It’s over. The 8 weeks of Push Past Your Comfort Zone photography class.
And, although I took an initial stab at the final assignment of a self-portrait, I knew I didn’t really try.
The other ladies in the class inspired me. They got hair cuts. Learned to use self-timers and remotes. They really pushed themselves.
So I figured I would, too. I showered. Curled my hair. Tweezed my eyebrows. And put on a top that would not qualify as a t-shirt.
In other words – I gave all.
After about 50 shots of an out of focus, beheaded and goofy-faced me, I started to actually sort of have fun. In an awkward and sweaty-palmed sort of way. I started to relax and not really care so much what my face was doing. Or not doing. I just kept snapping and, eventually, I came up with one that qualified as my final homework assignment.
And, of course, what fun is taking a bunch of pictures if you can’t edit a few to see what you can do with ’em. Since I just got the new Colorplay set from Florabella, it was the perfect time to take it for a test drive.
See just what it could do.
Nothing like a picture of an old lady, taken by herself, to really put the squeeze on some editing tools, eh?
Here is my original image, straight-out-of-the-camera. Or SOOC in photography speak.
Here I used the Clean Base action and added Wildheart at reduced opacity, as well as Antique Pink.
For this one I used the same action as above, Clean Base, but selected the B/W Base option. I also used Color Pop, Wildheart and Alabaster at reduced opacities.
And here I used what might be my new most favorite Florabella action, Perfect Color. I added a little Rosy Cream on top at 55%.
And what do I think? I absolutely love this set. It just amazes me what one can do in Photoshop – with very little knowledge – armed with these actions. I definitely have a lot more playing around to do… there are brushes and fixes and hazes and tools that I haven’t even tried yet. But I will. Oh, I will.
P.S. Lisa is now offering another Push Past Your Comfort Zone class. If you own a DSLR and have some basic knowledge of shooting in manual, I highly recommend this class. And today she is offering a free seat to one lucky reader. Visit her site for details.
Great photos! And kuddos to you for jumping in front of the camera. It’s something I’ve yet to master…or brave enough to even try! BTW, I agree…the last photo is amazing! I’m in love with all of the Florabella actions. One day, I hope to save enough to purchase a set for myself!
I know, Shana is ridiculously talented… I can’t even begin to imagine how she was able to do all she does in Photoshop! I, too, had to save up for my first set of her actions, but it was well worth it 🙂
Fantastic shot! I think your description of getting in front of the camera is spot on. 🙂 I have just started to turn the camera towards myself this week, but it sure is scary… 🙂
Scary, for sure! I was actually surprised at how intimidating it was! Hopefully next time I have to try my hand at a self-portrait, it won’t be quite so painful 😉
Great shots! I love the Florabella action sets. I have a few myself and it always amazes me how much it can change my pictures. I agree and love that last one!!
Personally I think your SOCC shot is beautiful You have amazing hair, skin, and a contagious smile. I was no doubt the oldest gal in the group and hated the idea of photos of myself so much, but bit the bullet and did it. I just got a Florabell action set, and am having somuch fun with it too. I wasn’t sure which one to choose and hope I made the right choice! I’m taking the next 6 mo. class with Lisa. will you be joining?
Thanks, Mary Gene 🙂 I loved your selfies, you did a wonderful job! And yes, I’ll be joining, can’t wait for the next class to start!
You are gorgeous! That’s all 😉
And you are too sweet, Melissa 🙂
Those are wonderful. I hopped on over to the link you provided. Am I understanding it right? No meetings to attend (all online)? no videos? I have always wanted to improved and stretch my photography abilities; but, I must do it all wit the written word as I’m deaf. It’s also tough because my interest lies with macro; but, still… I have enjoyed watching your progress with the class you took…
Hey Lee Ann – yes all online! No videos or meetings. It sounds like it would be a great class for you to stretch yourself photographically 🙂
LOVE the picture – it is beautiful! And I’ve been drooling over her class!
Awesome pics Stef!!! 🙂 You are beautiful!
I love the black and white shot. There’s just something about the absence of color that makes me really see a picture. I’ve enjoyed reading about your class and what you’ve learned, even though I only understood about 5% of what you were talking about! (even with Photoshop For Dummies I’m still lost!)
You have inspired me to take a photography class of my own though. I really would like to understand how to truly use my camera.
I think you are beautiful and rocked the assignment!!! XO
You look amazing, Stefanie! You are so beautiful. And I agree with MG Atwood about the contagious smile. 🙂 I love the editing on the last pic.
This photo is nothing but GORGEOUS! You are beautiful and the great setting of your porch that you chose just is the icing on the cake!!!
You are gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!
We need to catch up one of these days!!!
Hugs,
Diana
You are so beautiful, Stephanie. Absolutely stunning. The fact that you are a Christian and crazy Chinese adoption mom only adds to it. Not to mention, intelligent with insightful posts! You are the total package. God made you so perfect! I am so glad you went natural red. Although initially shocking, it now looks so perfect. Beautiful!
Stunning my friend- you should do this more often!
Don’t you just love that Colorplay set??!! I am so in love with that Perfect Color action- it’s my new “go-to”.
Yes – I LOVE it!
I need like a weekend to figure out all the different things I can do with it!
P.S. Thanks, Gina 🙂
Just found your blog,”I LOVE IT”…I am looking to buy a DSLR,What camera do you use?? I would love to hear WHAT you whould RECOMMEND!!…Thanks,Sincerley,Victoria…I have been shopping till lam blue in the face..LoL!
Thanks, Victoria 🙂 I use a Nikon D90 and I really like it. I also think the Canon Rebel is a great entry level DSLR, too.