Ever since Topaz Clarity came out last year, I’ve fielded inquiry upon inquiry about my thoughts on it, and if I knew when it would possibly go on sale… Well, come on in for a few of my thoughts, and yes, it’s on sale now through the end of October for 25% off HERE via Topaz Labs (use code “octclarity ” at checkout to get 25% off making the normal $49.99 a paltry $37.50). If you want to see what Clarity offers, why not try downloading the full, free trial via the link above. It’s a good one… Continue reading
Tag Archives: enhancement
*Topaz Adjust On Sale for 50% off!
Topaz keeps offering deals. This month, it is Adjust which is probably the marquee plugin for them. A little bit of everything from toning filters to sharpening and contrast boosting filters. With the new release by way of version 5.1, Topaz Adjust has further streamlined the interface to fall into line with the other recent updates and releases. Download the free trial or buy Topaz Adjust HERE. Enter the code “augadjust” at checkout through August 31st to get 50% off (normally $50, now $25!).
Come on in for a bit more insight into this affordable and cool detail enhancement plugin…
*Fun with soul windows. Eye retouching techniques using Photoshop.
A couple years ago, I’d posted a tutorial on simple eye enhancement techniques and I wanted to revisit and build on that. Lately, “Photoshop” has seemed to be getting absolutely bludgeoned and cast as some evil, socially destructive outcast. Used as a verb, photoshopping has become akin to kicking a blind puppy, and then forcing it into a life of anorexia. While I am in no way a fan of, nor support using photoshop to unnaturally build unrealistic body proportions, or overly plasticize a face to perfection, I will make the case that retouching is an art and like anything has boundaries. If viewing retouching from a creative angle, there are things that can be a lot of fun. If viewing retouching from a practical angle, it can be effective. Going overboard in any direction can certainly lead to criticism, but so many forms of artistic manipulation have and will always continue to draw ire. For this post, I want to play around with both the creative and practical angles in regards to enhancing one’s eyes in a portrait. Thank you to my friends Mat and Heather from Mirrorlessons – Bestmirrorlesscamerareviews.com for the shot you see above. Eyes are often a focal point in many a good portrait, so why not add a bit of punch to that focal point? Come on in to see how I achieve this quickly and easily. If interested, you can download these eye enhancement Photoshop actions for free…
*The Eyes Have It.
Eyes are not only a window, but a roadmap. I’ve always felt that I can tell a lot about a person based on the shoes they wear, and the kind of person they are by their eyes. Eyes tell you a story, they paint emotion and can determine the power of a portrait. Of course there are many, many other elements to pay attention to, but a good portrait quite often starts and ends with the eyes. Even in snapshots, making sure everyone’s eyes are at least open is one of the first things you check when glancing on the LCD screen right? Assuming we’ve captured a shot with eyes open wide, getting them to pop can make the difference between a good portrait and a wow shot. Here are a few techniques that I use, and have found from others, that can help make those eyes stand out.
Tyson Robichaud Photo-blography 