When i first set out on my photography journey my use of Photoshop was to "save" a photo. So as I took the shot I thought, i'l get that crop right in CS3 or I will touch that up later...
Now my thoughts are based on enhacements, just yesterday I was taking pictures of items on a walk, signs, olde looking shoppe fronts to try to enhance the picture as opposed to save it.
I think this has come about because I have started to understand photoshop actions and how to apply certain tecniques. I think my advice on this would be to use the B&W presets, cross process etc and just tweak them as opposed to taking on the daunting task of doing it all. Making a mess of processing is detremental to confidence and I beleive photos only get better with confidence.
I did some work on this sign, to me it had some interest and the detail, dirt and grit on the sign was bound to make it have character. I opened it in CS3, adjusted the shadows and highlights to bring out the shadows to add some grit for the desaturation to take hold of. I the reduced saturation and added a strong vignette using lens correction.
I think it turned out pretty good.
Due to the above I am now quite pleased with my photography process. I have had a lifetime of interest however I would say my real journey commenced 18 months ago. The first 6 months of which were snapshot heaven at 3fps, the remainder a will to boost the creative artistic side.
I now consider composition for every shot, can use manual (although often use A or S) and know my way round processing software. I think my next progression is lighting and accurate setups, that should take me onto a diferent tier.
Taking that into account any new photographers out there, don't give up. It comes with practise and experience. I must have taken more than 12000 pictures since I was SLR'd and am learning every day. Read as much as you can and try to develop a style.
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