Graduation Time

It's that time of year again.  Graduations always make me feel inspired. A celebration of an accomplishment and the excitement of starting something new emits an emotion of hope and dreams.  I've been busy making "beach-themed" graduation announcements from photos.  They really turned out pretty nice...Here are some 'before' and 'after' transformations.  Have I said I really, really love photoshop?

Client's Photo

Graduation Announcement Sample #1

Client's Photo

Graduation Announcement Sample #2

Client's Photo

Graduation Announcement

After working on these photos, I am so ready for some beach time!  Wishing everyone a beautiful sunshiny day!

Love and gratitude,
Kathy

Love never ends...

So February is over and the Love Campaign has ended...  Thank you to all that submitted your photos.  I really enjoyed seeing all the beautiful faces.  I am posting the last of my love campaign but my love for all of you and what I do remains...always!

This is the sweetest picture of the most adorable little angel, Kendall, taken courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography.  Do you remember my Tutu & Trunks posting? Yep, this is the same sweet little angel -- my has she grown!

Before

Love and blessings!

Kathy

Pretty in Pink

Just love this photo by Vikki Dinh.  Loved Chelsea's beautiful face and the bright color scheme was so fun and uplifting!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Love Campaign: Before and After

Photo courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography

I fell in love with this sweet little face!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Love Campaign: Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentines Day!  Sending you all much love and blessings!  Today, I am featuring another cute photo taken courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography. This sweet little girt all dressed in pink inspired a pink-themed girlie canvas design.  Here is the before photo...

Photo taken courtesy of Vikki Dinh Photography.

Here is the finish photo edit...

Still taking submissions for my February Love Campaign!

Submission Guidelines:

How does this work you might say?  Submit to me your favorite photo — any photo that you would like to turn into an heirloom, a piece of art or a “just want to see what you can do with this” kind of project.  I will perform my magic and return to you a digital image — you can do what you want with this digital image.  Post it on your Facebook account, print it yourself or by any photolab, use it for scrapbooking, post it on your blog.  Whatever makes your heart sing!  AND, if you decide you really, really love the final results and would like it printed onto canvas or as a print, I have pro accounts with the finest photolabs in the country and can hook you up.

How do you submit your photo?  Just send your image (300 dpi resolution works best if you plan to have it printed) along with your idea to ArtsyCanvasGirl@ymail.com.  In the event you have trouble describing what you want you can even send me an example image of a style you’ve seen.  It’s that simple. Really, just send an email and imagine what you want and I will do my magic.Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Love Campaign: Word Art

This photo was taken courtesy of Vikki Dinh, a photographer in San Diego.  She requested a word art design to be added to this photo.  What a cutie! -- her handsome client, Jacob.  Here is the before...

Photo taken courtesy Vikki Dinh Photography

Cleaned up a little bit of chapped lips, cropped the photo, added a word design and a little texture. Here is the finished photo edit...

Still taking submissions!

Submission Guidelines:

How does this work you might say?  Submit to me your favorite photo — any photo that you would like to turn into an heirloom, a piece of art or a “just want to see what you can do with this” kind of project.  I will perform my magic and return to you a digital image — you can do what you want with this digital image.  Post it on your Facebook account, print it yourself or by any photolab, use it for scrapbooking, post it on your blog.  Whatever makes your heart sing!  AND, if you decide you really, really love the final results and would like it printed onto canvas or as a print, I have pro accounts with the finest photolabs in the country and can hook you up.

How do you submit your photo?  Just send your image (300 dpi resolution works best if you plan to have it printed) along with your idea to ArtsyCanvasGirl@ymail.com.  In the event you have trouble describing what you want you can even send me an example image of a style you’ve seen.  It’s that simple. Really, just send an email and imagine what you want and I will do my magic.Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Love Campaign: Dancing in the Rain!

Photo submitted by Jen

I received my first submission for the February Love campaign and it couldn't have been more perfect!  A photo of the most adorable little girl splashing in puddles!  Just melted my heart!  The proud momma, Jen, had no specific idea in mind.  She just wanted to see what I would do with her photo.  The sweet innocence of the photo is what captured my heart.  So I tried to create an image that enhanced the innocence of the little girl. I couldn't stop at just one version...in fact, most times I will do a couple of ideas.  Which edit do you like best?

Edit #1

Edit #2

Edit #3

I will post the creations of the various submissions through out the month of February.  Would you like to submit a photo?  I will accept photo submissions during the month of February.

Submission Guidelines:

How does this work you might say?  Submit to me your favorite photo — any photo that you would like to turn into an heirloom, a piece of art or a “just want to see what you can do with this” kind of project.  I will perform my magic and return to you a digital image — you can do what you want with this digital image.  Post it on your Facebook account, print it yourself or by any photolab, use it for scrapbooking, post it on your blog.  Whatever makes your heart sing!  AND, if you decide you really, really love the final results and would like it printed onto canvas or as a print, I have pro accounts with the finest photolabs in the country and can hook you up.

How do you submit your photo?  Just send your image (300 dpi resolution works best if you plan to have it printed) along with your idea to ArtsyCanvasGirl@ymail.com.  In the event you have trouble describing what you want you can even send me an example image of a style you’ve seen.  It’s that simple. Really, just send an email and imagine what you want and I will do my magic.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Thanks Jen for your submission!  I hope you love it!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Iconic

Just did a really cool kind of project for a friend.  Her sister's 40th birthday is just around the corner and she wanted to give her a special gift. She approached me with the idea of taking a photo of her sister and doing something similar to the Andy Warhol Marilyn's Prints. I couldn't resist helping a friend and I thought it might be a fun challenge.  I started with this photo...

Then, based on budget and effect, we decided on a 24 x 24 size canvas and thought a 4-square design would be the right impact for our canvas.  Can you tell which four squares of Marilyn she picked?

By the way! I am still taking submissions for my February Love Campaign at ArtsyCanvasGirl Designs...

Yep, ArtsyCanvasGirl Designs is offering photo editing, stylization and typography services on any digital image for FREE for the month of February. A perfect way to show my love!

Submission Guidelines:
How does this work you might say?  Submit your favorite photo -- any photo that you would like to turn into an heirloom, a piece of art or a "just want to see what you can do with this" kind of project.  ArtsyCanvasGirl designs will transform your photo to a unique piece of art. You will receive a digital image that you can do as you wish.  Post it on your Facebook account, print it yourself or at any photolab, use it for scrapbooking, post it on your blog.  Whatever makes your heart sing!  AND, if you decide you really, really love the final results and would like it printed onto canvas or as a print, ArtsyCanvasGirl Designs holds pro accounts with the finest photolabs in the country and can hook you up.

How do you submit your photo?  Just send your image (300 dpi resolution works best if you plan to have it printed) along with your idea to ArtsyCanvasGirl@ymail.com.  In the event you have trouble describing what you want you can even send an example of an image that expresses the style you desire.  It's that simple. Really, just forward your photo along with a little imagination!  Don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Love and blessings!

Kathy

Photo Editing Fun | Fix It Friday #81

Another Fix-it Friday!  Such a truly beautiful romantic photo contributed by Michelle Johnson.  Michelle's talent is beyond words.  The SOOC was so perfect that it didn't need much of an edit.  So, the artist in me decided to enhance the romantic mood of the photo.

My edit

Here is the SOOC (see what I mean about Michelle's perfection?! :))

Take a look at all the great edits at iheartfaces.com.

Also, I don't think I really explain well what it is I do and what my passion is...  Take a peek at this article out on Design Aglow.  It really makes a statement of how you can take special photos and really make them a part of you and your home.  This is what I want to help my clients do! Enjoy your weekend!  Back in Florida this week and survived 21 inches of snow and below zero temperatures in Minnesota last week!!!

Photo Editing Fun | Fix It Friday #80

Happy Friday!  It's another fun morning at iheartfaces.com!  This week's photo challenge is a beautiful photo taken byJessica Paige from One Willow Boutique.  Love this shot!

My Edit

Jessica Paige's SOOC

Go take a look at all the amazing edits by the iheartfaces community!  Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful weekend! A forecast of snow and below zero temperatures for this weekend in Minnesota!

Love and blessings!

Kathy

Photo Editing Fun | Fix It Friday #79

This week's photo is a beautiful picture of her daughter taken by Dana Suggs.  Isn't she beautiful!

SOOC

Visiting my sister in Minnesota from Florida!  It's 16 degrees with snow today! BRrrr!!!  Have a great weekend!

Photo Editing Fun | Fix It Friday #77

Another Fix-it Friday! Today's photo is a wonderful photo taken by Michelle Johnson of her beautiful daughter during a quiet moment.  Thank you Michelle for contributing this photo.  Your daughter is adorable!

Edit #1

Edit #2

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!  Go to check out all the other great edits at IHeartFaces.com!
Love and blessings!
Kathy

Photo Editing Fun | Fix It Friday #76

It's Friday again!  Admittedly, my favorite day of the week!  It's that day of the week that kind of sort of  says, "Yes!  It's okay to wind down and prepare for a glorious weekend!" Plus, I look forward every week to Fix It Friday at iheartfaces!  Thank you Susan Keller of Susan Keller Photography for contributing this gorgeous photo of your littlest dude!  What a cutie! ...and thank you so much for all the tutorials and tips you provide.  You are such a wealth of knowledge and inspiration!

Edit #1 - Adjusted the color balance to reduce the orange cast.

Edit #2 - Used Florabella Ambrosia action (85% opacity) from the Luxe collection. Added a texture (using overlay) and masked texture from the face.

Edit #3 - For fun used the same texture using color burn (55% opacity) for drama - left the texture in full with no masking of the face - I liked the artistic quality the texture gave to the overall picture.

The SOOC

Have an incredibly special weekend!

Love and blessings!
Kathy

Trees...

Wouldn't it be a wonderful day to get lost in nature with camera in hand with the primary purpose of capturing the essence of God's creation?  Everyday, I see beauty everywhere.  On Saturday, I woke up to a foggy morning and took some snapshots.   Then I tried my hand at editing one of my favorite shots. Let me know which one you like best!

Trees

Beautiful

Elegant

Quiet

Knowing

Presence

Love and blessings!

Kathy

It’s Constructive Feedback Friday! -- at Iheartfaces!

My edit

In lieu of their typical Fix-it Friday, Iheartfaces is hosting a Constructive Feedback Friday where photographers in the Iheartfaces community can give their feedback and tips on how to fix or edit your photo.  I edited this photo of my daughter, Alexandria.  As I explained in my last post, this session was taken just before dusk and we felt rush.  Nevertheless, the whole session came out slightly blurry... :P  I was soooo bummed.  I want to try to salvage at least one of the photos from the session.  Unfortunately, I don't have a flicker account.  (Well I kind of do...but I'm embarrassed because I don't know how to use it!) ...so here is the SOOC.

SOOC

I would love, love, love your feedback and edits!

Have a joyous day!  Love and blessings!  Kathy

Earth laughs in flowers!

So a few weeks back, I met the sweetest gal, Emily from Family and Life in Las Vegas.  We met through our blogs during a blog hop I participated in.  From time to time, I love spending some time seeing what others are doing... and thinking... and sharing!  It's really good for the soul and the creativity process.  Anyway, Emily stopped by my blog because I had stopped by hers.  She had made a comment on my "tutus and trunks post"(still one of my favorite canvases I've created -- beautiful Baby Kendall captured by talented photographer, Vikki from Vikki Dinh Photography).  Emily made a comment that the picture was beautiful and that she always wanted to have a picture done on canvas..."maybe one day!" she said.  I thought, "There's no time like the present!" when I remembered a posting I saw on Songberries blog about a free 8x10 canvas offer by CanvasPeople.  So I told her about this offer I noticed on Songberries blog.  I was happy to offer her my services to make this happen.  A few weeks later, she sent me the following picture... It was the sweetest picture of flowers!  This is my first "nature" project for a client.  I was expecting a family picture or the kiddo picture...but instead I got a picture of flowers! How fun!

Original SOOC

Emily's vision was to create a "subway art"-styled canvas with this photo.  She wanted words like rejoice, celebrate, love, joy, etc.  She also wanted to incorporate a special quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Earth laughs in flowers." I LOVED that quote!  So I began working on this really fun project. I always create a few different versions in an effort to match the various personal tastes that varies from person to person. Here are some of the samples I created for this project.

First, I enhanced the color of the photo because I wanted it to have a really full-of-color feel to match the power of the words she requested.  Then I selected a color scheme by pulling colors from the photo and began selecting fonts that expressed the words visually to me. Then I added some pretty little sun spots and a soft milky frame to give it a little mystical feel and added some little daisy embellishments in the top corners.  I liked the results...

Color-enhanced photo

Then, I wanted to play a little more with the photo.  I just started using a trial version of a product called Topaz which has some really cool features to enhance photos.  I'd been dying to try it out so I played with their product called Clean Adjust.  It allowed me to stylize the photo...

Stylized Photo

Here is a close up of the difference between the color enhanced photo compared to the stylized photo...

Close up of the color-enhanced photo

Closeup of stylized photo

The stylized just added a little more texture and line to the photo.  I personally really love this effect for this particular photo.

Then I did another version, a little more of a crisp clean look (knowing that not everyone likes the embellished artsy look.)

Crisp clean version

I sent these versions to Emily to get her feedback.  It's a good time in the process to get a better idea of what the client likes (and don't like) and fine tune to the finish product.  Emily asked if I could create a lace-like frame. I wanted to see how a closer-in crop of the picture would look like so I created this...

Lace frame with a closer view of the flowers

In the end, Emily chose this version of the photo for the final printing of the canvas... The stylized photo including the really cool quote with the milky frame, sunspots and sweet daisy embellishments.  The gallery wrap sides of the canvas will be a dark sky blue that matches to the darker portion of the sky.  She sounded thrilled and I gotta tell you that is the best part of what I do!

Emily's pick

 Here's my favorite version...pretty much same as Emily's pick but with a closer-in view of the flower!

My pick

Emily promised me a picture of the final canvas when she receives it back from CanvasPeople.  I will post it here...I'm hoping it turns out great!!!

What's your favorite version?

Love and blessings!

Kathy