Monday, July 30, 2007

Creating a Custom Watermarking Action








TO VIEW FULL SCREEN GO HERE And click on FULL SCREEN

I finally got this to work! Using a different server/hosting site.. If you want to view fullsize, be sure to click (easier to see that way).

Included.. How to make a CUSTOM watermarking action that can be used on a batch of photos or single photos, regardless of the orientation or size of the photo. Use your logo, or create a quick text watermark!

Also included, how to type around a shape layer.

Thanks everyone for bearing with me, Hopefully I've got this figured out and will be able to do it quicker from now on!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Assigning Function Keys to Actions


Click to Play
Super quick tutorial on how to assign a function key to an action.. I'm hoping I figured out the problem with my recording software.. Let me know if you cannot view this.. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Okay.. It's working for me.. I'm HOPING it works. If you can view it, please let me know. I'm going to leave it up tonite and hopefully I'll have some feedback on whether it's working or not tomorrow. If so I'll get a few more up for the weekend. I'm going to be hiding some "goodies" in the tutorials (chances to win stuff), so be sure to check back and watch!

Frustration

I've got 3 video tutorials sitting here waiting to be uploaded and shared, but I just can't get blip (the service I was using) to work.. If anyone has a better site to upload videos to or a good idea, let me know. I've tried Youtube, etc, but they don't let the video be larger than 400 px or so, which doesn't really work. I'm researching other options right now, so sit tight. Maybe Blip will decide to cooperate for me in th meantime.

To tide you over, here's a quick tutorial on making rounded edges on a photo :)

Posted this on another board, so thought I'd share here as well.. This is to make rounded edges on a photo.

But if you want to make rounded rectangle for individual file (size would change) you can do it quickly this way.. pick the rounded rectangle tool..





1. Pick the Path selection tool (this way you're making a selection, not an actual shape

2. Change the radius (how rounded/large your edges will be).. I use anywhere from 20-40, depending on what I want

3. Select on your photo. If you want it to be the same distance from the edge on all sides you can put guides on (Under View, and new Guide), or just freehand it if you're in a hurry.




When you get your rectangle made, right click on it and select Make selection (lfor a softer edge you can have the feather on 1 or 2 and keep anti-aliasing on, or put it at 0 and no anti aliasing for a defined edge). It will select for you.

From here, just invert the selection and cut everything off ( Press Shift+Ctrl+I and then Ctrl+x).. so it will look like this:



If you wanted to make a border you could do that easily (like 5x7 or 8x10 size)
Here's a quick white rounded frame as an example.. It's up for 7 days if anyone wants it.

Frame

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Fun New Stuff

Yesterday was a great day.. I finally got my Wacom Intuos3 Tablet that I ordered last week. I ripped open the box and immediately jumped into Photoshop, giddy with excitement.

I knew there would be a learning curve, but I was determined to make it work. I had visions of beautiful brushes I'd make, and the gorgeous fonts I'd create. I just knew that I'd be pumping out works of art in no time.

But my dreams were crushed when I realized that if you don't have any artistic/drawing ability IRL, you won't have any when using a tablet on the computer either. Uh yeah, really novel concept, right? But somehow that fact escaped me, and it was a bummer when I realized that since I have horrible handwriting and no drawing ability whatsoever, I probably won't be the next digital Picasso.

Just another dream shot down before it had time to fully blossom; much like my dream of becoming a famous ball dancer.. my husband keeps trying to convince me it's never going to happen, but I just know there's gotta be SOME dancing ability in me somewhere, I just need to coax it out somehow.

Anyway, after I got done crying over my lost drawing career, I'm really liking the tablet. A bit to get used to, but I can see how it will definitely be a plus when doing detailed edits.

Speaking of New and exciting things, phaunt actions is teaming up with Michele at Pinkle Toes for Photographers to be a grand opening sponsor in her new endeavor!



From the PT4P blog:

What exactly is PT4P?
PT4P (Pinkle Toes 4 Photographers) will be an ever-evolving marketing and resource website and forum for professional portrait photographers--those who are experienced and those just starting out. The ultimate goal is to become the one-stop shop where you can find tools, resources, and ideas to keep your business fresh, fun, and growing all the time.

I wanna shop! What can I get at PT4P?
PT4P will operate on a membership basis for one year from the date of the site launch. To start, this membership will get you:
- A business materials starter kit (too many to list them all, but examples include business card templates, invoices, pricing info, promo cards, etc.)
- Coordinating book, announcement, canvas, and card templates (some with matching brush sets). Design tools to help you create displays for clients.
- A set of basic proofing actions I use all the time.
- Membership to an online forum for mad marketing and photography brainstorming.

Then, throughout the year, you'll receive:
- Ideas and templates for seasonal promotions.
- Holiday promotion plans and card templates.
- Opportunities to request design materials to be distributed to the group.
- Any new action or template that I create during the year.
- And there are even more things in the works that I can't even tell you about yet!


I haven't been able to see all the goodies yet either, so I'm just as stoked as everyone else for Michele to unveil everything. Hope to see you there!

Monday, July 23, 2007

phaunt is back.. Contest results and more!

Well, it's been a very stressful and harrowing last few weeks, but I am glad to say that we have made it through. Little Luke's funeral was last Thursday, and we spent a week together as a family to help and support each other and Luke's parents. While wounds are certainly not healed entirely, the process is beginning. Thank you again to everyone who has sent emails/pms/comments/prayers/support during this time. I hope that some day I can repay the kindness and generosity I have been shown.

One person/company in particular that I wanted to single out to thank specifically is Roxanne and CB at Pixel 2 Canvas. When I contacted P2C asking if it would be possible to get some large canvases for display at the funeral they immediately emailed me back and got the canvases printed and shipped. They were here within days and were breathtaking. Roxanne and CB have such a giving heart and generous spirit (they already give 5% of each order to a charity of your choice), they are a vendor that goes above and beyond. Not only do they take care of their customers on orders, but also in times of need and as a support. I can't recommend them enough, their products are fantastic, and they have the integrity to back up their company. Thanks again Roxanne and CB!

I also wanted to publicly thank everyone at ILP, ProPs, and the Beyond forums for all of the support. I feel honored to have so many online friends.

Now.. On to a few things at phaunt actions that have been neglected.

First and foremost.. Our Contest ended and a winner was chosen, but because of the events last week, she never got a proper announcement!

So, without further ado, and with a big apology and thank you for putting up with me, I'm announcing the winner.. Vicki Byerley.. with her heart tugging photograph:



Vicki wrote this about her entry:


This is my daughter and my 92 year old grandma. My grandma has fairly advanced Alzheimer's and my daughter loves helping her and taking care of her. They are best friends. My daughter is the only one my grandma recognizes 100% of the time. They also love to kiss all the time. It's so cute. I have several images of them kissing but I thought this one fit the contest a little more. I've done a few complete sessions with these two because I know the end is near for my grandma. I am so glad that I have done so. I will have these images to remember their love forever.


I don't know if it could be said better than that. Thank you Vicki for your amazing photograph, and thank you to all the finalists/entries..

Last but not least.. There is new things coming at phaunt actions..In the works soon:

-Elements Compatible actions!! I've a ton of requests that the actions be made available to elements users, and I've heard your cry! I am working on converting the actions to elements, they will be available soon! Sign up on the newsletter to be the first to know when they are available!

-New Tutorials... For anyone and everyone, help speed up your workflow and learn things about Photoshop that you never knew!

-Tutorials for phaunt actions users... Tutorials specifically made to help you use your phaunt actions to the fullest.. I'll break it down phaunt style and show you how *I* use the actions!

-Much More! There's a few more things in the works, but you'll have to check back to see!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Happy Birthday Little Luke



I have posted a bit about our nephew, Luke, who was in an accident a few weeks ago. Last Wednesday, Little Luke passed away and went to be with Jesus. We mourn the loss of such a sweet child, a kid who had an amazing soul. Lucas would have celebrated his 12th birthday today, such a bittersweet day for all of us.

His memorial service is this Thursday, and we will all be able to say goodbye to him, but I wanted to post something today for those of you who have emailed prayers/support or may have been wondering.

While we are devastated and heartbroken over the loss, we also trust God that he is in control, and will guide us and carry us through this time. We know that Luke is in a better place, free from pain or sadness, and that some day we will see him again.

Luke's death, while tragic, has already helped others. His parents decided to have him be an organ donor, and we already know that his heart went to a 7 year old boy in California, while his pancreas and kidneys went to 2 adults in the CO area. His femur also went to a young girl suffering from cancer. In the future we may be able to meet the donor recipients, but just knowing that in this small part, Luke will live on and be a blessing to others, is comforting. I am also comforted in the fact that Luke's story has prompted other parents to be vigilant about having their children wear helmets while riding their bicycles. In Luke's case we don't know if wearing a helmet could have prevented this tragedy, but it certainly has made apparent the importance of making sure that your children always have their helmets on while riding bikes.

I put together a slideshow that was played at Luke's memorial service in CO and will be played at the funeral here on Thursday. If you'd like to view it, you view it here:

Slideshow

If that link doesn't work, try this one (you'll have to either save or run the slide on this one)

HERE

I only ask that you would send prayers/thoughts to Luke's parents in this sad time and hug your little ones a bit tighter today in remembrance of Luke and the awesome kid he was. He will live on in our hearts and memory, and I hope that by sharing this with everyone that he will touch other lives as well.

Thank you.

**The contest results/winner will be posted tomorrow, thank you for being patient, we have a winner and she has been notified, check back tomorrow to see!**

Friday, July 13, 2007

Interview with the Lovely and Talented Deanna Hall!

Our 2nd interview here at phaunt actions.. (see our first with Jeremi Broadhurst here)..

Today we're sitting down with Deanna Hall (aka Cynnder). Lets get to it!

Name: Deanna Hall
Location: Red Deer Alberta, Canada


K: So, Deanna, How did you get into Photography?
D: I have always loved the camera…but once I started to have children, my appreciation really soared. My husband went quadding with our little point and shoot, and he rolled it into a tree, ad smashed the LCD on the back…He had to replace it. And I chose a rebel XT… (Insert evil grin here)

K: How would you describe your Style in 3 words:
D: Fresh Fun Funky

K: Your favorite Subject to Photograph:
D: just One? Hmmn this is tough…I would have to say children, I love the challenge of chasing them down, Although, I think I may have recently been bitten by the wedding bug….




K: When you need to get inspired what do you do?
D: Browse magazines, Flickr, I have a book with a bunch of cut out images in it, that I keep in a secret spot...for just this reason.

K: You have $5000 to spend on a vacation, where would you go and who would you take?
D: Hmmn… I really want to go to St Lucia… I have no idea if $5000 would even get me there? My husband of course, we just celebrated our 5th anniversary, and we haven’t been anywhere since our honeymoon!

K: Favorite Website(s) to waste time on: D: Flickr and Props



K: Favorite Photoshop Tool or tip:
D: OHHH I just learned this one!! I have recently assigned all my most regularly used action a keystroke. So I just can hit F2 (or whatever key I assign) and viola…action is done...

To do it. Click the fly out arrow on your actions tab. then go to action options...from there you can assign a key to run the action…so so so much faster!

An image from your latest Session:

K: Fave Action in the Set:
D: Sunshine in your hands! Hee hee HANDS DOWN! No wait…CHLORIX!

You can check out more of Deanna's work on her website www.deannahallphotography.com or her Blog

And be sure to keep an eye on her, I have a feeling that Deanna will be rocking the wedding photography world soon with her fun style...I won't be surprised when she's a rockstar famous wedding photographer.. and I'll be able to say I interviewed her first!

Don't forget to get your votes in for the Contest, it closes tonite! Winner will be announced tomorrow. Thanks! :)

Thursday, July 12, 2007

This is your phaunt on drugs

Hello everyone!! I'm back and fully medicated. It's odd, I usually respond pretty well to surgery, but for some reason my face decided to swell up like a balloon, so I look like an odd chipmunk. My husband thinks that it's pretty funny, but Lilly keeps asking me if I'm going to be stuck this way. Would it be mean if I told her I was?



I wanted to thank you all again for being patient with me. I have tried to keep up with emails/purchases, and I think I have gotten back to everyone, but if you haven't gotten an email/purchase, please email me and I'll look into it.

So, what's in the works for the next few days? Well we have an interview with the super talented and totally awesome Deanna Hall coming up tomorrow, don't miss it!

Also, the voting for the contest will be closed tomorrow at midnite, so be sure to get your votes in now!

I wanted to share a few pics from a recent newborn session. The ever popular teacup, actually requested by the mom! Yeah, it's been done before, but you can't deny how cute it is!



And one that I wanted.. I love wrapped pics, I'm still trying to perfect my wrap.. some day...



And on the freaking awesome bed.. I wanted this bedroom set.. soooo massively cool.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Hey everyone, I wanted to say a few things.

First off, thanks for all the votes so far for the contest, it's a close race, I think all the entries are wonderful, I can't wait to see who pulls out the winner!

Secondly, I will be unavailable all day tomorrow. I am getting 3 wisdom teeth pulled, so will be doped up and kept away from the computer. You've seen what a dork I am already, can you imagine what I'm going to be like when I'm soaring on codeine?? Any emails or purchases made from now until Thursday will be returned/sent Thursday morning/afternoon. If you have purchased actions before Wed and have yet to receive them, first check your inbox/spam box (email hasn't been liking me lately, more people finding their actions put there than normal). If you didn't recieve them, PLEASE email me and I'll look into it ASAP.

Thirdly, I have been overwhelmed by the support and prayers that have been emailed to me and communicated on different online forums for our nephew, Luke. Sadly, his situation has worsened, and they will be taking him off life support tomorrow. At this point only a miracle could make a difference, and while we hope for that, we aren't expecting it. We are coming to terms with the fact that Lucas was too sweet a soul for this world, and he's now in heaven with our savior.

I personally cannot comprehend the whole thing, I know the grief process is long and I'm just beginning it, but some things just don't seem fair. Please hug your little ones tight and remember that there is no guarantees that we have them forever, so make the most of these days you have.

I will update as I get news, but I wanted to post something for those of you who have asked/emailed. Thank you for each and every email, I have read each one, and will try to respond. If you don't get a response, please know that your support is appreciated, more than you'll ever know.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

The Finalists!!

This was so hard to narrow down. Seriously, every entry was just awesome, I feel so bad leaving people out, I wanted to have everyone as a finalist... I finally did pick the top 5 though, but thank you all for entering!!

Here they are, in random order.. the top 5!!

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


Now it's up to you who wins!! The poll will be up until 7/13.. Use the poll on the left to vote. PLEASE BE HONEST and vote only once....

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Contest Ended!

Time's up!!

I have over 50 entries, this is going to be so tough to choose!

Be watching, I will post our 5 finalists tomorrow and the voting will begin. Someone is going to have to stop me from running a contest every week, I've been having way too much fun seeing all these great photographs, and am blown away by all the talent!

On a side note, Thank you everyone for the thoughts, comments and prayers for Luke. As of right now he is still in a deep coma. They are doing some testing over the next 24 hours to determine brain functioning, and they will proceed from there. I will update as I have information available. Please keep him and his family in your prayers, we are hoping and believing for a miracle.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Prayers needed

I'd like to ask for prayers for our nephew, Luke. He is a sweet 7th grade boy, full of life and curiosity. Here he is (on the left) with his brother, Noah.



Today, while riding his bicycle, he lost control (was going down a hill) and hit a light pole. He lost consciousness, and had to be life flighted to a nearby hospital (they live in CO). As of right now he is in a deep coma, they were able to relieve pressure on his brain by opening up his skull. Now we just have to wait to see when he will regain consciousness. Many bones in his face are broken, and they're not sure what brain damage has been done.

Please keep him (and his family) in your prayers and thoughts, and if you have children, please please please have them wear their helmets when riding their bikes, you never know when they may need them.

Thank you.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Keep em Coming!

I've gotten a bunch of awesome entries for the contest already, It's going to be so hard to pick a winner!

I had to share this one from Kelly Bennet. Since she's one of the moderators/owners of the Beyond forum, she's not eligible to win the prize, but she sent me the photo anyway. Now THIS is capturing life as it really is. LoL

Thanks for letting me share the photo Kelly!Check out more of Kelly's work Here



Keep the awesome entries coming, I'm LOVING seeing everyone's gorgeous families! Also, new tutorials to be coming in the next few days.. Be sure to sign up on the newsletter (on the left) to get updates on tutorials and get some deals on the actions that you can't get any other way, also be the first to know about new actions.