DIGITAL LADY SYD’S BEST PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES FROM 2019

Happy New Year! Instead of doing the traditional “My Best Photos for the Year” blog, I decided to list what I think are “My Best Photoshop Technique Blogs for 2019.” It is easy to overlook what is really useful when blogging all year and trying out all kinds of fun and crazy things. (I seem to be trying out a lot of PS actions recently?) So hopefully you will enjoy going back over the tutorials I found most useful and use this blog as a quick link when you need the steps. (And yes, that is one reason I write these blogs – there are so many great things that can be done in Photoshop and I can’t remember them all!)

HOW TO SUBTLY ADJUST AREAS OF AN IMAGE USING TWO METHODS
I am finding I use these tricks a lot when there is an area where the contrast or color just does not fit right with the rest of the image. By blending the edges softly, the adjustment can be gradually blended in.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE COLOR STRIPS IN THE HUE/SATURATION ADJUSTMENT LAYER?
I also use the strips a lot to get my colors set exactly right. I had never used them much, but once I figured out how to do it, it is really handy.

USING A LEVELS ADJUSTMENT LAYER FOR A VIGNETTE
This is the main vignette technique I now use. I like how it can be targeted exactly to where I want it and the shape can be adjusted easily to fit.

WHAT ABOUT THE PATTERN STAMP TOOL? NOT SO BAD!
The Pattern Stamp Tool really helped me create some great backgrounds especially. When an image has too much going on, using a matching pattern (which I usually make with this tool) can help get rid of the confusing background.

WHEN TO USE THE PATCH HEALING TOOL
Use it all the time!

HOW TO ADD A LITTLE INTERIOR GLOW
I would never have thought of doing this without Serge Ramelli’s tutorials. It completely changes the way an interior of a room looks.

HOW TO CREATE AN IMPASTO TEXTURE LAYER STYLE
This is another technique that I use when doing a more painterly looking image. This is actually from a blog I did several years ago and still use it all the time. Looks great with Topaz Impression.

HOW TO GET RID OF THOSE DARN FENCES IN ZOO SHOTS
Still use these tips when I go to any place that has animals behind fences.

HOW TO ADD A DARKER BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR A DIFFERENT EFFECT
This has been very handy to use with animal images.

CAN A BLURRY IMAGE BECOME SHARP? MAYBE
This technique has saved some of my favorite images!

Obviously there are many more tips and tricks scattered throughout my blog this year. And I do like to cover what is new with all the Photoshop plugins – I could have done this same blog on just filters. It has been a great year and I appreciate everyone for following me and watching my occasional YouTubes. Hope the next year brings you great joy and lots of good Photography!…..Digital Lady Syd