One of the reasons I wanted to start a blog is because I derive so much pleasure from looking at the gorgeous photos that other mamas take of their kids and the events in their lives. I wanted to share my own life in that way. We have an okay camera, the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS. It’s not a total piece of junk, but it’s not a DSLR. I used to find it endlessly frustrating that I could get great shots lined up, but the color always looked washed out or the photos came out grainy. Some of this is user error (okay, most of it), but some is just the equipment and that can’t be remedied by adjusting settings.
However, one day, while I was mindlessly cruising around Pinterest, I came across The CoffeeShop Blog, a site created by a stay-at-home mama named Rita. Oh my goodness. I am in love. (With the site not with Rita, though she seems nice enough!) This amazing woman has created Photoshop action sequences that can be downloaded *for free* and applied to your photos in a matter of seconds. No more trying to learn the 85 steps necessary to make your photos look like they were taken by a professional. Now, you just click a button or two.
Usually, I don’t like cheating. But, in this situation, I am all for it. Just check out how awesome some of my pictures have turned out using her actions!
My daughter Lillia at her Waldorf school’s May Day celebration, 2010.
For some of her actions, Rita includes multiple choices for different effects, which is really helpful.
Lillia at home on May Day this year, 2011.
Both sets were enhanced using Rita’s CoffeeShop Color Pop 2 Action. I highly, highly, highly recommend you visit her site, if you have Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. You will be amazed at what your photos can turn into with just a few clicks!
Thank you, Rita, for your talent, your creativity, and your generosity!
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Really gorgeous. I especially love the second set of photos. I’ll have to check out The CoffeeShop blog. I’ve been toying with photography as well with my Sony point and shoot. One of these days, I’ll upgrade, but for now, this camera is economically friendly!
Yes, a new DSLR would cost close to $1,000 and my photography hobby is several rungs down on the budget priorities ladder. But, I love that I can now take some of my better point and shoot photos and make them look really spectacular.