7th March 2011
I sometimes spend far too long at my computer. No, that’s not true. I always spend far too long at my computer. :) Today I decided I needed some fresh air, so I headed for the beach. I didn’t exactly walk on the beach (though I really prefer to do that), because I wasn’t wearing suitable shoes; today I just walked along the prom.
It was windy and the waves were coming in fast & furious, but it was also grey. The sky was grey and the sea was grey. Not really good for photography, but I took a few shots anyway.
But even with a bit of tweaking in RAW they were still not very inspiring, so I used a very clever and quick little action from A Little Photoshop’s Creative Elements v1 and then topped it off with one of Florabella’s rather nice painterly overlays.
It looks kind of old and, well, ummm, weathered. I rather think I like it.
Oh, and yes, before I forget…the new kit will be in the store on Friday. 
Tagging: Actions, Photography, RAW, Texture
Jackie
March 8, 2011 at 10:41 (803 days ago)I love the paint effect on the sky. Unfortunately, I don’t leave as near to a beach as you – I wish! But we do spend a lot of our weekends in South Wales. I have a lot of grey sky shots, funnily enough
Might try this myself.
Catherine
March 8, 2011 at 23:18 (802 days ago)Grey skies? It goes with the territory!
I think the actions & paint overlay would look good on most shots Jackie, I’ll be trying it out on a few more. Let me know if you try it too.
Jackie
March 9, 2011 at 08:42 (802 days ago)I am assuming photos treated in this way are not suitable for sale through online photo libraries?
Catherine
March 9, 2011 at 09:24 (802 days ago)You can submit manipulated photographs to image libraries Jackie.
If you look at Alamy for instance and put in a search for “landscape digital enhancement”, or “photo manipulation” you will see plenty of examples.
You need to ensure that the license for the products you are using allows this, for example, make sure that your overlays (if they’re purchased) are not personal use only. But that’s common sense stuff and you’ll know that already.
As long as your image still meets their quality control requirements eg, no clipping of the blacks or whites, camera sharpening off etc, then they should be accepted. Each image library will have their own set of QC rules so it’s worth spending some time familiarizing yourself with their requirements.
Jackie
March 9, 2011 at 10:30 (802 days ago)Thank you! That’s interesting.
Catherine
March 9, 2011 at 10:57 (802 days ago)Drop me an email if you need any more info.
Kay
March 9, 2011 at 19:52 (801 days ago)Pleased to see you took yourself for a walk, the results were well worth it; as this scene is familiar to both of us, one never tires of photographing it. I like what you have done with it.
Catherine
March 9, 2011 at 22:12 (801 days ago)North Shore tomorrow! Want to come?
Susan Hodgson
March 10, 2011 at 16:14 (800 days ago)Catherine this is such a beautiful effect, it would look stunning as a canvas print!
Sue
Catherine
March 13, 2011 at 23:04 (797 days ago)Might get round to doing that some day Sue.
Elisabeth
March 11, 2011 at 05:38 (800 days ago)Great effect on this photo. I love sea photos, and this one looks as a painting. The sky is especially well done.
Catherine
March 13, 2011 at 23:04 (797 days ago)Thanks Elisabeth, It’s an easy to achieve effect.
Sharyn
March 12, 2011 at 04:55 (799 days ago)What a stunning place to walk. Even in dreary weather! You managed to capture an essence to your photo and the use of the actions just enhanced it so nicely.
Catherine
March 13, 2011 at 23:06 (797 days ago)Thanks Sharyn. It wasn’t so stunning that day – it was just c-o-l-d!