question on photo actions for Lu & everyone page 1

Connie

10-16-2006, 09:42 AM

I have never used anything but plain photos out of the camera (& I use a good digital camera - but on auto mode). I'm saving for a new camera for Christmas - and then will need to make some choices as to going digital SLR or not - but until then... I'm trying to learn about working with the photos. Some say that they 'fix' every photo they use.

My question is - when I'm using the photo action - how do I know what is right? Is it what looks good to me? For example, Michelle Pearson gave 6 actions in her Urban Grunge set. I used it to make pumpkins pop.

Can it be overdone? or done wrong?

Here are two lo's that I tried it on 2 photos. Any constructive criticism is welcomed please -

I used the Sunshine action (warming) - on the bottom photo here
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31701&cat=500&ppuser=772

And I used the grunge action on this photo here:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=31274&cat=500&ppuser=772

tia

VickiStegall

10-16-2006, 11:40 AM

Oh Connie, I think they are both great!!! In my opinion, it is what looks good to you.

Do I think it can be overdone, sure! Just check out these:

(while the first one looks ok on screen, it printed nasty! The second one looks good on screen and in print!)

me trying to do it by hand:
http://www.oscraps.com/gallery/data/555/vstegall-myconstant-web.jpg



me using Holly McCaig's Purdy Pics actions:
http://www.oscraps.com/gallery/data/555/myconstant-web2.jpg

lucrecerb

10-16-2006, 08:28 PM

I agree with Vicki. You have to go by what looks good to you. As much as I love very saturated pictures, it can end up looking really fake. I think you have to know when to pull back on an action and let it enhance your picture instead of taking over the picture. Go with what feels right.

Connie

10-17-2006, 08:01 PM

Thanks ladies,

Lu - I've seen your photos on your blog & you do such awesome work!!

I'm so used to point & shoot & that's what you have to use. This is a whole new world. (I didn't even know I wanted to do this before!). Tonite I was reading about Michelle Pearson's newest action for cross processing - I went & read about that photographic process...

But I'll keep playing... it's great having feedback. Your examples were very helpful, Vicki.