Lovely Lisianthus

Before and after processing with texture overlays …

Lovely Lisianthus, lightly processed to create a subtle painterly effect.

For the past month or so, I’ve been developing this site, learning as I go. I’m really excited to ‘launch’ it as the New Year begins. At the turn of the year, it’s timely to reflect on the past and plan for the future. For me, 2010 has passed in a blur: it’s been a busy year without much time for reflection, but I have learned some important things about myself. I am not ‘over’ Toby’s death – I doubt I ever will be. I need work as a distraction: something to occupy my time and mind. I don’t find the work I do now particularly fulfilling – I’m not inspired by it the way I used to be inspired by my work as an alcohol and other drug counsellor, but I don’t think I could go back to therapeutic work – it’s too close to the bone. So taking and processing photos keeps me sane. It is a creative process which taps into the part of me that can still see beauty and feel hope. I plan to do much more of it in the coming year.

Photoshop Texture Recipe

This is a really simple quick edit ~ the type of edit I like best. When an image is well exposed, and the focus and colours are right, no remedial processing is needed. Then, the textures just add a little character. This recipe assumes a level of familiarity with applying and selectively removing textures in Photoshop. If you’re not familiar with the processes involved, please check out my tutorials.

Textures

Two versatile textures, Left to Right:
Jade Weave – subtle wood weave texture in a light bright jade colour
Rumpled Sheet – an olive green fabric texture
(to view the textures at a larger size, click on the thumbnails below)

 Recipe

1. Base layer –  lisianthus flowers: Normal 100%
2. Jade Weave: Desaturate 100%
3. Jade Weave: Soft Light 100%
4. Rumpled Sheet: Soft Light 100%