The CoffeeShop Blog

CoffeeShop Vintage 4 Digital Paper Pack!

2013-05-21T07:32:00.001-05:00

I love designing vintage digital papers and I made these yesterday and wanted to share them with you. This is a set of ten high resolution papers and I hope you like them!

On some of the papers I used design elements from The Graphics Fairy (and used my Graphic Art action to remove the white background) and Shadowhouse Creations.

I designed the psd layered template for the dots digital paper. If anyone is interested I could post it for download later. Then you can customize the colors yourself. Comment if you are interested!

Download the free CoffeeShop Vintage Papers 4. You can also download them here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

Paint Candy Sale and Giveaway!

2013-05-20T12:14:00.000-05:00

April from Paint Candy sent this post over to me and I couldn't wait to share it with you! Her textures look amazing and she has a wonderful sale and giveaway opportunity for you, my reader.

I also wanted to remind you about the Pretty Presets Canon 60d Giveaway and Sale on her newest Fine Art Presets for LR4. Please check it out before it is too late!

Thank you for checking out my sponsors, they help make this blog possible.

I have a new beautiful action and set of vintage digital papers coming out this week, so please keep The CoffeeShop Blog bookmarked. :-)

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HI again from PaintCandy.org! We offer many different unique overlays that you will surely love. Our Overlays were created to enhance your photography. Our goal at PaintCandy is make your job as a photographer FUN! You will love the variety collections that we have to offer:

Lens Flares

Sunbursts

Rainbows

Bubbles

Textures

PAINTCANDY GIFTS

PaintCandy is proud is say we wil offer beautiful Photographer Gifts! We have a variety selection for different style photographers. Stay Tuned for more to be added to the collection.

RELEASING MAY 22!

RELEASE MAY 22!

We are excited about our New Collection SummaJars.This Collection is filled with Summer Fun! Turn your child into a Firefly with these easy Templates. For a Bonus PaintCandy is offering free Fairywing Brushes with a Tutorial!

Package Includes:

Magic Bottle Template
Rose Bottle Template
Beach Jar Template
Disney Brave Template
FireFlies Jar Templates

Coffeeshop $150.00 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

ENTER BY DOWNLOADING TRAPPED JAR TEMPLATE FROM FREEBIE SECTION OF WEBSITE AND POST YOURS RENDITIONS TO OUR FACEBOOK FANPAGE!!

MEET PAINTCANDY CREATOR

Hello COFFEESHOP FANS! My name is April and I am happily married with a beautiful daughter! I started photography 1 year ago this month and I have to say "I love Photoshop!".

I developed and opened PaintCandy in Sept hoping to help photographers enhance there portraits. My passion that I love dearly is now my business! I enjoy teaching others and learning more along the way. Feel free to stop by Facebook and say Hello!

CoffeeShop Designs Business Package (Logo/Website/Watermarking Action Kit) Special!!!

2013-05-19T12:05:00.000-05:00

Are you starting a new business and need an internet presence but are overwhelmed where to start? Let us help you!

As you probably know, I am passionate about this blog and dedicate most of my free time designing freebies to share with you. But my sister Heather and I also run a little design business on the side to bring in some extra income. CoffeeShop Designs is one of the reasons I can keep everything free on this blog. :-)

We have decided that we would pair up and offer an amazing package deal that will make it easy on you to get up and running on the internet whether you are a photographer, artist, graphic designer, interior designer, crafter, charity, etc.

For a limited time we are offering a special CoffeeShop Business Pack to readers of The CoffeeShop Blog. You will get a custom logo design, customized Blogger blog/website design, and the watermarking action kit for $250 (restrictions do apply, this package normally starts at $324, additional fees might apply). This should be everything you will need for your business to look professional and have an internet presence,

All you need to do is register for a free Blogger blog to get started if you don't already have one. You can also buy your domain name through Blogger for $10/year, no hosting fees. We personally love using Blogger because it is very user-friendly, stable, professional, mobile-viewing friendly, affordable (free!), and owned by Goggle.

Heather and I have years of experience designing logos/websites (please check my gallery of blog work, Heather's gallery of logo work) and we will do our best to make the entire design process as quick and simple as possible.

This will be on a first come/first serve basis and we only have limited spots available. NOTE: You must have a Blogger blog registered in order to purchase this package deal!

If you notify me you want this deal or place your order by this week (deadline Saturday, May 25th) I will include the design of 3 simple photoslides/top header (using your logo) for your blog for free (normally an additional $30 design fee, this package normally $354 but still only $250 with this deal). You don't have to make payment until we start working on your design.

For more information or to place an order please email me (Rita) at coffeeshopphotography@yahoo.com. Thank you!

New action coming out this week!!! Today we hope to get out to the lake and go swimming. We have a great swimming lake around an hour or so from our house. Right now as I am working on the computer my poor husband is filling nail holes on our new rebuilt porch. We have decided to paint it ourselves to save some money and right now I am not doing my fair share. ;-)

Pretty Presets Canon 60D Giveaway and Fine Art Film Collection Preset Sale!

2013-05-18T10:32:00.003-05:00

Laura from Pretty Presets just sent me this incredibly giveaway and new release/special price information. These newest Lightroom presets are amazing, and if you have LR4 you have to check them out. The only presets I use are Pretty Presets, and because they are so good I don't even bother writing my own.

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We are so excited to introduce our next Pretty Presets Collection! It has been in the works since our last release of the Pretty Pastels Collection in February. Introducing our Fine Art Film Collection for Lightroom 4 and 5! Enjoy a special 30% discount through May the 24th. Normally $42, for only $29.40 through Friday the 24th. Plus, every purchase of the Fine Art Film Collection through the 24th will be automatically entered to win a Canon 60D body ($699 Value).

Every purchase of the "Fine Art Film Collection" between May 16th-24th will be entered to win a Canon 60D ($699 Value).
Plus, when you purchase before midnight on the 24th you also receive a 30% discount.
Enjoy all 25 Pretty Presets for $29.40, instead of $42.
Start enjoying them right after payment. Instant Downloads!

The Pretty Presets Fine Art Film Collection brings a classic film inspired look to your images. This unique collection includes presets ranging from beautiful vintage film inspired B&W conversions to rich split tones with a velvety matte finish. The set also includes six amazing color presets that range from soft faded film styles to deep matte jewel tones.

This set contains a total of 25 Presets, including 19 Original Presets, 2 Bonus Versions and 4 Grain Presets. These presets are perfect for any style of natural light portrait photography. These presets will work beautifully on children, family, boudoir, engagement and wedding sessions. This collection is optimized for Lightroom 4 and Lightroom 5 and can be used on both JPEG and RAW images

The Fine Art Film Collection Includes: Azure Mist, Bejeweled V1, Bejeweled V2, Blue Onyx, Faded Film, Fine Art Film, Licorice, Luxe Cocoa, Luxe Noir, Matte Color, Midnight, Nostalgic Film, Rustic, Silver Dream, Sterling, Summer Sky, Truffle, Velvetine, Vintage Treasure V1, Vintage Treasure V2, Wisteria and Add Grain 1, Add Grain 2, Add Grain 3 and Add Grain 4.

Special thanks to Brooke Logue Photography for the use of her beautiful images in this collection!

Don't forget!

Every purchase of the "Fine Art Film Collection" between May 16th-24th will be entered to win a Canon 60D ($699 Value).

Plus, when you purchase before midnight on the 24th you also receive a 30% discount.

Enjoy all 25 Pretty Presets for $29.40, instead of $42.

Start enjoying them right after payment. Instant Downloads!

Remodeling Stinks and the Wisdom of Young Children

2013-05-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

I haven't been around blogging much the last week or two and I have missed it. We have unfortunately had to do some unexpected remodeling on our house.

We noticed recently that one side of our front porch/balcony was sagging quite a bit. The former owners had apparently added some new trim and repainted the front porch to hide the fact that the porch was rotting off the house. And our inspector, once again, missed a very obvious major issue that involved costly repairs that should have been negotiated during the purchase of the house.

Luckily he did catch that the water heater needed to be raised a few inches... What a champ.

What we initially thought would be a minor repair of replacing a few boards on the deck turned out to a complete ripping out and replacing of the entire bottom deck/supports. The supports and bottom of the posts were completely wet and rotten and everything had to go.

After replacing the entire bottom deck we noticed that some trim on the top balcony was falling off too, and that involved tearing out the entire support on the sides and front of the top balcony to make it safe. We wanted to delay a full balcony replacement at this time (and I hope we made the right decision).

All of these unexpected but needed repairs stressed me out quite a bit (sticker shock), so I took a computer break and I hung out with the boys and their visiting cousin Mattie.

Here is my sweet husband with the boys and my niece Mattie at my mother's house. (I used the Pretty Preset Matte B&W on this edit.)

Here I found all three of them cuddled together a few mornings ago. I needed to see this to remind myself that though there will always be unexpected expenses and stresses in life; life is good.

I keep on reminding myself I need to live life more like a six or eight year old; appreciate and enjoy each day and not stress too much about the future. Children are born wise.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

CoffeeShop Graphic Art Photoshop/PSE Action!

2013-05-14T14:51:00.002-05:00

I love using vintage design elements in my designs, and one of my favorite sources of free ones are from The Graphics Fairy. Her downloads have a white background which I usually want to remove.

She has this great tutorial posted, but I decided to write my own version in an action so I could save time and also have the option to instantly change the color of the design element.

The design elements used in this tutorial are from her site.

Once you remove the white background you can drag the design elements on your work or save it as a png for later use.

Note: There are two actions, one that only works in Photoshop and one that works in both Photoshop and PSE. They are both labeled (PS-Photoshop, PSE-Photoshop Elements).

CoffeeShop Graphic Art Action Tutorial:

Step 1:

Photoshop action only (PSE users read below)! Open the image and start the action. Click on the white area of the design element when prompted (see above) and click OK. This selects all of the white in the image.

PSE action only! Open your image and make sure it is flat. Then use the magic wand tool to select the white area (see image with bee above). Adjust the tolerance and uncheck Contiguous. Once the white is selected start the action.

Step 2:

PSE and Photoshop Action: The action will run making a new document with your design element isolated without the white background on the bottom layer. Please ignore the fact I called that layer Black Design. I was supposed to update this part of the action and did not realize I hadn't until I uploaded everything. So needless to say it is staying for now.

Turn on the middle layer if you want your image to be white or colored.

Step 3:

If you want a color other than white, simply click on the Color Fill 1 layer to pick a color.

Merge Visible and save as a png to keep the background transparent.

Your original image will also have a new layer with the original design element "cut-out" on the top. You can save this one also as a png if you change the new version's color and want the original version.

Download the CoffeeShop Graphic Art action. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

CoffeeShop Photo Brad Digital Freebie!

2013-05-10T11:00:00.002-05:00

I designed little "metal" photo brads for this Facebook cover and wanted to share the brad with you today. It is a simple png file on a transparent background, so simply drag it on your digital designs and Ctrl-T (free transform) it to fit. I love little scrapbooking creations, they can really add quite a bit to digital designs.

NOTE: The frame does not come in this download, you can find it here.

Download the free CoffeeShop Photo Brad. You can also download it here. This is not an action!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

40% Mother's Day Sale at Hazy Skies Designs!!!

2013-05-08T09:45:00.001-05:00

Roxanne at Hazy Skies Designs sent me this post on their amazing Mother's Day Sale. She has some really beautiful templates on her site, so please check it out.

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Missed out on our magazine template intro price? You're in luck! Our 40% OFF Mother's Day Sale starts now! It's one of our largest sales of the year!

Enjoy 40% off our Etsy store and website now until Sunday! Prices already reduced at hazyskiesdesigns.com Please use coupon code MDAY2013 at our Etsy store.

CoffeeShop Facebook Cover 8!

2013-05-07T19:01:00.003-05:00

I made this little simple Facebook cover/header today and wanted to share it with you. I created the little photo brads in photoshop and will post them tomorrow for download. This is a simple png file which you should be able to open in any photo editing program. Simply slip your images behind the frame and flatten.

Download the free CoffeeShop Facebook Cover 8. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

CoffeeShop Aphrodite B&W PSE/Photoshop Action!

2013-05-05T12:45:00.001-05:00

I am going to release at least one new action every week this month, and today I wanted to post CoffeeShop Aphrodite B&W. This action is a B&W twist on one of my favorite actions, Aphrodite, and is fully adjustable.

The beautiful image I used in this tutorial is not my own, but sent to me by Jenny Lynn Photography (Facebook). Thank you Jenny!

Run this action on a flattened image. I usually play around with the Color Tint layer's opacity, but you can adjust any of the layers to taste.

Download the free CoffeeShop Aphrodite B&W PSE/Photoshop action. You can also download it here. This is a instant direct download, so be sure to download it to your desktop and then unzip the file.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

{Friday Photo Bliss}

2013-05-03T09:34:00.004-05:00

Every Friday I like to post one image that I took recently that makes me happy. If you do the same please link your image in my comments!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

Creative Ways to Capture Your Kids and Free Kindle Photography Book!

2013-05-01T09:52:00.002-05:00

I am always having fun thinking of creative ways to photography my kids, and reflections are always fun. I processed this image in LR4 using Pretty Presets (Spring Color Flare and Haze, Vignette).

We went to a classic car show the other weekend and the cars were absolutely amazing. If I had a disposable income source I would have a garage full of classic cars. Not that I don't love my Granny Mobile, purchased from my mother-in-law (a 2000 Grand Marquis with a tape deck). OK, maybe love is not the correct word, but I have to confess it is a great car for long car trips. My bum never gets sore from those luxurious leather seats.

I was looking for free Kindle books last night and downloaded this one. I haven't read it, but if you have a Kindle app it might be worth checking out since it is free (at this posting).

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

CoffeeShop Express Eye Bright PSE/Photoshop Action!

2013-04-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

I have a personal goal of posting a free action here every week in May. Today I was frantically working on the computer while Duke was doing his math downstairs and Imp was playing in my "office" with me.

We went to the circus this weekend so he was doing some "circus tricks" to impress me. He kept on saying "Mommy, look over here" and I would glance over, distracted, and say "Wow, that is neat" and go back to work.

After twenty minutes of this, Imp says to me, "Mommy, you don't like me". I turned to him and asked him why he would say that. He then goes on to say, "You never look at me and smile". Oh boy, talk about Mommy Guilt. Even though "never" to a small child is five minutes. :-) Needless to say I pulled him on my lap, cuddled him, and then read him his favorite book. And then finished this post. I might have Mommy Guilt but I also have to help pay our bills. :-)

I have a huge pile of really amazing actions that I need to finalize and post, but I decided to release this practical one today. CoffeeShop Express Eye Bright is perfect for a quick eye enhancement. Simply click on the background layer (or the layer with the eyes you want to sharpen), run the action, and paint on the layer mask to sharpen and brighten the eyes. If you want more control please check out CoffeeShop Eye Bright.

I am using a beautiful image from Amy Mize Photography for this tutorial. I ran my Dandelion Wine action on the image, and then clicked on the background and ran Express Eye Bright.

Zoom in on the eyes and use a soft white brush at 100% opacity to brush over the pupils and whites. The eyes will look freaky, but don't worry.

Zoom out and adjust the opacity to taste. Normally I would only use an opacity of 10-20%, but I added more effect in this tutorial so you could see the difference. Please use this in moderation so you don't have crazy alien eyes in your photos! :-)

Mouse over to see the before (does not work on phones).

Download the free CoffeeShop Express Eye Bright action. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

CoffeeShop Romantic Designs!

2013-04-28T17:33:00.001-05:00

Today I wanted to share some digital vintage design overlays. I modified these from some design elements from The Graphics Fairy using this great tutorial. I actually wrote an action to isolate design elements this way and I will post that later.

These designs are transparent white pngs, so you can drag and drop them on your images.

I used a few of them on this lovely wedding photo by Today Everlasting Photography (Facebook).

You can adjust the color by grouping a color adjustment layer over the design.

Hope you enjoy playing with these! Download the free CoffeeShop Romantic Designs. You can also download them here. Note: These are not actions!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

{Friday Photo Bliss} and Free Kindle Photography Books Weekly Wrap-Up!

2013-04-26T10:51:00.001-05:00

"The Chick Whisperer"

On Friday I like to post one photo I took this week that makes me happy. We ordered some chicks by mail this week. My mom inherited our chickens when we moved and we are keeping these new ones until they feather out and will send them to her. I have 15 peeping/pooping chicks in my laundry room...

We are huge fans of fresh free-range eggs. My husband promises to build a small coop for us in the backyard, but it is down on his list of "Honey-Do's". The joys of homeownership. :-)

Here is my weekly list of free (at time of posting) Kindle photography books! I haven't read all of them but they might be worth checking out.

Newborn Photography Made Easy
50 Keys To Better Photography! (On Target Photo Training)
How to take GREAT pictures (How to harness your inner talents)
Snapping Shelter Dogs: Using Your Camera to help Shelter Animals find Loving Homes
Experiments In Impressionism - A Photographic Study - Volume 7 (Art)
Compose Better Pictures: A Beginners Guide on How to Improve Your Digital Photography with Better Composition 2013

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

CoffeeShop Glorious Light PSE/Photoshop Action!

2013-04-24T15:26:00.002-05:00

If you enjoyed my post on the Glorious Light edit, but wanted to save some time by using an action, here it is! The CoffeeShop Glorious Light action adds a wonderful warm glow to your image and you simply have to add the CoffeeShop Sunburst brush and adjust the layers to taste to get a beautiful edit.

A special thanks to Vanilla Sky Photography for donating this stunning image I used in this before/after.

NOTE: Please refer to the Glorious Light tutorial before using this action. You must be able to use layer masks if you are running this action on a portrait.

These are the layers you will see after running this action. Please refer to this tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Use a soft low opacity white brush to add brightness to skin on the Brighten layer. Adjust the Black to White gradient mask on the Dark to Light Gradient layer to add a dark to light gradient. Use one of my Sunburst brushes in white on the Add Sunburst Brush layer. Finally, mask out skin with a low opacity black brush on the Glorious Sun Tint layer. Then adjust all of the layer opacities to taste.

Download the free CoffeeShop Glorious Light PSE/Photoshop action. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

Pretty Presets Lightroom 3 Complete Collection SALE!

2013-04-23T20:52:00.003-05:00

I am a huge fan of Lightroom and I use it all of the time, and the only presets I use are from Pretty Presets. They are so good I haven't even written any of my own presets in over a year.

Pretty Presets are retiring their entire LR3 presets (LR4 is the most recent version), and they are priced at a huge discount. Plus you get the Lightroom Workshop for Beginners and the amazing Blur Collection as bonuses.

If you have LR3 you need to check this special out! (NOTE: These presets do not work in Photoshop or PSE, you must have LR3 to use them.)

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This is the ONE and ONLY time we'll be offering our COMPLETE COLLECTION for LIGHTROOM 3 at this UNBELIEVABLE price! View more about this deal here.

We're retiring our Complete Collections for Lightroom 3, so we are offering a once in a lifetime chance to get our Complete Collection for Lightroom 3 PLUS all our Brush Collections for one LOW price!! You'll also get TWO AMAZING BONUSES!

BONUS #1: We've included our Lightroom Workshop for Beginners!! This is a 2-hour recorded webinar on how to use Lightroom 3; plus, it also comes with a study-along guide - 20 page pdf {$55 Value}.

BONUS #2: You will also receive our popular Blur Collection that is only offered as a limited edition BONUS {$24 Value}!

Here's what's included in the RAW Complete Collection for LIGHTROOM 3:

Dreamy Baby Collection

Modern Vinage Collection

Nostalgic Summer Collection

Old Hollywood in Technicolor Collection

Old Hollywood in Black and White Collection

The Workflow Set

and our BONUS Blur Collection!!

Download instructions are available immediately after purchase in your "My Stuff" tab on Photo Deal Cafe (click on the "Print" link to view). View this deal on Photo Deal Cafe here.

Here's what's included in the JPEG Complete Collection for LIGHTROOM 3:

Back to the Basics Collection

Bold and Beautiful Collection

Fairytale Romance Collection

Fall In Love Collection

Luminous Collection

Portrait Collection

Soft Skin Collection

Sweet Summer Collction

and our BONUS Blur Collection!!

PLUS...
We've also included all THREE sets of our Lightroom Brushes and Graduated Filters:

Portrait Brushes

Newborn Brushes

Custom Brushes

Here are just a few of the brushes you'll receive:

Baby Feet: use on areas that are red or purplish, like baby feet. Will help change the color to more skin-like.

Blue Eyes: use on blue eyes, to make them a bit more blue. Will brighten and sharpen also.

Brighten Faces: use to brighten faces. Brightens without making washed out or losing contrast.

Brown Eyes: use on brown eyes to make them lighter and warmer. Will sharpen also.

Cool it Down: use on faces that are a bit too warm. Slightly cools.

Desaturate: helpful when reducing areas that are too heavy with color.

Fix Clipping: use on areas that are still clipped after using Recovery slider in Basics pan-el. Make sure to only brush on the clipped area, not on area around it.

Fix Yellow Casts: use on areas that are too yellow.

Green Eyes: use on green eyes to enhance the green color and sharpen.

Paint on Color: use to enhance color of clothes or other objects in picture.

Warm-up Areas: use on areas that are still a touch cool, just to add a little bit of warmth.

Brighten: use for general brightness. Can be used as a gradated filter or a brush

Darken: really darkens. Can be used as a graduated filter or a brush.

and much, much MORE...

REVIEWS:

“Laura, Just wanted to let you know that the presets are wonderful!!!!!! They really help give shots that extra something! I love ‘em! Thank you so much! You did a great job. I can’t wait for your indoor set to come out!” -Tara
"I’m really new to lightroom and wasn’t sure I was going to like it………… until NOW!!!! I am soooo in love with these! Thanks so much! Can’t wait until the indoor version comes out!” - Joie
“Thank You, I am learning/playing with LR and have been looking for presets. Yours are beautiful. I found them easy to download and import with your instructions. Thanks again!” - Michelle
“You won’t regret this purchase. These are the best brown and black and white I’ve seen around. I’ve tried many!” - Tamee
“If anyone’s contemplating buying her presets…don’t! They are SO WORTH IT!” - Joy
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!! I bought them this morning and have been playing in LR every spare moment I’ve had My daughter is now down for a nap and I’m so torn between playing in LR and cleaning the house!! They are AWESOME!” - Rachel
“Laura… I just had to email you and say THANK you, this will save me so much time and I absolutely LOVE how my photos are turning out (and I know my clients will too!). I am so glad I found your presets. Amazing and thank you!” - Renee
“I am SO in love with your presets! You do an amazing job!! I just finished up editing a senior session that I did using your edits and I can’t stop looking at them! Your presets took the pictures to the next level! Thank you!” - Katie
“OMGOODNESSSSSS!!!! I LOVE these! WOW! Can you tell how excited I am?!?!?” - Erin
“Loving the new collection! Your presets are magical! My editing time has been cut by at least 50%. Thank you Laura!” - Catherine
"Pretty Presets are unique, clean, and full of character. I literally LOVE every single one of these. I love the warmth and definition it adds to my photos!” - Nicole Dina

CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine PSE/Photoshop Action!

2013-04-21T20:47:00.001-05:00

Today I wanted to post the CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine action. This is a fun, bright action and you will find step-by-step instructions on doing the edit in this tutorial. You have to be comfortable with painting on layer masks if you want to use this action on portraits. If you are running this action on an image that does not include people you might be able to use it "as is" with no further adjustments.

As the action runs it will prompt you to Gaussian blur the image. Keep this number low where your portrait is just slightly out-of-focus. Once this action runs you will have six layers above the background. Please read this post for complete instructions on editing these layers.

Basically, mask out the eyes with a soft low opacity black brush on the Color Bright and Contrast Pop layers to keep them from getting too soft. Use a soft low opacity black brush on the Color Pop and Color Tint layers to remove extra color from the skin. Remove all of the Color Tint layer off the eyes. Adjust all of the layer opacities to taste.

Use a soft low opacity white and black brush on the Light/Dark layer to add/remove light on your image (white adds light, black removes it). Finally, turn on the optional Matte layer and adjust to taste.

Download the CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine PSE/Photoshop action. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

{Friday Photo Bliss}

2013-04-19T12:26:00.003-05:00

Each Friday I like to post one (or 2) image that I took that week that makes me happy. The second image was edited in LR4 using a LR4 Preset from the Rock-n-Roll collection.

If you do the same please link the photo in my comments!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine "Action-UnWrapped" PSE/Photoshop Tutorial!

2013-04-18T10:43:00.001-05:00

I wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with the people of West, Texas. It has been a heartbreaking week in the US.

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I am really excited to post my newest Photoshop tutorial; CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine (thanks for the name suggestion Amanda!). This is a really fun enhancement and I love the final results.

The adorable image I used for this before/after is from Victoria Ford of Photography by Victoria Ford (Facebook Page). She generously sent me a large version SOOC (straight out of camera) image for me to use for this tutorial.

This timeless image just makes me happy and when I read the name suggested by Amanda, "Dandelion Wine", I immediately knew that was the name for this edit. Dandelion Wine is one of my favorite books of all time.

Today I am posting the step-by-step tutorial on how I created this effect. I hope to post the action tomorrow.

CoffeeShop Dandelion Wine Action-UnWrapped Tutorial for PSE/Photoshop:

1. Open your flattened image and Ctrl-J to make two duplicates of your background. This image is not my own but generously donated by Photography by Victoria Ford.

2. Contrast Boost: Click on the top layer (Layer 1 copy) and put it in Soft Light or Overlay blending mode for a contrast boost and Gaussian Blur the layer slightly to add a bit of softness.

3. I usually start the opacity of this layer at 40%.

4. Click on the middle layer (Layer 1) and put this layer in Screen blending mode and Gaussian Blur slightly. I usually start with an opacity of 40% on this layer too, and will make any final adjustments at the end of the edit.

5. Add layer masks to both layers and use a black soft brush to remove softness/brightness/contrast from the image where needed. I usually mask out the eyes with a low opacity brush to make sure they are sharp. I will add some "eye pop" later in this tutorial.

NOTE: Click B for brush, D for default Black/White. Click X to change the brush from black to white to black. "[" makes the brush smaller, "]" makes the brush bigger. Click on the number pad to change the opacity of the brush (1=10%, etc.).

6. Color Pop: Add a Hue/Saturation layer on top and adjust the Master Saturation up to 30 or so.

7. I always bring down the reds/magentas some (click on the RGB drop-down to find these selections), and in this case I made the Reds -18 and the Magentas -5.

8. I use a soft low opacity black brush to mask off some of the color pop off the skin.

9. Gradient Map Color Tint: Photoshop has some fun pre-made Gradient Maps and I love the purple to orange one. Add this Gradient Map adjustment layer on top of your image. Freak out for a minute and then go to the next step. ;-)

10. I put this layer in Screen blending mode and adjusted the opacity down to 80%.

11. I used a soft black low opacity brush to gently remove the color tint off skin and eyes. I usually use 100% on the eyes and a few brushes with 20-40% off the skin.

12. Lighten/Darken Layer: I like to add a dodge/burn layer and this technique is an oldie but a goodie. Create a new layer on top and fill it with 50% gray.

13. Put this layer in Soft Light blending mode. Then use a soft white low opacity brush on the image to brighten areas (teeth, eye whites, under eyes, over cheekbones, highlight hair, etc.) and a soft black low opacity brush to darken (burn) areas (under chin, vignette, background, hair, pupils, lashes, etc.).

NOTE: I like to use keyboard shortcuts for this part of the edit since I find myself moving between a black and white brush. Click B for brush, D for default Black/White. Click X to change the brush from black to white to black. "[" makes the brush smaller, "]" makes the brush bigger. Click on number pad to change the opacity of the brush (1=10%, etc.).

14. This is what my Dodge/Burn area looks like on this edit. Often I will make a copy of the gray layer before I start using the brush and use one for the face and another for the background. That way I can adjust the final opacity of each layer independently. You can also slightly Gaussian blur this layer to soften the effect so you don't have harsh lines.

15. If you want to add a "Matte" effect, use a Levels Adjustment Layer on top and move the black bottom output slider to the right and the black Shadows slider in to the right slightly. This flattens the blacks.

Here is the final edit! Mouse over (on computers) to see the before. I hope you enjoyed this editing tutorial and please come back for the free action. I should be posting it by this weekend.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

Preview of New Action and Tutorial. Need Name Suggestions!

2013-04-17T22:45:00.000-05:00

UPDATE! Thank you so much for the great name suggestions for this edit! I picked Dandelion Wine (love the book, thanks for the idea Amanda!), but will be using some of your other suggestions on newer actions.

I have been experimenting with colors in Photoshop. I have some beautiful new images from some of my readers and I have been having so much fun using them to create new editing techniques. I am especially thrilled to have so many photos of girls since I am the only female in my family other than our dog and most of my images consist of blurry-due-to-running-away-from-mom, covered-in-dirt boys.

The beautiful image I used for this before/after is from Victoria Ford of Photography by Victoria Ford (Facebook Page). She generously sent me a large version SOOC (straight out of camera) image for me to use for this tutorial. This timeless image just makes me happy.

I wanted to do something "different for me" on this photo, and I am really happy with the result. This was an easy edit, but I did use some layer masks to keep the skin tones from getting funky. I love the colors and warmth of this edit and I hope you like it too.

So; I need a name for this effect and I was hoping you could help me out. I am going to write a tutorial and also post a free action, but like always I am at a loss on what to call it. The name does not have to have anything to do with coffee or food, but I would love for it to somewhat express the effect.

If you have any name ideas, please leave a comment! Once I have the name I will start working on getting both the action and tutorial posted. And as I mentioned earlier, I have a huge pile of almost completed actions and tutorials that are going to be coming out in the next weeks, so be sure to visit and send your friends!

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

Free Kindle Photography Book Weekly Wrap Up!

2013-04-17T15:42:00.002-05:00

I am always on the hunt for free books to download on my Kindle and hopefully read when I have time, and today I wanted to list some photography books I found for the Kindle that were freebies as of this posting. I haven't had time to read them all myself, but they might be worth downloading.

Digital Photography Like a Pro!
Shazaam! Effectively Using Photo Reflectors and Photo Filters! (On Target Photo Training)
Mastering Digital Cameras: An Illustrated Guidebook for Absolute Beginners (Digital Photography 101)
Greatest Clicks: A Dog Photographer's Best Shots

Here is the page for the entire list of top selling Free Kindle Books (check out the right side column). I have over a hundred free books I am reading through right now. I am especially a fan of mysteries and thrillers and I have found some really good ones on the free list. If I spent as much time working as I did reading...

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

CoffeeShop Add Clouds Tutorial!

2013-04-16T14:55:00.001-05:00

Before I start my tutorial, I wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston.

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Sometimes an image has blown-out or cloudless skies and you might want to add some clouds to make the sky more dramatic or to direct attention to something in the image. Today I wanted to show you one way I add clouds to my images.

I used a beautiful image from Mellissa of Serendipity Photography - Facebook) for the screenshots on this edit. Thank you so much Mellissa!

I think the light sky in my edit directs attention to the top of the image rather than to the model's face, so I want to add some subtle clouds. Note: I should have also cloned out the little green bush on the top left of the image. :-)

CoffeeShop Add Clouds Tutorial:

1. I opened this beautiful image and ran the Coffee Peachy Glow action on it. I did not flatten the image because I wanted the edit to also apply to the cloud texture. I then opened one of the cloud textures in this pack.

2. I grabbed the cloud texture (clicked V for the move tool) and dropped it on top of the girl. I then dragged the cloud layer above the Vignette layer and below everything else so the peachy tint would be applied to the cloud layer. If you are working with a flattened image, just drag the sky above the background.

I then dropped the opacity of the cloud layer where I could see the background show through. I free-transformed the cloud texture (Ctrl-T) and dragged and fit it to place. Play with the cloud placement to make sure the texture in the sky looks realistic.

3. Next I needed to erase the extra cloud texture off the mountains and model's face.

I grabbed a soft black brush, added a layer mask to the cloud layer, clicked on the cloud layer's layer mask to select it, and then painted the clouds off the mountains and model on the image. I usually do this very fast and end up removing too much cloud texture off the sky.

4. I zoomed in and grabbed a white soft brush and gently painted back in any of the cloud texture I had removed with the black brush.

5. I zoomed out and made sure the horizon did not look completely fake and did some last tweaks with the black and white soft brush on the layer mask. You can switch from a white to black brush by pressing X (your background and foreground must be black and white, click D if needed).

6. I want very subtle clouds for this image, so I put the cloud layer at opacity 45% in Normal mode. You can also play with Multiply mode.

7. Finally, I added some Gaussian Blur on the cloud layer just to soften them a bit.

Here is the finished edit. I love how the clouds really help balance the image so I spend more time looking at her face and less time looking at the bright top of the image. Make sure you keep this type of edit subtle or it can look very obvious and fake (unless you want a very dramatic sky).

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

CoffeeShop Peachy Glow PSE/Photoshop Action!

2013-04-14T11:12:00.003-05:00

OK, I might have to check myself into action-writing rehab since I have been on an action-writing bender lately. My creatively is either trickling/dried-up OR flooding; and right now I am getting overwhelmed with all of the partly-written actions I am working on for this blog. Today I want to present a new favorite: CoffeeShop Peachy Glow.

This action is perfect for portraits if you want to add a subtle peachy glow to skin and brighten your image. Like most of my actions this one is fully adjustable (I would suggest masking the color tint off eyes), and it even has an optional vignette. This is an editing techniques that looks nice on most images. Both of the images I used on this post had the action run on them with no adjustments at all other than erasing the color tint layers off their eyes.

If you are one of my readers who is working on a really old version of PSE (I actually had someone email me that one of my actions was not working on PSE2!), you should check out PSE11. It is affordable AND the first version of PSE that allows you to load actions just like you do in Photoshop (easily). No struggling to find that action folder and worrying about deleting the media database file. Then you can load all of my favorite actions in one group if you want!

The beautiful image I have used for this before/after are not my own, but generously donated by JB Photography. Thank you so much for allowing me to play with your beautiful image.

Here is another before/after (I used a beautiful image from Mellissa of Serendipity Photography - Facebook).

I wanted to post another beautiful edit using Peachy Glow on an adorable image by Caryn Prouty.

Download the free CoffeeShop Peachy Glow action. You can also download it here.

Do you want to download my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one convenient zipped file AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures.

For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.

UnitPrints Gallery Wrap Sale!!!

2013-04-13T09:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.unitprints.com/index.php

If you have been waiting to order some new gallery prints, now is the time! Use the promo code: GWC430 to get 30% off all gallery wrap canvas prints this weekend. Click on the image to go to UnitPrints (owned by ColorInc.).