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Welcome to the 82nd issue of the Digital Darkroom
Hi {FirstName} {OPENEDEMAILMARKER}
"Understanding the commands in Photoshop is the easy part," points out Jim Zuckerman. "The hard part is knowing what to do next. In other words, how can you be artistic with this knowledge?" Jim Z has the exciting answers in his new 8-week online class in which you'll learn how to turn your photos into unique and creative works of art. Photoshop: Thinking Outside the Box begins March 10th.
Meantime, January is rolling right along, with the 4-week February school session kicking off in just a few weeks. But if you enroll now, you can get started with an early lesson. See the course listings...
In this issue of Digital Darkroom, be sure to check out the featured article and blog on the artistic use of Photoshop plugins. Along with Jim Z, instructor Deborah Sandidge shares her tips and insights on the digital darkroom's artistic side. In addition, don't miss the discussions on many inspiring photos.
That's it for now. Have fun with your photography!
Kerry Drager
Newsletter Editor
Where is Jim Miotke? Follow BetterPhoto's founder and president on Twitter: BetterPhotoJim
To read the online version of the Digital Darkroom at our Web site, visit http://www.betterphoto.com/digitalpics/
Have a great month!
Jim Miotke
http://www.betterphoto.com/MG.asp?ID=124
In This Issue: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
 The Wild One Black dog playing in the sea today .. the light conditions were not great so changed this to black & white, erased colour back to the ball then did a light overlay to tint the water... putting this under DD © Susie Peek-Swint Panasonic Lumix DM... |
Featured Article: Get Creative with Topaz Lab Filters ... by Deborah Sandidge
Topaz Labs caught the photographic world on fire with their amazing plug-in selections, says Deborah Sandidge, who advises: "Try blending the various filter effects, create and save your own presets, mix it up, have fun!" For great tips, tricks and photos, check out Deb's BetterPhoto Instructor Insights photo blog...
Read more...
 A nice place for a drive HDR image, optimized in lightroom, replaced background, used Nik Viveza to match color and Topaz adjust to match detail of background to foreground. Used multiple selections and applications of Topaz adjust to emphasize various aspects of composite image,including headlights and grill. Distorted car slightly with free transform |  Blue ford |
| Each month, the best Before and After will be featured in the Digital Darkroom. To participate, upload a Before (original) picture then start a discussion on it (using the Discuss This Photo link under the picture). After telling us how you did created the effect, select "1" or "2" from the Upload Image pull-down menu, and submit an optional intermediate image and a final (After) photo. Aim to educate and inspire by sharing a concise, detailed explanation of your technique. Enjoy! |
Masterpiece Membership: Be Part of Something Special!
 What an exciting goal that Ansel Adams had: Create a masterpiece every month! Now BetterPhoto is paying homage to this legendary photographer with our Masterpiece of the Month Membership. As a Masterpiece member, you'll receive monthly assignments, private newsletters, and be eligible for rewards not offered with a basic membership. How awesome is that!?! |
Next 4-Week School Session Coming Up in a Few Weeks!
| Our online photography courses are truly MOTIVATING! You'll get direct access to REAL PROS. The next session kicks off Feb. 3rd, but if you enroll now, you can get started with an early lesson. Learn more... Learn more... |
Featured Blog: Photoshop Plugins for Cool Effects ... by Jim Zuckerman
| One of Jim Zuckerman's favorite Photoshop plugins is Snap Art made by Alien Skin. "It is a quick and easy way to turn photos into paintings," points out Jim. Read all about it in Jim's excellent BetterPhoto Instructor Insights photography blog ... Learn more... |
New Photo Discussions
New Photo Discussion 1: The Mechanical Age
- Marilyn K. Lincecum See Marilyn's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 1:Hello, Marilyn! Thank you very much! I really appreciate hearing from you and your kind comments! - Kenton L. Elliott See Kenton's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit firesandsgraphics.com - Kenton's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 2:A brilliant finalist, Kenton. Congratulations! - Michelle Alton See Michelle's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion | |
New Photo Discussion 2: Fantasia
- Dianna Murphy See Dianna's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit diannamurphyphotography.com - Dianna's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 1:Very interesting shapes and colors you got here. Cool indeed! - Zsuzsanna M. Szugyi See Zsuzsanna's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 2:This has got to be a winner!!! My favorite of everything!! - Linda D. Lester See Linda 's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit lindadlester.com - Linda 's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 3:Wonderful image and please tell us details on how you treated it - The Judges at BetterPhoto.com Response 4:Thanks so much. I do not recall the exact settings for the Fantasia image, but this is how I made it. In a separate layer, I applied the Flexify 2 filter from Flaming Pear. My basic settings were: input = equirectangular Of course, with so many presets and controls with this plug-in, you could come up with endless combinations from a single image. With the filter being applied in a separate layer, you can easily control the amount of the effect with the opacity slider. | |
New Photo Discussion 3: Sunset Seating
- Leslie McLain See Leslie's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 1:Congrats on your finalist and this is wonderful because you were able to take ordinary chairs, treat them with a little of your personal touch and bring life into them in such a wonderful way. Great job and keep up the amazing work. - Tammy L. Newcomb See Tammy's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 2:Thanks, Tammy. I had seen so many wonderful beach and cottage chair scenes on BP, that I deliberately set out to find and shoot some for myself. This was the result. - Kathy Wesserling See Kathy's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion | |
New Photo Discussion 4: Taxi - Venice, Italy
- Christina N. Seuser See Christina's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 1:I like this, Les! It looks like an old painting. - Natasa Mikuz See Natasa's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 2:Amazing image and work, Les. - Dominick M. Dimacale See Dominick's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit dominickmdimacale.com - Dominick's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 3:Stunning work, Les. The soft tones, paint effect and texture all work so well. Really a beautiful work of art! - Mick Burkey See Mick's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 4:Beautiful scene, beautifully treated, Les. I would love to see some of your "painted" Venice images printed on canvas. - Nikki McDonald See Nikki's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion | |
The Next Step: Where to Go From Here
