Black and White- Calculations

Black and White
Originally uploaded by Sarah Burnquist

Have you tried it yet? I used to be really stuck in my ways when it came to black and whites, I had it down pat!!! I did I tell you! Well, when we get stuck in a comfy rut it's hard to get out of it and try something new. Now, I'm actually loving the calculations method! You get to play with the different channels and really get the best combination for your particular photo! If you haven't tried it yet, please do!

On another note, I was thinking of taking a page out of the *Maternal Lens* Group and Blog and posting a Sarah and Sami Presents...group member's work that jumps out at me as awesomeness!!! So, look for that at the Flickr group pool!!!

My New Addiction...

Ok, so I've always loved to burn the edges of my pics to draw attention to the subject of my photo. Lately, though, with spring upon us I've really been drawn to making my photos really light and airy. So...instead of burning my edges, I've started to dodge the edges and it seems to really give a dreamy, light aspect to the photos! This dodge technique doen't have to be really noticeable, just slight and it does so much!!! So, try it out and give those spring pics some dreaminess and maybe even a little whimsy!!!

~Sarah~

Actions Tips...

The Sarah and Sami actions are so great by themselves! But have you tried to play with them together? You can really get some great results! Sami and I are all about having fun and experimenting with out photography, going out of our comfort zones and trying something new...be it in camera through the lens or in our post processing!!! So...give it a try, layer those actions and get creative!!!

This image of my daughter, Roxy, was PP using:

No Chump Love Sucker

Buddy Holly

Vintage Killa


~Sarah~

How to Save a Black and White When Using Calculations

So, this is actually pretty simple! After you've gotten your phtoto to look how you want using the Calculations method in a previous post, you click OK. Got to channels and click on the RGB channel...Now you're thinking why the hell did I just do after all that work getting it to a black and white? Well, simple! Look at the bottom of the Channels and you'll see a black and white thumbnail of your pic named Alpha 1!!! So, now that we've cleared that up let's go to IMAGE- APPLY IMAGE then in the Channel dropdown menu choose Alpha 1 then go to the Blending dropdown menu and choose Normal. That's it! You've not gotten your black and white image and it is saveable!!!

~Sarah~

The New Split

New Template Action!!! Just run this when you first open up Photoshop (don't open any documents!) It will give you the template and some simple directions after it has run! If you'd like more info on how to use my template actions, please watch the video below on the Five Square Photo Presentation!



Here you go, download it and enjoy!!!

The New Split.atn


~Sarah~

The Moment You've All Been Waiting For!!!

We've been so excited about our new Action Set and we've been super giddy just waiting to get it to you! The set is a bit bigger than the last one, but they all work really well together! Try all of them on color and black and white, mix and match them! Have fun with them and we can't wait to see what you do with them! Don't forget to join our Flickr group so that you can share your creations!!!

Sarah and Sami Present...Flickr Group

And, without further ado...Sarah and Sami Present...Actions x2!!!!

Sarah and Sami Actions 2NEW.atn

UPDATE~New Actions on Their Way!

Sami and I have been working really hard on coming up with some awesome new Actions and of course they will be FREE! We just wanted to update everybody so that you can keep your eyes out! Hope you're all having fun with the set that we have out now! Feel free to give us feedback and let us know if there is anything specific that you want: Tutorial, actions, whatever!