Adding a vignette

Click on the image for a bigger view.

First let me say, I am fine and busy working on my photography site. (I am getting worried e-mails)
Thanks everyone for the concern. Things will get back to normal soon, I promise! Since I have no idea what I am doing... it is taking me a little longer than I anticipated. LOL!
I am showing you two images today. Both are of my niece Sophia. Both have a vignette added.

I took these yesterday in my back yard. I love the top one best. The wind had started to pick up and it was blowing the skirt out behind her... To me this looks like Art!
Now don't get me wrong, I think the bottom image is a fantastic image but I think it looks like a very good photograph. Actually I am proud of myself. To have something in your mind and bring it to life is really kinda cool.

On the top image, I wanted the entire skirt to show, so I went back and erased part of the vignette. (kreative control) I also ran it through some noise software so it would have a slight painted look. What do you think?

Click on the image for a bigger view.

On this image, I left the vignette dark and heavy. I liked the look of it! ok, so how can we achieve this effect with our software?

In Elements 5 or 6. You will go to Filter, Correct camera distortion. Turn off the grid box at the bottom, now move your Vignette amount and the midpoint slider to the left.
In CS3 it is Filter, Distort, Lens correction. The same directions apply. Just remember!! Use Ctrl J to make a copy first and work on the copy. Then if you find the effect too strong you can lower the opacity of the layer. Or erase part of it, like I did in the top image. =)

Last but not least. On both of my images I used an action called Loma. Adjusting the opacity as needed. But it can add a wonderful punch to an image. You can find the free Loma action here. It works in Photoshop only.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!
~kimi~

Comments

JMCS said…
Kimi,

So glad to hear that you are doing well and working on your photography site. I am sure it is going to look awesome.

Oh my! These pictures just blew me away. The color, the pose, the wind, sweet, beautiful Sophia...WOW! They really do look like art. I was so blown away by the first and then read what you wrote before I looked at the second one and you know what? The second one is just as amazing!!!

Thanks for sharing the steps you took and the action. :)

Hugs,
Jonni
Thanks so much for this tip. I gave you a shout-out on my blog. Please come and visit me!
HOLY COW!! Good grief! You are in for the ride of your life if these photos are any indication of the kind of work you will do for your clients. I wish I lived closer to you so you could photograph our family. Maybe you could just RAK some of my SOOC pics and turn them into art? Hee, hee!

I love it when you update. I lurk on your blog, so I thought I would comment this time!
Kari said…
They are phenomenal ... as usual! Your new photography clients are lucky people!!! Can't wait to see your site when you get it up and running. Glad to hear you are doing well and keeping busy (like I would expect anything less)!!
GT Cindy said…
These pictures are BEAUTIFUL and so is your niece. The color is so vibrant, ohhhh I just want to get home and photograph my DD (9). Miss you at Spragueland, but I'll keep checking here!

GT Cindy
Joanie said…
Kimi- WOW! I love these photos of litte Sophia. Absolutely beautiful! More wonderful magic from Kimi. Keep up the good work. I can hardly wait for the next post.
Lois Michael said…
I agree the top picture does look like art....simply beautiful picture & subject. Love how you share with us.
Anonymous said…
Fantastic shots and PP!
Anonymous said…
Absolutely AMAZING Kimi!
Donna S. said…
these pictures are AWESOME.
Anonymous said…
These photos are fabulous! I especially love the second one - very nice work!
Wow! Jonni (see comment below) suggested I'd enjoy your blog, and within two seconds of clicking, I learned how to do a simple vignette. Thanks a bunch! I have PSE5 and am intrigued with all the actions out there, but not so much that I'm going to invest in the full-fledged PS just yet. This is great, as are your first few pics I glimpsed. Bookmarked!

Popular posts from this blog

Answering questions & another mask

Do you see a black background?

The Shop is coming!!