Compare : Contrast


{Let's Learn Photoshop Together}

It's been quite a while since I have touched base on photoshop.
What I want to share today is a tool I frequently find myself using.
The Curves tool is an extremely useful element that can be highly underutilized.
Maybe you've opened it before and played around only to quickly x-out.......
It's a lot easier to control once you understand the basics of how it works.

Whether you like to make drastic changes or minor adjustments, curves is a great starting point.
This video below is a basic guide for the beginning Curves user.


Quick Start Tutorial



Below is a very subtle but effective example of how using Curves can enhance your photos.
Adding contrast can emphasize texture or intensify
subject-background separation, like in the 'with curves' photo below.
Darkening the shadowy background even further makes the yellow flower pop.
It's not a huge change, but I think it makes a difference.

Curves Adjustment Layer

The key concept with curves is that you can never add contrast in one
tonal region without also decreasing it in another.
In other words, the curves tool only redistributes contrast.

If you had some trouble following in the first video,
here is another one that may help clarify.
Curves : Basics


{Let's Learn Photoshop Together}

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!


Greeting From Freiburg


Greetings From: Freiburg

I received this some time last week.
Before this postcard, I had never heard of Freiburg before.
Have you?

On the edge of the beautiful Black Forest, Freiburg is close to both France and Switzerland.
Because of its scenic beauty, relatively warm and sunny climate and easy
access to the Black Forest, Freiburg is a hub for regional tourism.

What I found to be most interesting is that,
Freiburg
has acquired recognition for being one of the 'greenest cities' in the world.
With their strong standard for building eco-friendly housing and maintaining
car-free streets in many areas, they have set an example of sustainability.
The citizens of Freiburg are known in Germany for their love of cycling and recycling!

Freiburg stamp

I didn't find any photos that allowed sharing without permission,
so I will share this link to a beautiful portfolio of images I found.
Take a look at Freiburg.
The architecture is magnificent,
I was really blown away by how lovely that little city is.

Interested in reading more about Freiburg Germany?



"I Love Postcards!"


Nurture Nature


Nurture Nature
wordless wednesday


Nurture nature, and it will nurture you.



If you want to nurture nature, please take part in helping to preserve
our land's natural history by taking a pledge.
Taking a pledge doesn't require much from you.
The widget on the right is where you can join me in the fight to end mountain top removal.


REMEMBER
  • I am willing to donate one dollar on your behalf to the cause mentioned in the "I Heart Mountains" post once you have pledged.
  • At the end of this week, I plan to match the pledges.
  • And so I know who joined in, please leave a comment stating, I LOVE MOUNTAINS!
ILoveMountains