to I <3 Faces and check out my entry along with the others!