CoffeeShop Editing 101 - Fun with Photoshop Photo Filters!
>> Tuesday, February 9
First, some business. Our CoffeeShop Watermarking Action Kit is just about to come out with a updated version that will rock your socks off! My sister Heather and I have been in awe with how well our kit has been received so we have decided to make it even better.
This action kit has everything you need to get your images web-ready. The actions not only sharpen for the web, crop, and add all types of special effects like rounded corners, drop-shadows, frames, etc.; they are also special because they automatically load your custom watermark!!! No worry about dragging, dropping and free transforming your watermark. Nope, I am lazy so I found a way to have have it applied automatically and flawlessly. And it works with any type of watermark/logo/text.
The original kit will still be available for purchase at $25, but for a small additional fee you can upgrade to the CoffeeShop Ultimate Watermarking Kit. So if you have already purchased our kit or plan on purchasing it in the next few days, you will only have to pay the small upgrade fee to get the Ultimate version. :-) And thanks for supporting CoffeeShop and keeping all of my stuff here free!!!
Now that business is over, let us get back to blogging!
You have probably played with a Photo Filter adjustment layer in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. They are a quick and easy way to add a faux filter effect to your photos without having to mess with putting actual colored filters on your camera.
Yes, I did this back in the day of film and it was a PITA at times trying to find the perfect color filter at the camera store, then remember to pack it for your glamorous photoshoot (out in the back pasture where you were taking photos of weeds), and get it on that annoying little contraption mounted on your camera.
Page forward to the digital film age and you can duplicate the look of most filters using Photoshop. Today I am going to show you how you can add a color AND contrast boost to you images using a single Photo Filter adjustment layer.
Recognize this photo... Yes, I know, I told you I was lazy. Well, maybe just busy chasing after my two boys and grabbing a photo on my desktop for this tutorial. :-)
Add a Photo Filter adjustment layer.
Here I have select a warming filter and set the density at 75%. Oh, that is a bit orange, but no problem!
I simply change the blending mode from Normal to Soft Light. Now I have some contrast boost AND a slight warming effect. See, many people put Photo Filter layers in Normal or Color Blending mode, and if they want a contrast boost they add another layer or do another step. However, if you want a slight color tint and contrast boost, this is a quick and easy method. You can also use other blending modes like Overlay or Hard Light and adjust the layer opacity.
Why not try a violet filter?
Or the Underwater filter. Innnterestinnng, I can't remember ever buying an underwater filter for my camera. ;-)
I have to try Deep Yellow.
And why not try Sepia? Not bad!
Remember, you can adjust the filter color and density "on the fly" while watching your image by add the filter layer and then double-clicking on the little layer Photo Filter image. You can also add a few different photo filters. I sometimes even duplicate the photo filter layer if I want more contrast/color boost. Or add one photo filter layer in Color blending mode, the second in Soft Light. Don't be afraid to play!
See how simple it was to get a color and contrast boost with one Photo Filter layer? Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and you are inspired to go out there and edit your photos. :-)
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I have the most generous readers in the world! I want to thank all of you who have been donating to the CoffeeShop, especially in these trying times. Thank you so much!!! Ads and donations keep this blog going, so I really appreciate everyone making my hobby possible. ;-)
I also am going to try to get my little sis Heather to post over here sometimes. She is an amazing SAHM to two little kids, wonderful sister, and creative logo designer. One of these days I need to tell the story how she started working with me at CoffeeShop. I don't mention her much, but she is an inspiration to me (not to mention drop-dead gorgeous). I am so thrilled to be working with Heather, even though she lives hours away. At least now she has to call me more. ;-)
If you have any questions, please post them them in my CoffeeShop Flickr Group!
as I have mentioned a few times before. Did you know you can do minor retouching in LR? Today I am going to show how to remove small blemishes and smooth skin... 
