They provide me with inspiration...motivation...and sometimes depress me really bad.
Well, they could depress me if I really dwell on all the fabulous edits I see of all the fabulous photographers and think about about how I could never be that...fabulous.
But then I do a little pick-me-up and look at all the things I've learned thanks to some extremely generous people on the web. People who spend their precious time trying to teach people like me how to be better photographers and editors.
So in the spirit of generosity, I wanted to share some of my own Before & After shots. I'm an amateur in every sense of the word...so if I can learn to do this stuff so can you!
I use to let myself get depressed because I don't own photoshop...
...but I do own photoshop elements.
I could get depressed because I don't have a fancy schmancy Nikon d300 with awesome lenses...
...but I do own a great Pentax with my favorite 70-300.
I wish I had the time to go to those awesome photoshop and photographer workshops all over the country...
...instead I watch video tutorials in between stirring the macaroni & cheese and helping kids with homework.
It'd be so incredible if I had the money to buy all the Totally Rad Actions...
I'd love to have a killer photography website and wow the masses with my brilliance...
...instead I have a great little blog that my family & friends enjoy.
If only I had an incredible outdoor studio I could really do some impressive photos...
...but I've got a wonderful park a short drive away and everyone who comes to it has had a great time.
I really need to take some classes then maybe I'd be as good as those professionals...
...but I'd rather spend my weekends at the soccer fields and in sweet chaos.
And finally, if only I had lots more money and lots more time, I'd be a photography editing queen...
...but for now I'll be grateful for what I've learned and excited for what I'm going to learn.
So take it from me...you don't need all those things to truly enjoy your passion.
But a girl can dream...
Posts
22 comments:
These are all great pics ...but the one of the girl in the chair...in the white dress..holy crapola! That is awesome.
Wow...you really do a great job. I am loving taking pictures of my sweet kiddos, but am still struggling with the editing. I love the things you've done with these pictures. Any chance you would tell me what actions you used on some of these pictures...kind of a how to??! :)
That's a great idea for another post for me!
Right now I can tell you that I used at least one of the following on every photo shown:
Free Actions from Coffeeshop
coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com
Dream Textures from
pattibrownphotography.com
Textures from florabella textures
http://florabellatextures.com/index2.php#/home/
All of these are free or inexpensive...as I mentioned, not a lot in the budget for fancy photo stuff!
Good Luck and keep checking back, I'll try to put together some tutorials...I love this stuff! And be sure to link to pictures if you try any of those items!
I feel much the same. I just got my first DSLR last year and PSE and although I love them and am amazed by how much better my photos are than my old point and shoot.......I am so overwhelmed by the learning curve and all the equipment I am suddenly lusting after.
Not sure if you know about the Photoshop student program but if you have a college student in the family, you can get the full version for around $200.
Your pictures are great and it is inspiring to know that there is another mom of four trying to figure things out on her own too.
Thanks for the inspiration. I am in the same boat as you - although I haven't learned Elements other than to upload my pictures yet. I need/want to download some actions & learn more about it to create some AMAZING shots that you have! Goes to show you don't have to spend a ton of money or time to make a great photographer. And YAY to the playtime at the soccer field ;)
LOVE love your blog. I am a photographer wanna be also. I WISH I had the money to upgrade, but not today... I have six kiddos and really want to get great shots of them, your blog is sooo helpful...
LOVE your images....Please keep sharing...
The little girl in the white dress...so beautiful!
I love the before and after photos! Unbelievable your somewhat new to all this. I have elements on my computer just wasting space. I've played with it and don't really know how to get good results. I would love some tutorials especially pictures 2, 4, 6, 8...okay all of them. I'd love to take classes as well but being a mom of four, and well living in Spain right now (Cincy friend of Reese's from above), I'd love any online help. Your subjects are darling, thanks for sharing your pics.
This is my first visit to your blog, and you've inspired me! I see I need to come back often and read through your archives!! I love before & afters too - thanks for sharing!!
Really beautiful work. I'm a wanna-be as well. Wish I had more time and $ to invest in all the latest toys, but am happy to have TONS of pics of my kiddos. Inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
We are so much alike. I just purchased my first nice camera (a Pentax K200D) and am a wanna be photog too! I can't afford Photoshop either, so I use Elements as well...hmmm...what else...I like long walks on the beach...kidding. I LOVE your blog. I am now a daily reader. Thanks for the tips and sharing yoru fill flash technique. I was terrified to use mine in the daylight!! You are awesome!!
So, don't laugh, but I'm a little teary here. I LOVE photography! DH bought me a Cannon Reble xsi this summer and I was so excited. However, I stink at taking good photos. I also have PSE and Rita's actions. I love them both, but my pictures never look like the professionals:/ Had you of not posted this and showed how much is possible, I would have stayed very discouraged. Thank you!! I think I may dust of my camera today:) I can't wait to read more of you blog!
You are AMAZING! These photos are wonderful! Thank you for showing the before and afters so we can see just what can be done. And I could sign my name to this post, too. I make sure my 3-year old is busy with his Leapster while I step out of our minivan for a second to snap some pictures of some gorgeous fall trees I can't drive by without photographing. I don't know what I'll do with the pictures once I download them, but I at least got a chance to take them!
So there is hope for me. :-) This was a lesson in gratitude and living in the moment...making the most of what we have and realizing its full potential.
Thank you for this post.
Great Post! I really enjoy looking at others' before and after photos.
I just found your blog via Google Reader and look forward to your future posts! Nice Work!
Ditto, ditto, ditto! great post. I feel the same way. A few months ago I was letting myself get depressed with being a wannabe on a tight budget with active kids! I loved your post. I made a promise to myself a few months ago to figure this PSE thing out! I am slowly working on it! I love the before and afters that you share. would you consider when you post a pic to put some action (etc. info) with it?
Now those are words a mom can live by!
I love your work. I so can relate to your photography and editing emotions. I myself am a mom to 6 with a passion for photography and editing. I feel a little depressed after looking at your work LOL.
I am going to start following your blog I love your work so much. Please consider tutorials :)
Thank you so much for this thought provoking post. I love your before and afters. I will share what my sister said to me... "Joanie, (insert your name here) you take photos with your heart." THAT is what matters! Great photos!
My first time here from Rita's blog. What a timely post for me...so comforted to see so many others in the same boat. All in good time, I suppose!
I would love a tutorial on the girl in white with the black background!
You are exactly right. What a great inspiring post. I always say you can be an amazing photographer with an old 110 camera and some passion. And thanks for the shout out. :-) Rita of CoffeeShop
Post a Comment