I often get asked by clients and photographers alike how I edit my photos. Well, it can be quite a process. So to cut right to the chase, here is the “Readers Digest” version of digital manipulation. My saving grace when it comes to photo editing, are fancy little tools, called “Actions.” These actions are loaded into my Photoshop editing software and applied on to images to give them a unique effect. Each action is different. I have actions that are geared towards a vintage vibe, some with really punchy colour, and others with a softer more romantic pastel feel. I am addicted to purchasing these actions, which Darren can attest to. However, they have been a huge factor in helping me define my photographic style and have also helped to speed up my editing so that I am not chained to my computer 24 hours a day.
After applying an action I tweak all of the different layers in the action to get a custom creation. I often apply multiple actions to one image and sometimes I will also add a texture or two. This process can take anywhere from 1-2 minutes to 30 minutes per image (and sometimes longer!)
I have three companies that I purchase these actions and textures from: Kubota Image Tools, Totally Rad! and last but definitely not least Red Leaf Studios (awesome Canadian company!) These three companies all deliver consistently amazing products that keep me coming back. You can imagine how stoked I was to find out that an image of mine was featured on the Totally Rad website! They have a new section of their website dedicated to action “recipes” and one of my favourite images from last year was chosen. It’s highlighted in hot pink below !!
