Digital diversions

During this period of “sheltering in place,” we are fortunate, Mr. C and I, to have a place that shelters us most pleasantly. There's plenty of space where we can each pursue our individual interests undisturbed. This tumultuous time that has upended lives around the world has so far changed our days only slightly. In fact, I am almost grateful for the additional time that staying home all day every day has given me. 

  

When I haven't been spring cleaning or attending to the exuberance of greenery out in the yard, I've been immersed in pushing pixels around on my computer screen . After many years of using Photoshop CS3 (which debuted in 2007), I finally subscribed to Adobe's Creative Cloud Photography plan which includes the latest Photoshop and Lightroom Classic. Why had I been waiting!

Of course, I wanted to catch up to all the advances in Photoshop plus learn about Lightroom which I didn't have before, so I've been on a YouTube marathon. There are many, many excellent video tutorials given by people who really know the intricacies of these programs. I am simply amazed at both the depth of their knowledge and the seemingly infinite effects that are possible.

Anthony Morganti has been guiding me through Lightroom with his very clear and detailed series of Mastering Lightroom Classic CC. And I have long subscribed to Phlearn with Aaron Nace and PiXimperfect with Unmesh Dinda. As well as learning from their digital mastery, I appreciate their obvious enthusiasm for Photoshop. An enthusiasm which I share (and which Mr. C often wishes I did not share with him). 

 

So here I am, sharing it with you. The picture above is the result of my attempt to turn the very lackluster photo below into something worth looking at through the magic of Lightroom and Photoshop. It may not be an ah-inspiring masterpiece but I'm pleased with what I've achieved. In some respects I feel as if I were “painting” the scene in the original photo, enhancing and changing colors, adding some things and removing others, emphasizing various details while rendering other areas with less definition. Both medium and tools are at hand merely by turning on my computer and opening the programs. I find it totally addictive.

 

As a bonus, when I'm finished, no cleaning of brushes and removing errant streaks and smudges from hands and other body parts. Although I do kinda miss the evocative odors of paint and turp and linseed oil.