We have been furiously working on launching our next set of Photoshop actions (can’t wait to spill the beans!) but in the interim every time I use the current sets I feel all evangelical like I want to scream from the roof tops that you need this product! We created the actions because a lot of the tasks we were doing in Photoshop (and we were doing A LOT of tasks there– Blog images, lettering clean-up, shop photos, etc.) were taking up way too much precious time, by automating everything it’s so much more efficient allowing us to do more of what we love. We want everyone that needs to use Photoshop on a regular basis to just be able to get in and get out as fast as they can (if that’s what they want to do). We are planning to work on some live edits very soon so you can see in real time just how quickly and easily you can clean up your lettering and illustrations (and also walk those that are newbie’s to Photoshop through our easy peasy process). This image would have sat scanned on my hard drive probably until by daughter went to college (she’s 2) if I didn’t have our trusty Vitamin L25 | Paper to Pixel Photoshop action set to use. I have been doing a ton of brush lettering lately because I am all amped up (and wildly inspired) for a our upcoming Brush Lettering week, we have interviewed some amazingly talented lettering artists that specialize in brush lettering that are divulging some serious secrets, we have a TON to giveaway: Classes, supplies, and yup, some of our actions. We just wanted to pop in and let you know what we are up to and we are excited as always to share our resources and finds with you-Carpe Diem friends!

//RESOURCES//

Brush lettering:

Pentel aquabrush | medium

Higgins Eternal black ink

Canson watercolor paper

Epson Perfection V19 scanner (so very fast and super hi-res scans!)

Photoshop

Vitamin L25 | Paper to Pixel Photoshop actions for cleaning and digitizing your lettering + illustrations

P.S. Those drips are from our upcoming set, you can get notified here when it launches (AND get some serious freebies!

The U.S. has had a heavy heart with multiple senseless tragedies transpiring from Orlando this week. We wanted to add our condolences. It is unfathomable to lose a loved one, it makes it even worse to lose someone you love in an incomprehensible way. It is always our hope that love will carry us all through whatever hardships we are having, that love will give us the strength and hope to buoy us through even the darkest of times. Today hold those dear to you a little closer and let those you love know how much you do.

Still life photography equipment can be as simple as your iPhone and a kitchen counter, but if you find yourself falling in love with the possibilities of still life as I have, you may want to invest in some equipment that will help you take your photos to the next level. Honestly, I wish I’d purchased the backdrop stand and accessories much sooner! I came up with all sorts of ways to rig up my backdrops, when I could have just purchased this simple backdrop stand for under $40. Live and learn right?

Excluding the camera and lens, this still life studio equipment rings in at under $200. An easy investment to step up your still life game!

// STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT LIST //

Backdrop Stand | Hello game changer! It’s expandable which means there’s room to shoot giant bouquets, or even portraits!

Sandbags | A safety necessity – if there’s anyone other than you in the studio (or if you ever accidentally bump into your backdrop stand – ahem) you’ll be glad your backdrop stand is stable.

Clamps | for holding the backdrops to the backdrop stands. I also use them to clamp blooms to backdrops.

White Backdrop  | This fabric will never be perfectly smooth, but I’ve come to love the texture of its stubborn wrinkles.

Black Backdrop  | I ordered 5 yards.

Tripod  |  I’ve mentioned this tripod before, it has held up so well, I think this price is a steal!

Camera | I’ve made the switch to Fuji mirrorless and LOVE it!

Lens | 35mm prime lens.

// EDITING TOOL //

You probably guessed but of course I used our very own Foto Rx! Foto Rx | First Aid Kit is always open in my Photoshop Actions menu – I really do use it all of the time, it’s just so fast! The image for this post took 3 clicks to edit: Slight Light, Add some Pep, and 20/20 Vision on the Spot (applied to the lemon and the pitcher) – and voila!