Adding colour filters in less than a minute

Applying filters as easy as Instagram? Introducing, Alien Skin Exposure. Ever since I discovered Alien Skin, most of my photos have been edited through this programme just because it is so easy and the variety of filters makes editing so enjoyable.

I am currently using Alien Skin Exposure 4, but Exposure 6 is out! Click here to download the free trial: https://app.alienskin.com/downloads/

So how does Alien Skin work?

This is an image that I shot on my GoPro. The puppy is really cute, but due to poor lighting, the image looks flat and slightly blur.

1. When you download and install Alien Skin, it appears as a plug-in under your 'Filter' list in Photoshop.

2. Opening the application, you can see that it offers an array of filters (on the left), as well as specific control (on the right). Alien Skin gives you hundreds of colour filters.

3. As well as Black & White filters.

4. After selecting a filter, you can still make further adjustments. I wanted to add more vignetting to increase the focus on the puppy. You can do so under the 'Age' tab.

5. Also, to make the image sharper, you can do so under the 'Focus' tab.

6. And there you have it! Adding a colour filter in less than a minute. 

Alien Skin provides you with hundreds of filters. Download the free trial and find which filters are your favourite! Another big benefit of using Alien Skin is that it allows you to play with film effects. Therefore, if you are interested to go into film photography and are wondering which camera to purchase, Alien Skin gives you a visual representation on your current photos! Happy editing!

Photoshop Versus Lightroom - Which is Right for You?

"One of the most important roles you play as a photo enthusiast is that of an image editor. Rarely do our images come straight out of the camera exactly as we had envisioned, so before release we are required to put out shots through the post processing phase".

Many people often ask if editing photos on Photoshop or Lightroom is better. As with most of my answers to things in life - it really depends. In a recent article by Tim Gilbreath, Photoshop Versus Lightoom - Which is Right for You?, he accurately captures the pros and cons of both softwares.

Here's a quick summary of his points that I agree with.

Strengths of Photoshop:

1. Pixel-level editing
2. Layers
3. Compositing and Blending
4. Huge toolbox

Weaknesses of Photoshop:

1. Steeper learning curve
2. No built-in RAW editing

Strengths of Lightroom

1. Image management and workflow centric
2. Simple and easy to use
3. Presets

Weakness of Lightroom

1. No advanced editing tools
2. No layers management
3. Only for photos

Personally, I use Photoshop when a higher degree of editing is required for a photo. In other words, Photoshop enables more control over the image. Although it has a steep learning curve, understanding the potential of photoshop could really transform your image. On the other hand, I use Lightroom when I have a huge batch of photos to edit. Although there are less functions, I am able to retouch and process images quickly and consistently. 

What's your verdict?

Essential tools to save your photo (PART 2)

I believe this tutorial will interest a lot of you - How to remove pimples / smudges / dirt from your face? Introducing the Patch Tool.

How do I use this tool:

1. Select the Patch Tool.

2. Draw out or circle the region that you wish to be 'patched' up.

3. Click and drag this region to another area that you wish to patch from. E.g. for removing pimples, I will click and drag to an area on the face which is clear and clean. Make sure you select the "Source" option (refer to the red arrow). For those who are curious to know what happens if you select the "Destination" option, try it out and let me know!

4. Your pimples are gone.

You are welcome.