41 fun & educational Photoshop effects...

This is a link I came across sometime back and wanted to share with you folks, it's "41 Nicest Photoshop Photo Effects - Photoshop Tutorials".

I am not going to bore you with listing them all (because you really should go take a look), but I have done a handful of these tutorials and will share the results of two that I have done below.

Before you say things like "I don't want to give my client a tattoo", "surrealism is not part of my business model", or "Scott, you really are the smartest guy I know" (well okay, no one will say that), but before you say the first two realize that doing these kind of tutorials will have you using layers, brushes, and techniques in new (or different) ways that just might make you a better user of Photoshop.

And what starts out as a good learning tool could very well turn into a fun little project for a friend or family member.

Here are my two examples, the first is the "crack and peel skin". For this one you will need a background images, I used rust and dried mud, both of which I got (for free) at CG Textures.



The second is the "tribal tattoo" and I don't remember where I got the tattoo, sorry.


To get a better look simply click on any of the images to view larger and in a new window.

Raddish

Photographer:Kapil Raichana

Westcott Apollo Softbox Review...

Here is our video review of the Westcott Apollo softbox.

Included here are a couple photos showing the wooden dowel extender we added for two reasons:

1. To give the center shaft additional stiffness/rigidity so that when we tighten down the thumb screw (on the flash bracket) it does not dent/collapse the shaft, and


2. When closing the softbox the center ring pulls beyond the shaft, so the next time you use the softbox there is a bit of fumbling (and mumbling) as you try and line up the shaft and center ring


The dowel cost (well) under a dollar and keeps the shaft from getting beat up during use and makes setup just that much easier. We did not glue it in so that if (for what ever reason) it needed to be removed at some point in the future.

Don't misunderstand me, the dowel does not take this from a good softbox to a great one, the Westcott Apollo softbox is outstanding... period.

It simply makes life a little bit easier.

Though they are not on sale right now (current price is $114 with free shipping), Adorama will often have them on sale for $95 with free shipping, so keep an eye on their site.

Below is our video review, subscribers will need to return to the blog or head directly over to our YouTube channel to watch it.

Strobist Photo Trade Secrets...

Strobist Photo Trade Secrets, Volume 2: Portrait Lighting Techniques has been released.

Similar to Volume 1 (see our review here), you get a lot of great lighting tips, but this set is focused on shooting portraits and are even more affordable (only $17.99).

You will find 25 different portrait lighting scenarios (microlessons) and the vast majority are shot using only SpeedLights, and many using just one light.

Great lessons, a wonderful resource, so please head over to Peachpit and check it out for yourself.

FYI: the spiral binding you see in the images below are my own "hack" that you can learn more about in our other review.

Winter in America...

We got 8 inches of snow yesterday and here is our forecast for today... another 12-18 inches... maybe more, they're "not sure".


Of course I am not telling many of you anything new as the storms we have been experiencing have already kicked the stuffing out of many of your communities on their way here.

Here are some image I received yesterday.

Feel free to post some of your winter images on the Weekly Photo Tips Flickr group, I would love to see them.

WEDDING DRESS WEDNESDAY

I know how absurd it sounds for a wedding planner to say this but... Viva never understood a bride's attachment to her wedding gown. Don't get me wrong, it was always exciting to hear one of Viva's brides-to-be describe her dream dress, see her fill with emotion when finding "the one" and jaw droping to see her glowing in it on her wedding day, but why all this fuss over a dress? Then... Viva got married. And yes (two and a half years later) my beautiful Mikaela gown is still hanging in my closet, my attachment to it making it impossible for me to let it go. Since getting married, not only did I gain a new appreciation for the relationship between a bride and her wedding gown, but I just can't get enough of them! And that's why Wedding Dress Wednesday posts now appear each month on the blog.

This month we're featuring not one, but two dresses from White on White Bridal. We tried to choose just one but we love this line so much, we failed miserably. The first is Kelly WWG302 made of silk/organza, the second also made of silk/organza is Carolyn WWG316. The White on White line can be found in Ottawa exclusively at With Love Bridal Boutique and starting today, February 1st until February 5th, you can view the entire 2011 Spring Collection in store. Here's Dana of With Love to tell you more...

"We are excited to be Ottawa's exclusive retailer of White on White Bridal. These super feminine and modern gowns are the perfect addition to our boutique. Not only are these dresses absolutely gorgeous, but they carry an easy to swallow price tag. These dresses range from $1200 to $2300 and many styles give Brides the option to choose a tafetta or silk fabric to suit their budget. The entire collection will be in our store as we offer the White on White Trunk Show from February 1st to 5th. Our samples will be arriving mid month, but the Trunk Show offers Brides-to-Be an opportunity to view the entire collection."

Only five days ladies so contact With Love and book your appointment to see these beauties before it's too late!

Looking Through an Object

photographer: Siddharth Menon