I completed my 3rd Fall “Barns & Back Roads Workshop” yesterday. I will be posting Spring dates in a couple weeks (the folks who opted to wait till next year will get first dibs on dates before general release).
I have decided to change the maximum people per workshop from 4 to 3. This was we can always fit in one car. Many of the stops we make have minimal room for parking. The roads in this area almost never have a shoulder to park on – it’s usually a ditch!
We will also be contacting more property owners throughout the winter to have even more properties that we can roam around on. Stay tuned for more details soon!
Watch me process this image in my next webinar!! Details below!
FINAL WEBINARS OF 2020! SAVE THE DATES!
My next webinar will be on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24th at 4:00 p.m. EDT!
Join me for some all-new projects in “Creative Post-Processing” utilizing Textures, Topaz, Luminar & Nik. One of the projects will be the old house in the image above from a Barns & Back Roads Workshop!
THE REGISTRATION LINK WILL BE POSTED IN NEXT THURSDAY’S BLOG!
The final webinar of 2020 will be on MONDAY, DECEMBER 14th at 4:00 p.m. EDT!
I moved from a Tuesday to Monday for this one as I have camera club seminars on Tuesdays in Dec.
LUMINARAI UPDATES
You’re going to LOVE the new Luminar AI!!!
CLICK HERE for my affiliate link, then log in to your account if you have one.
This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thanks!
In many of my seminars and webinars I share an easy way to create a vignette in Photoshop without using any plug-in programs. It’s something I’m asked about often, so I’m sharing the tutorial I wrote for this process.
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AND…All our deals come with Extended Use License for both personal and commercial purposes.
Be sure to scroll through the page to check out all the goodies! There are TONS of textures and backgrounds as well as fonts, clip art and much more!
AND…I don’t know how long this will last, but you can add coupon code MEGA50 at checkout to save an additional 50%!!!
LUMINARAI UPDATES
With everything I hear and see about the upcoming new LuminarAI, I get more excited!!
In an affiliate press release today, I found out two things about Sky Replacement AI that I’m very happy about!
There will be an easy function to create sky reflections in water! No more copying and flipping images to create a true reflection!
Instead of just a list of replacement skies to choose from, you will have thumbnails so you can SEE what the skies look like! YAY!!
If you haven’t yet reserved your copy of this amazing new software, be sure to reserve your copy now! It is planned for release in late December. You will have a 30-day trial period beginning with the release date, so there is no risk and you’ll get the best pricing now. If you already own Luminar 4, you will have special pricing available as well.
CLICK HERE for my affiliate link, then log in to your account if you have one.
NEW BACK STORY BAGS FROM THINK TANK
With every good story, there’s often a better backstory.
The same is true with the BackStory Series of camera backpacks. The BackStory’s rear-panel opening offers complete access to your gear while a top panel provides quick access to your camera and speeds your workflow. A deep front compartment with zippered mesh pockets has ample room for personal gear, including a 10” tablet and laptop (size specific). And with its plush shoulder harness and removable waist belt, the BackStory is comfortable enough to wear all day.
I haven’t yet chosen the dates for the last 2 webinars of 2020 – I have Barns & Backroads Workshops starting today through 11/11, then we’re scheduled to head to Sedona for a week (depending on what’s happening in the world then!). So I’m looking at probably late Nov. and mid-Dec. to round out the year. Stay tuned!!
This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thanks!
This week’s Tutorial Thursday has a “spooky” Halloween look! Enjoy!
ORIGINAL IMAGE
I began with this image of a pumpkin patch, first using the Healing Brush to remove the little bits along the right hand edge and debris in the bottom right corner.
AFTER HEALING BRUSH
I decided to fill in some of the open space with a copy of another pumpkin. Using the Quick Select tool, I selected the pumpkin in the center of the image. Once selected, I clicked Control + J to duplicate the selection to a separate layer (Command + J on Mac).
Separately, I copied the shadow to the left of the pumpkin on to its own layer. The reason for the separate shadow, is I selected the pumpkin layer and flipped it horizontally so it would not be exactly like the other one (Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal).
I enlarge the pumpkin slightly and placed in the empty foreground, then moved the shadow into place (also enlarging to match the pumpkin).
AFTER COPYING PUMPKIN & SHADOW
Next I added two presets/looks in Luminar 4 – Deep Sky and Mystic, which gave me this look:
AFTER LUMINAR 4 “DEEP SKY” AND “MYSTIC” PRESETS
I wanted even more drama and spookiness, and applied Nik’s Midnight Filter choosing Sepia from the drop-down menu and opening up the shadows to 73%. Here’s the final look and layer stack:
BOO!
LUMINARAI UPDATES
With everything I hear and see about the upcoming new LuminarAI, I get more excited!!
In an affiliate press release today, I found out two things about Sky Replacement AI that I’m very happy about!
There will be an easy function to create sky reflections in water! No more copying and flipping images to create a true reflection!
Instead of just a list of replacement skies to choose from, you will have thumbnails so you can SEE what the skies look like! YAY!!
If you haven’t yet reserved your copy of this amazing new software, be sure to reserve your copy now! It is planned for release in late December. You will have a 30-day trial period beginning with the release date, so there is no risk and you’ll get the best pricing now. If you already own Luminar 4, you will have special pricing available as well.
CLICK HERE for my affiliate link, then log in to your account if you have one.
NEW BACK STORY BAGS FROM THINK TANK
With every good story, there’s often a better backstory.
The same is true with the BackStory Series of camera backpacks. The BackStory’s rear-panel opening offers complete access to your gear while a top panel provides quick access to your camera and speeds your workflow. A deep front compartment with zippered mesh pockets has ample room for personal gear, including a 10” tablet and laptop (size specific). And with its plush shoulder harness and removable waist belt, the BackStory is comfortable enough to wear all day.
I haven’t yet chosen the dates for the last 2 webinars of 2020 – I have Barns & Backroads Workshops through 11/11, then we’re scheduled to head to Sedona for a week (depending on what’s happening in the world then!). So I’m looking at probably late Nov. and mid-Dec. to round out the year. Stay tuned!!
This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thanks!
This week’s Tutorial Thursday will answer some questions from the webinar.
Q: What are the Mac equivalents of the keyboard shortcuts you use?
A: I often will mention the variations during a session, but it’s difficult to do each time. Here is a “cheat sheet” of PC to Mac conversions. Print this out and keep it handy for future reference.
The basic conversion for most commands from PC to Mac is: Control = Command Alt = Option Delete = Backspace
Q: When adding brushes, how do you add them into a folder in the brush menu?
A: This happens automatically if the brush set you are loading is a “set” and not an individual brush. For example, if you have any of my brush sets, you only need to select one item and it loads the folder with all of the brushes inside. You can, however, click on an individual brush and drag it to another folder if you wish.
Q: How did you change the color of your cursor?
A: I was thinking I had done it in PS, but it’s actually a Windows Setting! Go to Windows > Settings > Ease of Access > Text Cursor. You can choose various colors and sizes for your cursor.
Q: How did you find “Impressions”?
A: Impression is part of Topaz Studio 2. To access via Photoshop, go to Filter > Topaz Studio 2 > Topaz Studio 2. Once the interface opens, click the Filter menu in Studio > Impression.
Q: Are the brush sources you mentioned only for Photoshop?
A: No – Brush ABR files are usable in any editing program that uses brushes. It’s a universal format.
Q: What were the websites for brushes again?
A: If you have Photoshop CC, you can get free brushes directly from Adobe! Open your brush panel, click the gear wheel at the top right and select “Get More Brushes”. This will take you to the Adobe site where you can download lots of brush sets.
There are SO many resources out there! I also post links to sources I find in the Tuesday “Around the Web” blog, so be sure to look back through some of those!
One other note… If you are planning to use the brushes (or fonts or other resources), be sure to read the Terms of Use with each product. Many freebies are for Personal Use only, so if you are doing commercial work, just be aware.
WEBINAR REPLAY NOW ON YouTube!
“Creating & Using Textures” is posted to my Meredith Images YouTube Channel CLICK HERE to watch!
This was a fun webinar! I’ve already had viewers sharing their texture creations after watching. I love seeing ideas in action.
I also mentioned in the webinar, if you purchase the notes for this webinar by midnight tonight (EDT), you will be entered into a drawing for one of two prizes – each for a 1-hour personal training session with me on Zoom. You’ll be able to ask questions about textures, Photoshop, Lightroom, Topaz, etc. – whatever photographic subject you need a hand with – even general photography questions.
So if you haven’t yet purchased your copy of the notes – which include the notes, textures, and images used in the webinar – grab your copy for just $5 HERE IN THE Peacock Studio Store.
A Little Bragging
I do what I do for the love of sharing ideas and helping other photographers realize their own “artistic vision”. However, it is nice to receive kudos as well.
Recently I was awarded the Ashbrook Award for Digital Imaging Instruction from the Photographic Society of America (PSA). They normally hand out awards at their annual photo festival in the Fall, however, that event was cancelled this year due to the pandemic.
In lieu of in-person recognition, they put together videos for the many categories of awards. I was included in the video for Society Recognition Awards. This is my 5 seconds of fame shot!
In the comments from my September webinar, fellow PSA member, Don Poulton, said, “Hazel, I really appreciate the thoroughness of your teaching in these webinars. You are truly a valid recipient of the PSA Ashbrook award. Congratulations!” Thank you Don for your kind comments, and thank you to PSA for this honor.
NEW BRUSH BORDERS TEXTURE SET
I have had requests for borders with totally clear centers – Here you go!! This set has FIFTEEN borders that come as ABR Brushes, PNG’s and JPG’s. Reg. $15, on sale till 10/11/2020 for 50% off!
From my friends at Design Cuts: It’s their 7th Birthday and they have a HUGE lineup of webinars now through Oct. 19th, plus SUPER specials! Check it all out HERE!
WEBINAR TODAY! REGISTER NOW!
Join me today, October 6th at 4:00 pm EDT “Creating & Using Textures”
I just finished putting the final touches on the projects for next week! I will show you quite a few ways to create textures, and modify images to make your own textures. These projects can be done in Elements as well as Photoshop (though some brushes are different in Elements). I will also share some ways to download more brushes to PS CC and sources for free and paid brushes to make your own unique textures.
I have had requests for borders with totally clear centers – Here you go!! This set has FIFTEEN borders that come as ABR Brushes, PNG’s and JPG’s. Reg. $15, on sale till 10/11/2020 for 50% off!
A day late this week – busy times! This week’s tutorial takes one of my barn images and gives it some “spooky” grunge!
ORIGINAL IMAGE
I duplicated my original layer in PS. Open Topaz Studio 2. I used two “Looks”. (1) A Little Dingy and (2) Distressed Grunge (I did not change any of the settings in the presets).
Next, I added a Filter > Texture. Group: Meredith Images > Wisp. Change blending mode to Multiply and opacity to 45%.
I then added a border from the new Border Collection listed below. I used Border 7 (the png). Changed the blending mode to Soft Light and opacity to 75%. And voila!
Here is a screen shot of the final layers as well as the final image.
FINAL SCREEN SHOT OF LAYERSFINISHED IMAGE
WEBINAR NEXT WEEK! REGISTER NOW!
My next webinar will be October 6th at 4:00 pm EDT “Creating & Using Textures”
I just finished putting the final touches on the projects for next week! I will show you quite a few ways to create textures, and modify images to make your own textures. These projects can be done in Elements as well as Photoshop (though some brushes are different in Elements). I will also share some ways to download more brushes to PS CC and sources for free and paid brushes to make your own unique textures.
As we all know, the Covid crisis has put a damper on much of our travel, events, concerts, etc. I postponed the early Fall Barns & Backroads Workshops until Spring, however the last 4 workshops are a GO! Some people who were signed up want to go – a few have opted to wait until Spring or Fall 2021.
Therefore, I have some openings for the upcoming sessions if any of you are itching to get out and photograph! These are small groups (MAX. 4 people). Of course, if anyone feels ill before they get here they should not come (we can reschedule you). As you know, Dave & I already had Covid, and we both have antibodies.
That said, if you’d like to join us, come on down! Following are the dates and number of spots at this moment: October 22-25 3 spots open October 29-Nov. 1 3 spots open November 3-6 2 spots open November 8-11 2 spots open
You can find more info on our website HERE. And you can sign up in our online store HERE. We also have the option for accommodations if you’d like to stay with us in our home (we have two guest rooms). If you are interested in this, just shoot me an email first to be sure space is available (Hazel@MeredithImages.com).
NEW BRUSH BORDERS TEXTURE SET
I have had requests for borders with totally clear centers – Here you go!! This set has FIFTEEN borders that come as ABR Brushes, PNG’s and JPG’s. Reg. $15, on sale till 10/11/2020 for 50% off!
I have had requests for borders with totally clear centers – Here you go!! This set has FIFTEEN borders that come as ABR Brushes, PNG’s and JPG’s. Reg. $15, on sale till 10/11/2020 for 50% off!
I’ve added a bunch of new products lately, so it’s time to clear out some of my older collections.
The following 8 texture sets are regularly $6, on sale 50% off till 10/11/2020. Last chance to grab these before they are gone forever!
CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO GO TO THE PRODUCT PAGE.
The following 4 Spiral texture sets are regularly $12, on sale 50% off till 10/11/2020. Last chance to grab these before they are gone forever!
CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO GO TO THE PRODUCT PAGE.
WEBINAR NEXT WEEK! REGISTER NOW!
My next webinar will be October 6th at 4:00 pm EDT “Creating & Using Textures”
I just finished putting the final touches on the projects for next week! I will show you quite a few ways to create textures, and modify images to make your own textures. These projects can be done in Elements as well as Photoshop (though some brushes are different in Elements). I will also share some ways to download more brushes to PS CC and sources for free and paid brushes to make your own unique textures.
I just came across a very interesting article about a new feature coming this year in Photoshop CC — AI powered Sky Replacement! Now, you know I’ve been thoroughly blown away by the power of Luminar 4’s AI Sky Replacement. We’ll see how Adobe stacks up – especially with the release in December of LuminarAI. Here’s the article and 3 minute video from SLR Lounge.
Last year I had received an email with a free copy of “Hallows Eve” by JixiPix (I have some of their other products on my iPhone). They are again offering the software for free for a limited time. It can be downloaded to your computer and they also have versions for iPhones and Androids! CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK.
Here’s one I did last year (you start with your own image and then choose from various presets and add-ins).
SAVE THE DATE! REGISTER NOW!
My next webinar will be October 6th at 4:00 pm EDT “Creating & Using Textures”
In my recent survey I asked what you’d like to see in a webinar. One of the top requests was “How to Create Textures in PS”, so we will do some of that in the next webinar (will apply to Elements as well). We’ll then apply some of the new textures to images and blend them.
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The Amazing Artistic Photo Effects Bundle is created in a manner that it is of utmost use for the designers, modern artwork designers, wall art designers and professional photographers. These actions are professionally designed to give your pictures a magical spell and a distinctive tone, enabling you to streamline your editing process and enhance your images. Comes with an Extended Use License for both personal and commercial purposes.
Join me this afternoon at 4:00 pm EDT for “Behind the Creative Process”
In this webinar I will take several images and show how I decide on which textures to use (including the ones I rejected)! I will take you ‘inside my thought process’ as I determine the direction to take a photo. I’ll be using textures and Topaz in my processes.
Join me on Tuesday, September 15th at 4:00 pm EDT for “Behind the Creative Process”
In this webinar I will take several images and show how I decide on which textures to use (including the ones I rejected)! I will take you ‘inside my thought process’ as I determine the direction to take a photo. I’ll be using textures and Topaz in my processes.
…SEVEN new sets of Pastel/Watercolor Textures!! I got a little carried away when creating these!! There will be a set with Borders, Graphic Shapes, Old Paper & Writing, Pastels, Textured Pastels, Streaks & Splotches, and Splatters & Bokeh! All in beautiful pastel colors! Whew! They’ll be posted and listed in Thursday’s blog! All 7 sets will be on sale half price!
This post may contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Thanks!
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