Thursday, January 27, 2011

Cross Bokeh

This week I learned that creating custom bokeh was not as easy as I thought it would be.  Creating the lens hood was easy, but capturing the shot was not.  Primarily, because I couldn't find any lights to capture, when I actually had the time to attempt the shot.  So, what's a girl to do?  I hung some Christmas lights. and although it is not all that attractive, I have a custom bokeh shot.  
Click it up a notch
If you want to learn how to make custom bokeh click HERE.  Even if you don't, you should go and check out the cute coffee mug/heart shot Janell captured.  Maybe, mine will look like that....some day.

Not only was I bummed I didn't capture a better photo, but I had a hard time with the edit.  I have been trying to use less actions, because I want to learn to fully use PSE8.  However, I opened my SOOC shot,   cropped it, adjusted the brightness, adjusted the contrast, up my blacks a little, increased my midtones, then applied TheCoffeeShop's Moody Pop action and I was much more pleased with the results.  


AFTER (second edit)

AFTER (first edit)

Before

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love it! I agree- finding something to "make" the bokeh this time of year is difficult- but great idea putting back up your christmas lights!

faith ann raider said...

Love your edit! It's SO nice and sharp :)

Angel Rogers said...

Very nice and creative idea!

Anonymous said...

Sweet custom bokeh!

elizabeth said...

Hi Amber - found your blog through Click it Up -
enjoyed viewing your photos-
and it was fun finding someone else living in tampa -
sometimes I think i am the only blogger who does -
stop by and say hello if you like -
have a good week

Mandy@ a sorta fairytale said...

very cool, i really like it in black and white!!

Excellent Parent said...

Those are all so pretty!

Snapshotsofhappiness said...

I like both the before and afters.

Janell said...

These came out awesome! I love the b/w edit. It is hard at first to get a good exposure. Just gotta keep practicing!

Anonymous said...

Very cool. They look great.

R and J Studios said...

very creative!

Ang said...

I love the B&W edit, it makes the books really pop. Great pictures!

Gretchen said...

How fun! I'd love to give this a shot one day... I'll add it to my list! Great edits too. =)

Unknown said...

Great pictures - hard to believe this is your first try at bokeh!

I'm just learning "camera speak" so I have to admit that all the info on editing was over my head, BUT I am inspired to try PSE again.

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

I as just wishing I hadn't put all the Christmas lights away, I was looking for some bokeh the other day.

Jennifer said...

This is beautiful! Great shot!

Courtney said...

This is just wonderful! Way to go using the custom bokeh! I love it!! I really like the first edit!! Also, I like the new font :O) Your blog looks great!