FoundFolios Preview

Portofolios

Here is a first look of my gallery on FoundFolios.
I am still getting acquainted with all the options and tutorials.
They show you how to create an Email campaign.
I’ve never done this before, so this is very helpful.
Since I am only at the ‘Free Level’ the options are understandably limited.
They do allow you to use Google Analytics to track visits.
And of course, there is the free preview of the Adbase database.

Epson Signature Worthy Papers

Printers

With my favourite subjects still buried under snow, I can reevaluate some of my earlier prints.
Before investing in my Epson Stylus Photo R3000 I sent my work to an outside lab.
Without full control of the proofing, I was unable to make the proper adjustments.
Now before printing the full-size image, I do a test on a 8.5 x 11 size version of the paper selected.
This is large enough for me to see if more changes need to be made.

Erna Lindgreen on Epson Signature Worthy Hot Press paper is stunning.
It makes me proud to signed this print.

Topaz InFocus

Photoshop Plugin


When I shot this dahlia last summer, my main focus was to bring out the brushed lavender on the petals.
When I looked at the enlarged version on my computer screen, I noticed the central disk was a bit blurry.
This made the image perfect to try out InFocus by Topaz Labs.
When you look at a full size print, every detail is important.

Click on thumbnail to see full image.

Canon EOS 40D

Upgrading

When I bought my Canon EOS 40D several years ago, I knew I would yearn for a full-frame camera before long.
When I invest in equipment, I like to use it to its full potential before I upgrade.
Until I started reading Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3
I felt reasonably sure I knew my camera well.
I was wrong.
There are still lots I can do to improve my images.

The beauty of practicing different techniques with a digital camera is that you gain experience and waste nothing.
When you nail that shot in camera, no Photoshop trick can beat it.

Mandarin Regal Pelargonium

Moab Entrada Bright

Today, I made my first Mandarin regal pelargonium full size print.
When I finished the editing, I converted the image to Moab Entrada Bright ICC profile and saved it as a copy.
Since this is not an Epson paper, I needed to check on the Moab site for the proper printer setting.
On the ICC profile download page for the R3000, the Entrada Bright setting is the same as Watercolor Radiant White.
This is a thick media which needs front loading and matte black ink.
The size of the paper was not included so selected user define and entered the proper dimensions.
The print result is excellent.
In a few days, it will go into a dark-brown Virserum frame designed by Carina Bengs.

Business Cards

Inspiration!

Found an interesting business this morning while searching for new ideas.
The site name is Moo.
They print and sell all types of cards, stickers, labels and accessories.
You can upload your own images or designs.
There are plenty of templates and guidelines to help you get started.
The advice articles alone make this site worth visiting.
While you’re there, check out the inspiration gallery.
What better way to start a new year!

Moo They Love to Print
 

Canson Infinity

Fine Art Printing

After soft proofing, several brands of fine art paper I have in stock and others available from Vistek.
I discovered the Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag is perfect for the Colorcade Lilac prints.
I visited their site and found instructions on how best to configure my specific printer.
There is also a section on handling, printing and storing your artwork.
You can also download a Picture Framing fact sheet in PDF format.
All you need to turn your best photos into works of art!

Lights

Indoor lights source

Did you know that you can buy studio lights from Amazon?
I did a search and found a few kits that might work for me.
During the winter months, I tend to shoot more inside.
I have lots of windows, but mother nature doesn’t always cooperate.
Having more control of the light source, would make it possible to work even on cloudy days.

See sample Studio Lights on Amazon

Mixer Brush

Photoshop Tutorials

Yesterday, I found a very interesting tutorial about using the Photoshop Mixer brush.
It was written by Armand Niculescu, and his site is called Twin-Pixel.com
In addition, he explains how he uses the Emboss filter.
The images included are also a big help.

Before starting my present project, I only used half of the Photoshop tools.
All of my work was created the exact same way.
Now I practice what I learned in tutorials and rediscovered Photoshop.

Corel Painter or Photoshop!

Artist Tools

I’ve been using Corel Painter now for over two years.
I also use Photoshop brushes daily.
Both have advantages and disadvantages.
I often use both on the same project.
Some artists prefer to use just one or the other.
I let the individual projects guide me, usually.
As an experiment, I’m trying to complete a work entirely in Photoshop.
I keep reaching for tools found only in Painter.
The same thing happens when I try to work only with Painter.
So do I prefer one over the other.
Honestly. No.