I've gotten some questions recently about my editing, so today I thought I would give you all a closer look at my post processing. I'm mostly self taught in Photoshop and still feel like I have a lot to learn... I got some Totally Rad Actions last summer and it's completely changed how I edit photographs. Photoshop Actions are awesome. They're quicker and easy to customize to get the look you want. Leigh-Ann has a good explanation here on how to use them.
I edit with Photoshop CS4. This photo was shot on my Canon 50d with the 50mm 1.4 lens. I always shoot in Manual.
And I have to say, editing never makes up for shitty settings. It's really important to start off editing with a properly exposed photo. I'm going to use a photograph from this post.
Here is my straight out of the camera photo:
My settings for this photo- Aperture: 1.8. Shutter Speed: 2000. ISO: 200.
I always start off editing using Camera Raw (a function in CS4-5) to adjust the exposure. (Click on the photo you want to open, and over on the bottom right there is something that say 'Format', and click 'Camera Raw', then click 'Open'). A dialog window will appear. For most shoots, I shoot JPEG, but want to start getting in the habit of shooting in RAW. When I shoot for clients, I use RAW.
I eyeball minor exposure adjustments here. See that blue triangle in the corner by the histogram looking thing? If you click on that, it will make all the blown out highlights appear red. This is great for when I can't tell if I'm losing the data in those spots.
Camera Raw also has a quick function for making vignettes. Click on the Lens Corrections tab(I circled it in yellow) and play around with 'Lens Vignetting' arrows.
The after my Camera Raw adjustments:
Now I open the file in regular part of Photoshop and use my collection of Totally Rad Actions. (I also did some minor blemish airbrushing with the Healing Brush Tool).
This one is called 'Oh, Snap'. It's great for a little pop of contrast. I don't usually use it at 100%, but I liked it here. :)
Opacity: 100%. Layer Style: Normal.
Next action up is, Pool Party for a pop of color. Opacity: 22%. Layer Style: Normal.
Next I used a free curve from photographer, Nirrimi's, awesome curve/actions store called The Color Shop. This curve is "Great Grandma".
Curves at 31%. Layer Style: Color Burn.
I wanted to make the photo a little darker, so I made another Curves layer and played around with it until I got a look I wanted.
I decided I wanted to bring out the purple is her dress and face, so I used one of the Get Faded layers. (I like Winter and Autumn the most).
Get Faded Autumn:18%. Layer Style: Normal.
And there you have it!
Final Before & After: 
