Monday, January 31, 2011

In a Photoshop Daze

(Click on any thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

For the last several days, I have been a photo-processing fool. I have been steeped in Photoshop—working on files from recent shoots, the trip to Death Valley last spring, and a large order from my dear friend and client, L, at Silent Knight Farms. I see sliders and layer masks when I close my eyes.

The unexpected turns in my life that began in June, last year, put a major dent in my schedule, and I am about as far behind as a person can get. But, it's work that I enjoy. I love the experience of seeing a RAW file come to life on my screen. I enjoy the work so much that I need to pinch myself periodically as a reminder to get up and stretch my back.

The photo above is one of my favorites from SKF and the one on the left was taken in Death Valley. By the time I got home from each of those trips, I was already dreaming about returning as soon as possible. Silent Knight Farms is all about horses—gloriously beautiful animals turned out to do what they love to do: run like the wind. Death Valley is matchless—a truly awe-inspiring landscape. It is a joy to be at either place with a camera in hand. 

14 comments:

  1. Both of these photos are spectacular. You have a great eye for detail and your Photoshop skills are excellent. What a treat to get two photos in one day!

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  2. I can see w hy it's one of your favorites. The light is spectacular. And, I don't mind if you continue to play with photoshop and show us what you find.

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  3. Anita, your Death Valley image is outstanding and it's giving me the itch to go and experience the landscape.

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  4. Ken - Thank you so much for the generous compliments. I am delighted to hear from someone else who doesn't mind photos with some processing. I know that many are put off by pictures that have been treated to generous doses of Photoshop, but I just want my pictures to convey the mood evoked by the scene. I don't mind spending the time to get what I want.

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  5. Monte - Thank for all those kind words. It's nice being encouraged to do what I love. I'm not above painting in some light in a spot where I could swear I saw it at the crucial moment, then the cold-hearted realist of a camera tells me that I imagined it.

    It's a deal. I'll continue processing and posting. But, I may not show you the flops. Maybe a before and after. Hmmm.

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  6. Steve - I am delighted that you like the Death Valley picture. Thank for your comment.

    I do so hope you get to Death Valley soon. I feel certain that you will enjoy it. It is unlike anyplace else. Truly breathtaking.

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  7. Anita, you just keep on burning up that Photoshop and posting photos like this and I'll keep on visiting your blog and loving your photographic talent and vision...deal?

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  8. Earl - You are so kind and generous. Now, I have to work like a madwoman trying to learn more and earn kudos.

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  9. Kudos to you, Anita! I really like the Death Valley image. It is on my list of places to go; however, that danged list keeps growing. Pretty soon, I'll have so much traveling to do that I won't have time to work! Now, if I could just figure out how to make that work... Hmmmmm. :)

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  10. I really like the Death Valley photo but I love that horse! What a wonderful capture!

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  11. Paul - I am glad you like the picture. But, does that mean I have to take responsibility for adding to your list of places to visit? I only want to be a part of this, if you come up with a way to get paid for not working along with a salary that permits widespread travel.

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  12. Mary Ann - Thank for your comment. I wish you could have been there to see that horse run. What a sight. Mane and tail flying and loving being alive!

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  13. Absolutely breathtaking, your image of the beautiful horse. The browns and the highlights, the mane that shows the movement... Just plain lovely. Great work with the tools, Anita, and foremost, great job with the camera.

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  14. Ove - Wow, thanks for the generous comment. I am delighted that it touches you.

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Anita