picture editing 101 (photoshop tutorial)

I am by no means a pro when it comes to picture taking or editing, but I've picked up a few tips and tricks along the way! There is nothing better than getting an almost perfect shot SOOC (straight out of the camera) but let's be real, everyone could use a little photoshop sorcery ever once in a while ;) I love being able to turn to other bloggers/photographers when I am questioning how to do something in particular, so if you have have any questions don't hesitate to ask. You need any version of Photoshop for this tutorial. It is totally worth the expense in my opinion. If you're not ready to fork over the dough then get the 30 day trial here.
Here's what I do:

 Step One: Adjust the curves (command M on a mac or Image>Adjustment>Curves) We want to create a slight curve. Change the output to 77 and Input to 60. The numbers will change depending on the initial image quality. Play around with it if the change isn't something you like. Brightness is key!

Step Two: Adjust the levels. (Command L on a mac or Image>Adjustments>Levels) We want to increase the blacks and white a little. Move the far left box to 5 and the far right to 238. Again, if the change is too harsh, move the sliders less (or more if you'd like). 

Step Three: Run a sharpening action. I used "Pure Photoshop Action Set 1: 'It's All About the Bling Baby' (found here) but occasionally use The Pioneer Woman's "Define and Sharpen" action (found here and FREE). This action adds a pop that helps the photo look better for the web. Your image may become too sharp, so adjust the opacity till you're satisfied (shown by the arrow). The opacity allows you to adjust how much of a certain element is applied to an image (whether it be an action or text). The closer the opacity is to 100% the more the action shows through. The further away from 100% the less, or more transparent...

And viola! We aren't going for a crazy difference. Subtly is key! 

Here's a before and after:

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Here are a few more before and afters following the exact same steps.

Hope you enjoyed! Let me know if you have any other Photoshop or photography questions :)

xo

to a "tee"

tee: h&m, jeans: forever 21, shoes: steve madden, sunnies: free people

This outfit fits me down to a tee (get it? hehe). I live in jeans year round and get excited when I find hidden gems like these from Forever 21. Score! Pair it with a simple white tee and funky sneaker wedges and you're good to go. I would also like to give credit to my mom for pulling some samurai art direction and helping me get the shots I've been longing for for so long with the sun. Tricky technique if I do say so myself. You go, mama! Don't these just scream spring with all the flowers?
I adore the warm and this time of year!

xox T

a day in the life:

from princess play in the park,

to playing dress-up and making faces (complete with an outfit change & auntie's purse).

I'm telling you, the universe got it right when they made this little one!

A day in the life huh? Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and just enjoy being little. Adulthood is just too damn stressful! Who knows what my life will look like when I actually get a job! Wow.

recents (photography)

Here's a little of what I've been up to on the photog front lately. I love learning the ins and outs of shooting in manual and love putting it into use even more! One day I might even like to shoot other people as a side job. Only time will tell! Now on to the photos!
Yes, my friends are all ridiculously good looking. I've learned to live with it.

My biggest sister. Stunning, am I right?

This brunette brown eyed babe made this blonde blue eyed little.

Here's to practice making perfect! I like where this is headed ;) Happy Tuesday!

P.S. Yes I did update my blog again. I can't help myself. I think it will (most likely) stay this way for a while.

camo wear

How was your Mother's Day? I wish you all knew my mom like I know her. THE single most selfless person I have ever known. My best friend <3 Anyways, this outfit was something simple I threw together to run to the movies. The Great Gatsby. Wow...in love! Did anyone else see it? 

Here's to the start of a new week and a ton of hw! xo

Follow me on instagram! I love keeping up with everyone's daily lives!

a little sundress

I am so itching for Summer!! I don't even have a traditional Summer break from school, because I'm taking a quarter during that time, but I love me the sun just as much as the next person. The other day the weather was nice enough to bust out a dress and head to the park.

dress: urban (old), shoes: splendid

Happy Friday!! xox

05.07.13

dress and shoes: target

this was done without prompting...who is this girl! a girl after my own heart.

she is in the biggest independent stage. has to do everything on her own. her favorite? clips!

This little smile melts me into a pool on the floor EVERY time!

On a completely unrelated note to those pictures of Q, have any of you ever done crossfit? Today marks 2 weeks I've been training almost daily and I can honestly say I am HOOKED! I've always been the kind of person who needs a coach to push me to my max, whether it be soccer or spin...whatever. Go out and run on my own? Ain't happenin'. I would stop 5 minutes in just because I could. If any of you are like me, then crossfit is the way to go! Competitiveness and camaraderie? I'm all in.