How I edit my photos, start to finish

[Camilla and Darwin]

Hey all, I decided to make some videos about how I edit my photos from beginning to end in the hopes that it may be useful. I am definitely not the best video maker in the world so I apologize if I don't explain things super well. I have found that watching videos is very helpful for me so if you have any specific techniques or methods you would like help on I'm happy to make one. Disclaimer: This is just the way I do things - but there are truly so many ways to get to the same end product!

Here is a video on how I use the RAW editor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlNJoIHQ3J8

Here is my video on using layer masks (a MUST in editing, in my opinion) that will help make the other videos more clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvkpeV148Ww

How I edit dogs, I have 2 videos, one I made for Laurie so it has mention of Fudge and Vern, and one I made just today for everyone. I included the one I made for Laurie because it involves removal of leashes which may be useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTNAF9BbPQM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqOvP0Zw5Ro

Here is how I edit my portraits (this is an unlisted, private video due to the fact that I'm showing someone's face close up, so only you guys who have the link can access it.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qzybS9a3T0

Landscapes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UopEB9EmoM

Adding catch lights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu-_8C0eCy0

Let me know if these were useful or if you have any requests! I'm currently working on a project with DH - it's a photography e-book and I'd love to know what specific areas videos or tutorials would be helpful on.

link to greater than gatsby actions (all of their sets are great, this is the one I was referencing)

http://www.greaterthangatsby.com/retouch-necessities/#tabs-2

link to pioneer woman actions

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2009/08/pioneer-woman-action...

Note: Adina has crop specifications for the calendar, so when editing your photos keep that in mind. She has said before that uncropped images are preferable because it leaves her more room for tweaking if needed. Reviewing the calendar requirements is a very wise thing to do.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Thanks Camilla! I'm definitely a beginner. I see on my camera that I can set it on raw. My question is, do I
need another program to work with the raw image? I am interested in getting the photoshop elements 12.

[Camilla and Darwin]

No, if you have elements you will be have RAW editing software included/built in

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Camilla, I have a question about the catchlights. I use a Mac....when I am cloning from another image, do you know the buttons I use or is it the alt click?

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't know, but it's the same key combination as cloning from the same image - so if you know how to clone on one image just do the same thing.

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

It's option click on a mac.

I actually prefer the copy and paste method myself because it automatically puts it on a separate layer that I can control independent of the image. (I know you can clone on a separate layer as well but it requires me adding the layer and it's an extra step).

But there are probably about 10 ways to do anything in photoshop and it generally ends up with what you are used to doing. There is no right or wrong way. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good point, you could also transform it if you copied and pasted. I'll have to try that.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Camilla!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yup, just what I did when I did that picture with you and Jacob on the steps and me peeking out the window.

[Camilla and Darwin]

He he- I love that picture!

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Nancy. I am going to work on this with catch lights!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am still not able to do this. I know it is probably something so simple, but I have tried it several times and I'm unable to get this to work.