Blueprint of a Surfing Senior – Photoshop Actions Save the Waves

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This guy wanted a hip, fun senior photograph.  And thanks to Dan Treviño of Shooting Star Photography, he is getting one.

Unfortunately the lighting was less than ideal and the original photo was kind of gray (the water, the sky, and the subject).  When he sent this in, I knew just the blueprint formula to try on it. 

Step 1: Ran Extreme Fill Flash from the MCP Quickie Collection – masked back parts of the water and 80% and sky at 30%. Then duplicated the Extreme Fill Flash layer a second time.

Step 2: Ran Noiseware (which can be found here).

Step 3: Ran Touch of Light/Touch of Darkness Action – painted Light on the white waves, Darkness on the blue water.

Step 4: Ran Crackle from the Quickie Collection at the default opacity.

Step 5: Ran Color Explosion to find the hidden colors in the water and sky.

Step 6: Flattened – then duplicated background and used the patch tool to get out sensor dust spots.  I am not sure if you can see them on the original but they were very noticeable when viewed at 100%.

Step 7: Made a New Blank layer and added gradient sky (see sky tutorial here). The sky was not blown but it needed a little lift as it was still a little gray. Adding a blue gradient was the perfect enhancement.

Step 8: Wanted a different crop with more room to the right.  So I stretched the canvas as explained in this video.

dantreviobp-thumb Blueprint of a Surfing Senior – Photoshop Actions Save the Waves Blueprints Photoshop Actions Photoshop Tips

There was only one thing I did not love about this edit.  The photo still has some grain since it started out underexposed and since I did so much with the color and brightening it.  But as I look at it I think it still can work since many times photographers add texture to achieve this very effect.  What do you think of this extreme before and after play? I would love your thoughts.

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  1. Kim Townsend on April 17, 2009 at 9:05 am

    You look B-E-A-utiful!!!

  2. emily on April 17, 2009 at 9:07 am

    Love it, Jodi! You look natural and beautiful!

  3. Deena on April 17, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Beautiful!! Everything you did just makes the photo go from ‘average’ to fantastic! It all looks natural, just more ‘pop’. I really need to focus on learning photoshop! And of course, I’d LOVE to hear about the “secret” diet!

  4. Patti on April 17, 2009 at 9:36 am

    An action to make me look skinny(er anyway)? Um…. yes please! I find the change in the hair the most striking. You’ve inspired me to play with sharp as a tack layer more, what a difference! Lovely!

  5. Sheri Colautti on April 17, 2009 at 9:41 am

    Hi Jodi!I really love this post! Amazing photo, before and after!Please, pretty please share your secret diet trick!Sheri

  6. Susan on April 17, 2009 at 9:48 am

    Yes Please! Can I have some Digital Diet for dinner?! 😀

  7. Kelly on April 17, 2009 at 10:08 am

    Love the color – especially how rich and dark your hair looks! Fabulous 🙂 And I would love to learn about your digital diet trick…. amazing!!!

  8. Vanessa de Villiers on April 17, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Gheeeezzzy Zzzzzz, stunning! And may I say, you are a beautifull lady (and mom) 🙂 – Digital Diet….Oooo yeah, please ……yes…yes!

  9. Amy Dungan on April 17, 2009 at 10:34 am

    You look wonderful!!! I love how your actions bring out those little details that make such a huge difference!

  10. becca cleary on April 17, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Wow! What a great transformation, subtle yet stunning!

  11. Alisha Shaw on April 17, 2009 at 10:45 am

    LOVE to know the secret!! Great photo-so nice to see you now and again! Now we really see where your girls got their beautiful dark eyes!

  12. Tira J on April 17, 2009 at 10:48 am

    You look so great Jodi! Oh, and by the way, I just got carded at Red Robin a few weeks ago and I am 38! Apparently they card 39 and under! LOL! Love how you used all of the actions.

  13. Niccole Carol on April 17, 2009 at 10:52 am

    Digital diet ???? No that is a diet I can stick with 🙂 Yes please, I would to try that diet … BTW you look beautiful, not 37 that is for sure !!!

  14. Juanita on April 17, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Thanks for all the great info! Love the picture! Your eyes sparkle and I know its not from an action! Please share the digital diet! We’d love to know! p.s. Not that my one little voice makes a huge statement, but I try to spread the word of your blog any chance I get! I love it and I learn so much! Thank you!

  15. Susan Dodd on April 17, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Beautiful! I just love your posts! This was was no exception, so lovely! Digital Diet…so cute, and yes, that would be fun to learn!!

  16. aimee on April 17, 2009 at 11:23 am

    wow, you look fabulous – with and without photoshop! 😀 really love these blueprints! darn it, now i want to buy your eye doctor action too! and yes, need to know your digital diet secret!!

  17. Kristen Soderquist on April 17, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Love the picture!!!! I love how the actions make you stand out so much!!!! Diet action, who wouldn’t be interested!!! LOL

  18. Camille on April 17, 2009 at 11:42 am

    GORGEOUS! Yes, reveal the digital diet trick!!

  19. Jodi on April 17, 2009 at 11:57 am

    Since so many of you are interested, I have made a video to teach you how to lose 10 pounds in one minute with photoshop. Check back Tuesday to see it!Now anybody know the secret to slimming in real life short of lipo, bariatric surgery, or eat smart and exercise more :)Speaking of which, it is suppose to be almost 70 today. I think I better get out there on my bike or go for a nice long walk. And that means I have to get off the computer. Maybe photoshop is to blame for my extra pounds too (LOL) since I sit at the desk not moving…Anyway – check back next week to learn this EASY secret!Jodi

  20. kristie kulik on April 17, 2009 at 12:14 pm

    you are beautiful Jodi! And, really…you do NOT look your 37 years!!! and ummmm, I don’t know if I can stand waiting until Tuesday to see this video!!!

  21. Kim on April 17, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    I think you are gorgeous!!

  22. Barb Ray on April 17, 2009 at 12:31 pm

    Nice job Jodi! Especially love the change in your hair…never thought of that!! Smart transformation…subtle and natural yet it packs a nice punch. Oh…and who in their right mind wouldn’t want the “secret” to your Digital Diet???? :o)

  23. Vanessa S. on April 17, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Love the photo, it’s tough to put yourself in front of the camera sometimes. BTW – I’m a big fan of the “secret slimming trick”. I use it on almost every self portrait – LOL!!

  24. the BLAH BLAH BLAHger on April 17, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    DIGITAL DIET??? I need that PRONTO! Ha! Great before and after!!! Really like the eyes and lips improvements. : )

  25. Allison on April 17, 2009 at 1:50 pm

    With a digital diet, I won’t worry about my real diet! Thanks for the excuse, Jodi.

  26. Tyra on April 17, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    I would love the learn the digital diet! I always have clients ask if I can make them thinner, and I hate it!

  27. denise olson on April 17, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    you soooo pretty!!!

  28. Kansas A on April 17, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Wow that’s quite an improvement… uh not “you” but the picture itself, you are very beautiful in both pictures!! I’d love to hear about the digital diet 🙂

  29. Jenny Carroll on April 17, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    Amazing. Your before is great, but your after is fabulous! And yes, I’m very interested in Digital Diet! Love these Blueprints, BTW.

  30. Sheila Carson on April 17, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    I love that you did this! I’m always wondering when to choose what action for what?! I would love to see more of these “walkthroughs” to help me learn how and when to combine which actions. Thank you for taking the time to do this! It was very helpful.:) Sheila

  31. Jessica T on April 17, 2009 at 4:08 pm

    Very pretty, I love your actions, but haven’t purchased any yet. I would love the diet one for myself in pictures!

  32. admin on April 17, 2009 at 4:13 pm

    Sheila – I am doing Blueprints every friday now 🙂 So check back.

  33. Debbie P. on April 17, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    WOW!!! What can I say? The pop in the hair and eyes is AWESOME!!! Sooooooooo natural-looking!And who WOULDN”T want a Digital Diet?????

  34. MICHELE RIDDLE on April 17, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    You look great! Love the digital diet idea. Can’t wait!

  35. Barb on April 17, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    I definitely want to know the digital diet secret. 😀

  36. Keri on April 17, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    haha – who’s NOT interested in a digital diet!!! 🙂 Too bad it only works on photographs!

  37. JoAnne Bacon on April 17, 2009 at 7:28 pm

    Jodi, Thank you for telling us exactly what you do with which action…it really helps! Great photo of you! And I am very interested in the digital diet action!

  38. Brooke Lowther on April 17, 2009 at 8:24 pm

    OOOhhhh! very interested in a digital diet 🙂

  39. johnna on April 17, 2009 at 9:32 pm

    i think your natural lip color displays more beauty!

  40. Laura H on April 17, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    I am always on one kind of diet or other, I might as well be on a digital one also:) Thanks for the blueprint:)

  41. Iris Hicks on April 17, 2009 at 10:01 pm

    You are gorgeous and this is a terrific blueprint, before and after.

  42. Rose on April 17, 2009 at 11:01 pm

    I actually like the color of your lips in the before picture better, but love the vibrancy and lightness of the touched up photo. The skin doctor may have to be added to my arsenal, along with some classes on touch ups!! The tutorial on digital diet would definitely interest me!! (actually any tutorials you post here are fabulous!) Thanks 🙂

  43. Tricia Dunlap on April 18, 2009 at 7:13 am

    hello beautiful photoshop queen!your blog is sooooooo valuable!! we are blessed to have you!!!

  44. Kathy on April 18, 2009 at 8:51 am

    Great job & thanks for the great explanation! I would be SO VERY interested in the “Digital Diet”!! I’m on a real diet but until it works….I’ve also had customers ask if I could shave off some pounds when I do family pix…

  45. stacy on April 18, 2009 at 10:57 am

    digital diet…..count me in!!!

  46. melissa on April 18, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    Awesome … now I see where your girls get their eyes! PLEASE teach us the digital diet!

  47. Shelly on April 18, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    I live the photo and the adjustments you made. Actually, the crop probably did more for your photo than anything else. I would be VERY interested in learning the “digitial diet” technique!

  48. karen gunton on April 19, 2009 at 8:24 am

    thanks for sharing jodi. your processing looks lovely and natural. would love to learn how to do the ‘digital diet’- please do share!!

  49. tracey Emmett on April 19, 2009 at 4:52 pm

    Digital Diet . . . are ya kidding me. . . LOVE the sound of that! Please share!

  50. christine snell on April 20, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    I want to know how to do a digital diet- it may be the only diet I will ever stick to

  51. julie on April 21, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    Love the after shot, not to say that your before isn’t beautiful too! Sometimes I wish I had all the professional goodies. I use Elements 7.0 and just can’t find it in my budget with 4 small kids to do PS or Lightroom. But I long for ACTIONS….want them….dream about them….SIGHjuliewww.homeschoolblogger.com/juliestew

  52. Didi VonBargen-Miles on May 15, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    A-dorable! and anything that has to do with a secret or easy diet- I’m all over- count me in on the want to see the latest and greatest from MCP!!!! 🙂

  53. Jennifer King on June 23, 2010 at 1:40 am

    You are so cute! Yes please show us the digital diet! I need to learn how to use the liquify tool more effectively. 😉

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