Roses and Textures
One thing I particularly enjoy about post processing my photos is learning new things.
Joining a monthly club for textures encouraged me to stretch my skills in a new direction. Each month, Denise Love of 2 Lil Owls releases new textures to club members, along with instruction videos. There are also extra goodies, from retired texture collections to presets for Lightroom and /or Adobe Photoshop.
Having to log in each month to retrieve my goodies also encourages me to use the textures and goodies, as they disappear shortly after the next month gets released. The Facebook group for 2 Lil Owls gives me ideas and inspiration as well. There are many talented photographers showing their work and providing tips.
It’s been fun! And as I get more comfortable using this as a tool, I’ve found new ways to use it in my regular post processing. I’ve used the textures to warm up photos, enhance skies, and bring out colors.
The picture above used textures from the January collection, Cabaret. These textures are bold with significant texture and an opaque color. As a result, they needed a bold picture to stand up to them. I also used a Black Dust texture (another goody from January). Interestingly, black textures provide patterns without leaving color.
This is the original picture. It’s not bad straight from the camera!
Below is how I transformed it. Photoshop layers start from the bottom and work up. As a result, my watermark at the top is the last step in the process.
I think this went from a good picture to an awesome one. Of course, textures won’t cover up a bad picture, but even good pictures can be made better.
What have you done lately to stretch your creativity? Leave me a note and let me know!
Photography 2 Lil' Owls Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden onOne Effects post processing textures Topaz Studio
dogear6 View All →
I am a backyard adventurer, philosopher and observer, recording my life in journals and photographs. Visit my blog at www.livingtheseasons.com.
Living The Seasons 
Stunning work! I would love to have a Peony in your color remake. Mine are all only light or dark pink. I have Photoshop and have barely scratched the surface… I need to get over my fear of PSing, Eh?
I’d been skirting around learning Photoshop for a long time (probably 10 years at least). With retirement, I really dug in and I’m getting it figured out! It helps to use it every day, which I have time on most days. I also invested in a really good course from Matt Kloskowski (https://mattk.com/). I’ve had to go back and redo parts of it several times, but it makes more sense each time.
But otherwise, it’s a matter of experimenting, learning, and keeping at it!
Nancy
Lovely photo Mrs. Nancy! This encourages me to find my inner creativity. Hope all is well!
Thank you! How awesome to hear from you again.
Charlee: “What a pretty flower! The post-processed version is especially striking!”
Chaplin: “Yes, they both look delicious, but the one you fixed up looks extra-delicious!”
Charlee: “Chaplin, why are you so interested in eating flowers?”
Chaplin: “Well it’s not so much eating flowers as eating in general …”
Hmm. . . I think my flowers need some cat-b-gone! Or maybe I can interest you in a nice batch of catnip in the yard instead??
Hey Nancy – I know – its been a while! I must have an old email for you – send me a quick note and we will catch up.
Love the photos!
Kathleen
I will do so. I kept meaning to drop you a note after your brother passed away (and obviously never got around to it). I was sorry to hear the news. I know you were close to him. I hope all is well otherwise. Thanks for the compliment on my photos!
I try to pay attention to a ‘regular’ day to find something to be creative and excited about.
And you do a great job of it too! I love how your posts can distill the day down into just a few words and a simple picture that shows so much.
Thank you!!!
Textures can do so much to enhance a photograph, and I love a more painterly look. Sounds like you have a good group. I love Denise’s textures and have quite a collection of her’s. Need to play with them again some day soon.
Thanks Sarah! I’ve been really enjoying playing with the textures and the overall looks. I’ve always processed my pictures to look bright and lively (gaudy comes to mind, but I don’t think they’ve been THAT bad) and now it’s just going to another level!
Gorgeous photos! I try writing in another genre to stretch my creativity.
Thanks for the compliment! I can see why authors write in another genre. It really does help to get out of a rut and learn new things. I’m really enjoying learning new things in my photography, even if I don’t want to necessarily use them.