FAQ : Post-Processing

It seems I picked up a bit of a cold while in San Francisco this past weekend. Okay, it’s more than a bit, but I’m trying to stay optimistic here. It’s gotten to a point where if I can remain cough-free for more than 30 seconds, I’m patting myself on the back. You see…that’s what happens when an Orange County girl tries to befriend a new city…she gets sick! Ooooh, I raise an angry fist at you health gods!

Because it hurts to lie down, sit, stand, crouch, crawl, and/or do a jig, I decided to focus my attention on blogging the most popular FAQ as of late:

How Do You Process Your Images? Are there specific actions you use?

This is a multi-layered question, but the short answer is that I try to keep things as simple as possible when processing my images. As I referenced before on my blog, all the bulk images from a wedding are raw-processed, but any image that is blogable or in a slideshow has been pulled into Photoshop for a little extra lovin’.

Keeping things simple is key, so I basically use only two action sets: Kubota Image Tools and Totally Rad Actions. I’ve learned the hard way that creating a style is imperative, so these action sets have made my life—and photography—so much more enjoyable! It took a while for me to understand fully how each action set would work for me, but once I developed a rhythm and flow, I found what worked best.

I also get asked how my images look “crispy” or have a little “pop” to them…I wish I could say it was some secret I possessed—or that I was better than I really am—but Kevin Kubota’s MAGIC SHARP is the most amazing tool. Ever. Every image on my blog has Magic Sharp run on it…I love it and it’s amazing.

To get a more in depth review on my post-processing, be sure to check out the November issue of Pro Photo Resource. In the article, I discuss the importance of creating a style what specifically I use in Photoshop to achieve certain looks.

The best part of it all is the cool peeps at Totally Rad Actions are offering a $25 discount when you type in STAR as the promo code. Rock on! I’m sure you’ll love working with these actions…Doug Boutwell worked so hard at making them perfect and I’m sure you’ll agree!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to take a shot of DayQuil, have a cup of homeopathic flu tea, and nibble on Saltine crackers…oh the joys of being sick.

**EDIT: For those of you who've emailed me and/or Doug about the discount, the promo is expired…sorry!! If it's renewed again, I'll be sure to create a new post with updated information! Thanks!**