Adobe CS2 Editing

[kevin_draper]

<p>My wife and I have had a photography buisness for a few years now and although we feel our pictures look good, they are not amazing like others I have seen. I know that in many cases this is due to editing techniques in Photoshop and I would like to know where I can learn these secrets. They don't seem to be anywhere. Is there a free tutorial site, book or video series I can purchase to learn these techniques. I want to learn how to turn my photos at <a href="http://www.kandmphotography.info">www.kandmphotography.info</a> into photos like those found at <cite><a href="http://www.bbphotography.com">www.<strong>bbphotography</strong>.com</a></cite> out of Boise Idaho. If you can give me some clues, they would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. </p>

[ryan_warner]

<p>which gallery on bbp?</p>

[john_a5]

<p>I don't know, looking at both your sites, it is sort of 6 of 1, half dozen........... The referenced site just seems to employ a bit more contrast and saturation, but some is over the top, some is fine and some is just what is faddish right now--or is it? (is it me or are your first two images out of focus?)</p>

<p>I generally recommend something like Lynda.com to those who want to learn how to use the tools--and I don't always agree with some of the experts they have as to their taste in things, but you learn the basics and then you get better at figuring things out as you play with it. ($25 a month for full access--1 month or several or even one here and there--cheap!) Then I am sure others here know of sites where different techniques are explored. I find that most of them I can figure out pretty quickly because I have been using PS since version 4 and routinely explore how to do different things.</p>

<p>By the way, try upgrading to CS5, this is the last version before you would have to pay full price again and it is miles better than even CS4.</p>

[garypeck]

<p>The fact that you are dissatisfied is half the battle - and I applaud your courage and desire for a higher standard, however, you don't need PS, you need to better understand your craft.<br>

With these two sites, you're comparing apples to oranges due to the use of light, composition, angles, POV and overall photographic sophistication.<br>

I would consider you detach yourself from your work and evaluate it from a shooting perspective before worrying about post. Weak images into PS are still weak images coming out of PS.</p>

<p> </p>

[Tim_Lookingbill]

<p>Have you looked into Photoshop and Lightroom actions and preset sites like these?...</p>

<p>http://gettotallyrad.com/recipes/</p>

<p>http://www.redpawmedia.com/bbpro.html</p>

<p>From examining the three images on your website of the woman in blue blouse, the B&W kid and bride and groom, you just need to tone map a little better using curves. Establish the brightest spot on the forehead and lock it down on the curve and start curving downward to give some definition on their faces. Also that brides chest is blown to white. It looks as if you over exposed the shot.</p>

<p>White balance better for the color shots. Shoot Raw and profile your camera using X-rite Color Checker Chart. The skin tones are on the pinkish side. </p>

[kim_johnson1]

<p>You can Google Portraits photoshop<br>

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/<br>

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/post-production<br>

http://www.photoshopessentials.com/</p>

<p>Just to name a few<br>

Also search for tips in YouTube, there are tons of tips.<br>

You ARE NOT gonna learn everything about Photoshop in a couple of sittings. But gradually over time you'll understand it. If there's a way to correct something PS does it.</p>