Fun with photos

I'm fairly certain most of you lovely blog readers are also readers of the fabulous Pioneer Woman website (and if you're not, stop reading this right now, go click that link, and spend a few days immersed in the fun and frolic that is life on the prairie with Ree. I guarantee you it will be worth your while. The girl's got mad writing/cooking/photography skillz.)

And with a recent website overhaul, there's way more goodness to choose from, including a recent set of free actions featuring some of her coolest processes. Because I've decided to become a better post processor in '08, I decided to play with a few of the actions last night, and the photo you see above is one of the super processed results. But I'm kind of digging it, because it started like this:

I know what you're thinking... drab-o-rama (no offense, Aidan, darling, but your mother CLEARLY has issues understanding exposure.)

Now I do realized the better the photo is to start with, the better the result. You know, crap in, crap out? But actions are fun to play with. I combined several of Ree's actions to make the end result above.

I also took a photo that I think I posted here before, that was actually good to start, and made it a bit better. Here's Nana before, with the closest to perfect exposure that I ever get:

And here's after applying the PW Fresh and Lovely actions, and the Slight Sharpen:

WOW! Now that is a difference you can HARDLY SEE!

But still... who's a good dog? WHO's a good dog?

So go download actions and play. There's lots of help for those of you who might be new to actions, and also, even help if you use Photoshop Elements.

Happy Tuesday.

Comments

[katie]

i so need to buy photoshop elements (was convinced after taking renee pearson's class) thanks for reminding me.

[renae]

Your photography is incredible already! I drool over it in both of your books on a regular basis. I do love that crazy Pioneer Woman. She is just hilarious (and I have to say that everything I've tried from her cooking site has turned out fantastic!). Thanks for the link to her tips, I could really use 'em!

[Cameron Yates]

Oh, I love Ree too! I have already learned so much from her. I love it when people I love love other people I love. Love love. :) Oh, and I love your album, too! I am leaving right now to go tear a piece of cardboard and color on it with pencil crayons so I can add it to my album! :)

[Joanne]

Not to entirely ignore all the fabulous information you just gave us all...but WOW...Aiden is absolutely gorgeous - she looks oh so grown-up! Is there a "back in time" function on photoshop so they don't grow up so fast?

[Margaret C]

Woah - when did Aidan turn into a young lady instaed of a girl? Can totally see you in her, BTW. Gorgeous.

[Kelli]

Thank you for the heads up on the actions!

[pam]

Thanks for the tips. I've going to give it a try

[Suz]

CZ,
I downloaded those actions from Ree about a week ago and they are so fun to work with! You are right, she IS an amazing photographer--and so, so generous to share her time and talents with us!(and you as well)
BTW-Aidan has soooo matured since the last time I saw a pic of her. Stunning! TFS and have a rockin' fun day!

[Celeste]

ooh i posted about these the other day.
so much fun and some of them are very subtle. which is great for lazy ole me!

[Jaana]

I played with the P-Dub elements instructions all weekend, and got some fantastic results (some of my stuff is the Flickr group).

I have three blogs that I must visit every day:

1. PW
2. Cathy
3. Ali

Sometimes I like to mix it up and visit your blog first, or Ali's first... I'm rebellious that way.

I love your blog and I thank you for linking me up to PW. This combination of blogtasticness makes my day, every day.

[Jaana]

Oh, and P.S. - Your girl is looking very stunning and soulful and grown up in this photo - the BW conversion is just beautiful!

[Jill]

I'm with Celeste...you, Ali and PW are definitely my favorite blogs in which to escape and find inspiration!! Thank you for all you add to the blogosphere!!

[NanaBeth]

Our beloved Ms Renee as a great tutorial on converting to black and white on her blog today. http://reneepearson.typepad.com/fertilepress/2008/04/easy-black-and.html

[sue Treiber]

I just bought Aperture 2 today, and am looking forward to diving into photo processing wonderfulness.
When exactly did Aidan start looking so grown up? I have a 10 1/2 year old girl. Just wondering when I should expect it.

[Dawn]

Hi Cathy! Love reading your post! You're a hoot & so inspiring:) I had question RE: your March 20th post. Wondering what brand (& where to get) those Blk & White Rub-ons w/the car, plane, bike, people,etc??? Those are really cool, & never seen them before. Please do tell...
Thanks,
Dawn ;)

[Abby P]

Oh man! Thanks for the PW link - I really like her blog and all that education for the taking! Love it! And, seriously, like everyone before me has said, the change in Aidan is so gentle but noticeable! Very cute girl - Dan better keep his shot gun handy by the front door (if he HAS one!). Hey, darlin', are you going to keep up with the 12 on the 12th? I'm staying faithful to it, AND the monthly mini tag albums (although i'm now using a 6" x 6" chipboard book for April). Thanks for the continuous inspiration!

[Abby P]

Post Part 2: So.....which of the PW actions DID you use to make Aidan even more gorgeous than she already is??

[kate]

One of my goals for myself is to play around and practice more so that I get better. Aidan is gorgeous and should I admit I made the same voice (the good dog voice) when I saw how cute the dog was?

[Sue Redstone]

You have inspired me to attempt to restore some of my old family photos. Sue

[Mimi2Quads]

I started reading Ree's blog when you first mentioned her here a few months ago.My camera and my heart thank you. I have learned alot about photography and have really enjoyed reading her love story. It took me days to get caught up, but I read every post - totally addictive. My butt and thighs, however, are not thankful for the introduction to her cooking blog. She has been the death of my low-carb diet!!

[JenniB]

I love PW and make sure to visit her daily (right after you)!

I just have to say, your Aidan is quite lovely! She has really grown into such a beautiful young lady since I started reading your blog several years back!

Oh. the editing is good too. :-)

[Molly]

have i mentioned just how glad i am that i started visiting you over here? well, it's true.

[Karen]

Wow. I can really see the difference in Nana's pic. Man, I gotta get me some actions! haha

[Jen]

Cool actions! Hey, I saw these badges and thought of you. Well, of Dan:
http://www.concretehermit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=254&zenid=8651baa958886e8fb5b5b535a85e2a28
(sorry for the huge link!)

[Kim W]

Hi Cathy

I'm heading to Minneapolis next weekend...any hints on the best places to shop for scrap supplies?

Thanks,

Kim