Free Texture Friday - Blurred Sky

This week's free texture is a soft pink and deep blue cloud abstract.
You can download the full-res version below.

This photograph was captured in my backyard.




Download the full res image.

Free Wallpaper Wednesday - Purple Macro

Download 16x9

This week's free Wallpaper is a stunning macro of a flower. There are two versions offered, one is a standard 4x3 for monitors (800x600, 1024x768 and 1280x1024) and the other is for 16x9 widescreen monitors (1600x900).

Download Standard 4x3

The Importance of Post Production

Before Post Production

In the digital world of photography post production can be just as important as getting the shot in the first place.

When shooting JPEG, the camera's image processor will provide you an output that may look good, but alas it may not be exactly what you were hoping to achieve.

In the case of shooting Raw, which is strongly recommended, you will end up with a fairly flat image, like the one on the right. This photograph isn't a bad photograph, but it wasn't what I was hoping to get.

It isn't the fault of the camera, this is because of the way Raw files are built by the camera. Unlike their JPEG output alternatives, RAW files don't have any saturation, contrast or sharpening applied. They are Flat.

After Post Production

Using a little post processing, this image can really become what was envisioned.

Using a little contrast boosting, darkening, sharpening and dodge 'n burn, the real image can come out.

This doesn't take an expensive piece of software like Photoshop or Lightroom. You can do this with Gimp or even Microsoft's free photo editor.

Give it a try and see what you can come up with.