color and black/white conversions

had lots of questions and emails about the last few batches of pics.

for every set of photos i proof i use Photo Shop CS3.

for color: i most often adjust curves and levels for my color photos to get them bright and saturated. the combinations are never the same, it takes forever, i wish it was easier, i wish there was a formula i could follow. but i cant. i fiddle until i like it. for every picture. sometimes, i use an action. maybe 30% of the time. i use them when the family strikes me a certain way, if i know they will like a funkier look, if the colors will work well with them, or if the photo just screams for it. but you still have to fiddle to get it how you like it. it took a lot of trial and error to get my color the way i like it.

for black and white i use several different methods depending on the photo. again, i play and fiddle until i get what i want. but again, no pat formula to follow.

i also just want to say how much i appreciate that so many people love what i do and want to learn to do it too. and i want to help and give tips when i can, but i also think there is a line that i dont want to cross. i want to keep some things to myself. the things that make what i do unique for me. so i am totally cool with telling you what i do, but i dont think its my place to tell everyone exactly how i do it either. i hope everyone can understand and respect that and not think i am a big ol’ jerk!

thanks you guys.
tara

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11 Comments

  1. Great info, Tara… dumb question from me! (duh!) I’m assuming the “itty bitty actions” are for Photoshop? I visited the site… looks way cool, but I’m completely befuddled (or old! LOL) and, yes, I e-mailed them my dumb question, too! :)

  2. They can also be done in PSP, I’ve tried and it is a bit of trying here and there :) Thank you anyway T. for just giving us al those tips. You know I love your photography, wanna be like you LOL as if *LOL* But I’ll keep trying though. finally got my Canon EOS 350 D * yihaaa* having a little dance overhere :)
    Did some photos yesterday, they are on my blog. *big smile*

    hugs Alette

  3. Hi Tara~ I am a huge fan, and have been reading your blog for some time now. I just finished writing on my own blog about a day that changed my husband’s and my life forever, 3 years ago when he cut off his finger. Then I come here, and read the powerful story of your young and precious daughter. Thank you for that.

    I do have a question for you that is rather unrelated. Do you have plans to ever release a book? I know that I’d be first in line to see your prints, work, and to hopefully read up on some of your techniques.

    Thanks for having this blog! I’d be so thrilled to hear back from you.

  4. Quote” i want to keep some things to myself. the things that make what i do unique for me. so i am totally cool with telling you what i do, but i dont think its my place to tell everyone exactly how i do it either.”Unquote

    Bang on Tara. Unfortunately some people will “get it”, some people won’t. I think just sharing as much as you do is wonderful. I think the little details are best left to those of us who recognize that we have to find our own unique techniques and style that will make our work personal and recognizable (as yours is).
    That Tara, is the best lesson I’ve learned from you and one of the best lessons you share!!

    Thanks for sharing as much as you do. It’s appreciated!

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