Photo Projectz

Finally more marble photos!

2008-07-23T22:27:00.002-06:00

Where do you get your stock photos?

2008-07-23T14:25:00.003-06:00

I just recently came across an excellent list of free for commercial/personal use photo sites, that I just had to share, because it was so excellent! :)

Click here to see an amazing list of 100 Photo collection sites.

I usually get my stock from either Stock Exchange or Morguefiles, but now that I have these resources, it may come in really handy for me, and for those Second Shotz members of the flickr group too.

Just thought I'd share this little tidbit of information before I forgot about it. If you do visit there, comment and let them know you appreciate it too. :)

WW- Rain Kissed Lily

2008-07-23T10:02:00.001-06:00

Develop a signature copyright

2008-07-22T14:24:00.004-06:00

I've had several signature copyrights on all the images I've ever had online, but one thing that always remained the same. My initials, KP. There are several ways to develop your signature, and here are a couple examples:

Of course you could go the other standard route their and include your url as your copyright which is good if you have your own domain or something. I cannot stress enough on how important I feel a copyright is. I don't care for the Loud look at all, and in fact you'd get a lot of criticism for it, but if that's what you want to then you go for it.

Think of it this way, if you were a painter, a sculptor, a traditional artist, would you not sign your work? I don't feel photographs are any different. They need to be signed. Since having them online, you have to sign them on the front because there isn't a back to sign your name, as with traditional photographs.

I also feel that it's sort of a protection. You don't see many people stealing work that is signed, because of course that would be silly of them! There are times that I do not include signatures on my work. When it's a group effort piece, non artistic "throw-away" image, and when it's a stock image.

This is just really food for thought.. :)

I've reached 10,000 visitors...

2008-07-21T10:15:00.006-06:00

Granted all those 10,000 aren't unique visitors, but wow, what a milestone for my blog here. I had NO idea it would take off so good. In only 7 months at that! I'm extremely happy with the progress this place has had. I decided to have a look back through my archives, and came up with a little something at the same time.

Here are 7 random facts about my blog thusfar...

1. My most popular post is that off the 27 Photoshop sites, resulting in the most popular keyword search here "photoshop".

2. I've posted almost 300 photos, and can definably see progress there.

3. I've presented about 250 ideas for photography, in prompts or projectz.

4. I've met a select few people that really inspire me, and help me get better in photography.

5. I've sold a photograph, and then sold this one just a few days ago. All offline too.

6. I got to visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary, and it really added to my photography collection.

7. I've taken 26 marble photographs. I'm surprised I didn't do more, I need to get back into it, because I really love the niche.

All in all, It's been a great ride! I started off wanting to take a photo a day like Benspark.com but it really involved into more then that. I'm not sure what's to come next with Photo-Projectz, but it can only be good. Special thanks to all of my daily visitors, you guys are my inspiration! :)

1000+ Free Photoshop Actions

2008-07-20T11:52:00.016-06:00

I'm brand new to photoshop actions, in fact I have only been using trying them out for a day or two now, trying to find the best ones, and so I've accomplished that, and now I'm going to add all the best links I found for you all to explore. I don't know how many people use photoshop actions, but from what I'm guessing, it's quite a few!

Before you even think about using photoshop actions you might want to know how to create them first. Brian at Epic Edits has a fantastic article that you should check out titled "How to Create Photoshop Actions" Be sure to check that out, especially if you find yourself doing the same things all the time to every photo, actions can help save a lot of time. I have yet to try it out, but I'll be sure to let you know how it works when I do. Now on to the list...

Simply scroll down to see all images, click images to visit:

47 photoshop actions:

124 photoshop actions:

720 photoshop actions:

40+ special effect actions:

70 photoshop actions:

6 photoshop actions:

Now your probably asking yourself, how do I use them? I know the answer to that as well. I found Shutterfreaks article titled "How to use Photoshop Actions" the most helpful of them all. It didn't confuse me, and I was fast on my way testing out different actions on many images.

Actions are certainly not for everyone, but they will open your eyes up to a whole new dimension, and save some time I'm sure. Actions are not only for photos, but can also be used to make digital art with photos as well. Something like a filter I'd say.

Now there shouldn't be any excuse as to why you've never used a photoshop actions, when you got all you need in this one post, even if it leads to several other places.

I want to send a shoutout to those featured in my blog post today, if not for them, this post wouldn't have been possible. If you do happen to visit and download from any of the sites, comment where available, I'm sure it'll be greatly appreciated. Stumbling this post will be as cool too! :)

SS Picks of the Week- July 20

2008-07-20T09:55:00.007-06:00

My number one pick was already picked out until today when I visited and saw the best that I've seen all week. so without further ado, the little girl in the sunflower world from Drew:

One thing I would have changed there is making the greens blend a bit better, but overall the lighting is just perfect.

Secondly, my favorite comes again from Pete. It's definably not as child friendly as my number one pick this week, but the whole idea of it totally works. Even if it is a bit scary. hehe

Last but not least is one from Broken Perfection. The clouds are just awesome there. The quality may not be up to par, but the specific choice of the clouds work for the image making it feel a lot higher up then it really is.

Just want to give a little shout out to Dale and thank him for providing the image for this week's edit. Another member will be posting this week's challenge today as well, so keep your eyes out over there! :)

If your new here and wondering what this is all about, it's a feature post for a photo group on flickr named Second Shotz. Every week there is an editable image presented to the group, and everyone has free range edit on that photo for that week. Then the images they edit are added to the pool, and at week's end the admin favorites are posted here as well as BenSpark.com. If your into editing photos, and want a change of pace and would like to edit other people's photos, then feel free to join the group. We always welcome new talent and creative people. :)

Through purple tinted sunglasses

2008-07-19T21:20:00.003-06:00

I wanted to try a little something that I've heard suggested before online, and that is instead of filter lenses that you can buy for your camera, shoot through sunglasses. so I did just that. Here is both the original and through sunglasses original. no photoshop except the borders, slight crop and copyrights..

Image shot normally in automatic exposure...

Same exposure, with sunglasses in front of camera lens...

Isn't that cool? My sunglasses are slighty purple tinted, so it worked out awesome. I imagine those bright yellow shades that some men wear would make for something really cool as well. The other day I also tried it with some 3d glasses, but couldn't get the quality I wanted, but it was fun trying! :)

Friday Frinks- Pictoral Edition

2008-07-18T09:55:00.015-06:00

I decided to do something a bit different this week, and showcase my favorite images from all of my blog roll, instead of posts, it's pictures! It'll show you why I read who I read, there is so much inspiration all around us, and these people keep feeding me it, with all the eye candy they present. Forgive me that they are all not linked to the proper post they were featured in, but they are linked to the blogs. Now on to the images, in random order...
(I did things differently this week, but this is the normal rundown) Favorite Frinks is a collection of my favorite posts from the people in my blogroll for one week. Frinks meaning Friday links, just put together to make "Frinks". I pick one post that I like from their blog in that week, and it's featured here. Sometimes they aren't featured because either they haven't blogged that week, or simply haven't blogged anything that stood out for me. I also feature my favorite photo of the week too.

Don't forget about this weeks Project-Upside Down! :)

Is it as obvious as I don't think it is?

2008-07-17T09:35:00.001-06:00

Project- Upside down

2008-07-17T08:34:00.008-06:00

Today's project is pretty simple. You can either shoot a photograph with something that upside down in it, or you can flip a photograph and make it upside down. How easy is that! The world look so different upside down, showcase it the best way you know how.

Click here to find some examples of "upside down" photography. Be sure to also check out link number 1 down there for my take on this project.

As you can see I have now incorporated Mister Linkys to my project post here, I may continue with this, as it's really easy, and should make it easy for others to see work that's not their own, and it'd save room in my sidebar! :)

WW- Rainee's Eye

2008-07-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

[This week's WW]

Doodle Garden

2008-07-16T09:32:00.006-06:00

This one I hand doodled and colored in photo shop as well. It's not a garden, but it could be from a garden. Now you go on and doodle away too. :)

Doodle #2 Outer Space

2008-07-15T08:32:00.005-06:00

I don't know that hand drawing is any better.. lol Originally this image was a lot bigger and had a lot more stuff before I edited it all out in photoshop.

Tomorrow's theme is Garden... I wonder what I will do. :)

Now you go on and doodle your heart away too, it's fun. :)

Creative Photography- My Nemonator

2008-07-14T14:22:00.004-06:00

I have to get awful creative when trying to get a photo of my cat. I don't like to use flash so I don't hurt his eyes. Then he likes to paw my lens, and just at the right moment, I managed to capture a decent photo of the fluffy Nemo..
Be sure to get your on. :)

Doodle Bug Monday

2008-07-14T10:47:00.009-06:00

So I've finally given in, and decided I'd join Doodle Week. Today's theme is bug...Now it's my first doodle ever, so be forgiving, hand painting in photoshop is so not my forte, perhaps I ought to just draw and photograph my stuff, it'd be a lot better!

Now you go on and doodle your heart away too, it's fun. :)

I went and got spacey..

2008-07-13T13:33:00.006-06:00

Of course this is a photo manipulation, and it was inspired by Dale at Littleredplanet.com. I don't know that it turned out so hot, but it was fun to try! :)

[background image source]

SS Pick of the Week- July 13

2008-07-13T11:12:00.012-06:00

My Number one pick this week if from Pete from My GPS Camera Phone.It was so unexpected and perfect, that there just really wasn't any other choice for me as to who was number one this week. Imagine if you would have found a skull, I know I would have photographed it too! Here is his photo edit:
My Number two pick this week comes from Tony, who really made his original by cloning the one bird that was in the original photo. It reminds me of Finding Nemo, where the birds say "Mine! Mine! Mine!"

Last but not least, is NeonBubble's work. He really wanted to go for a Polaroid feel there, and it really took off into it's own. It came out with a mix of Polaroid/cross process. He explains how he got there as well.

If your new here and wondering what this is all about, it's a feature post for a photo group on flickr named Second Shotz. Every week there is an editable image presented to the group, and everyone has free range edit on that photo for that week. Then the images they edit are added to the pool, and at week's end the admin favorites are posted here as well as BenSpark.com. If your into editing photos, and want a change of pace and would like to edit other people's photos, then feel free to join the group. We always welcome new talent and creative people. :)

We went to the Thunder Egg Days

2008-07-12T23:05:00.004-06:00

There is this thing in Oregon every year called the Thunder Egg Days, We've gone every year now and it's been cool. This year though with how expensive gas is, there wasn't near as many vendors as usual. Sounds lame blaming it on the gas, but really it's the truth, when these vendors come from all over the U.S. In fact one vendor spent $4000 to get from the East coast to here in Idaho. I thought she was nuts, but it's a tradition for her.

While I was there I took a teeny bit of photos. you see, I'm still shy with my camera. I don't know why, I just am. I think it's more or less, I wouldn't want someone taking pictures of me without asking or something, so that's the way I approach things. Today I broke out of my shell after walking sideways for a bit. (metaphorically speaking) I was able to walk past a group of national guard musicians, and then decide I wanted to take their photo, and walk back.

That is actually my only photo of "strangers" besides that old feller awhile back. It's a huge step for me, if you knew how shy I was, you'd know how much of a big deal this was. I don't even think I was breathing as I took the two photos of them!

So after that we went over to where the small car show was, and I ended up getting this pretty rad photo of my whole family. We're reflected there, even I, in the tree to the right but you can hardly tell.

Of course I had some photoshop fun with it, but in all the right ways. All in all we had a pretty good day today. :)

Photohunt: Support

2008-07-12T09:54:00.003-06:00

[photohunt]

The flowers couldn't live without the support of water.

Favorite Frinks- July 11th

2008-07-11T11:38:00.013-06:00

So I missed last week because of the holdiay and my birthday, but I'm back and going strong this week. I've got new people added this week too, so be sure to visit them! Now on to the Frinks..

A Memory Forever: Liss showcases her time Out and about Melbourne displaying beautiful architecture and then a surprise of a lighthearted pic of a busker.

Benspark: Drew was the first to take part in the Flower desaturation project, and Purple Haze is a hit with me!

Creative Photography Award: This blog was created by Roger of Idaho Daily Photo, and it's already at week 4. The winner has been announced as well, go give congrats.

DIY Photography: Another great list of speedlinks to browse through this week.

Graham Ettridge: Shows off the wildreness around him, what can I say, I'm totally jealous!

Idaho Daily Photo: I think we'd all break our necks with Rogers suggestion to an alternative to gas, but it'd sure be fun!

Little Red Planet: Dale is damn good at what he does, and his power of dreams photo is something to be proud of. Just so happens it was also his Creative photography entry this week.

My GPS Camera Phone: Blending modes are freakin awesome and Pete will tell you why and how!

Neil Creek: As I was writing this post I just visited his blog, and found out that one of my photos got the feature of the week, how awesome is that? Of course my link for Neil is that post, because not only does it feature my work, but other amazing work too. :)

Super Goddess 365: Brittany has just recently been inspired to start her own photo a day blog, and on day 6 she takes a really touching pic of a fallen road cone. Also, whaddya know, she was inspired by the one and only BenSpark. :)

The Slothful Moth: Don't be fooled by the name, this guy is certainly the best photo taking moth you'll know. His blog service recently went kaput so he's starting over at blogspot. The one post I'd like you all to participate on there this week is his "Aim to Improve" post. His blog is a photoblog/personal blog, and he rocks, so get to know him peeps.

My Favorite photo this week comes from Liss at A Memory Forever:
It's got outstanding light, framing, and architecture in one. :)

Favorite Frinks is a collection of my favorite posts from the people in my blogroll for one week. Frinks meaning Friday links, just put together to make "Frinks". I pick one post that I like from their blog in that week, and it's featured here. Sometimes they aren't featured because either they haven't blogged that week, or simply haven't blogged anything that stood out for me. I also feature my favorite photo of the week too.

Project: Flower Desaturation

2008-07-10T08:51:00.006-06:00

I mentioned yesterday what today's project is all about, and so you already know.

It's to take an image of a flower, and make it black and white, and whatever other editing/non-editing you don't do. You can also just take the image in black and white, I do know that many cameras have that fancy option. I would like to force the color out of you and make you pay attention to highlights, lowlights, and everything in between. There is a certain science when working with black and white, that totally differs from color. You just have to figure it out is all.

Click here to see many examples of flowers in black and white, get a feel for it.

To participate in any challenge, you can post it at your blog, or photo sharing site such as Flickr. Then leave a link here to your post, that way everyone can see what's happening. The link you provide will then be added to a special blogroll in my sidebar, along with your username. Thanks!

A Side by Side Comparison

2008-07-09T14:45:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I talked about using flower shots for black and white imagery. So today I decided to put a side by side example together for comparison. I will leave the comparison to my readers, and will not state my view, as I want the opinion to be un-hindered. Is that even a word? I suppose it is. I think tomorrow for the project I will ask for you to do flower shots in black and white, so prepare for that.

Speaking of projects, they aren't quite as organized as I would like them to be. Should I separate the project aspect into another blog? Even though this blog really is titled for it... Let me know your opinions on this please. :)

WW- An Illusion

2008-07-09T11:41:00.002-06:00

(Click image for source)

Finding joy in black and white

2008-07-08T15:09:00.002-06:00

I'm finding the joy of working with black and white, especially with flowers. I think it's different, not expected, and can really work for the image. I feel that flowers are for the most part too saturated when I get a chance to photograph them, and toning that down will change the natural color of the flower, making it look totally different. So by making them black and white, well that's makes it totally different too, but not unreal. Besides flowers have great patterns and textures that really come out with black and white editing. I'm going to continue with it as well as much as I can. :)