# better pictures how to **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [September 22, 2009, 10:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918 "2009-09-22T22:57:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/21 "2009-09-27T01:14:48Z")
Me too. I have a Cannon Powershot a560. night shots are hard to mess with, it doesnt necessarily look better, just slightly different (my old bike) ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 2:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/22 "2009-09-27T02:10:30Z")
fml. I dont have time for photoshop. lol. I am going to be on that damn thing forever learing stupid things. Now I want to learn how to put a stamp/watermark for the corner of my pictures and I spent 45 minutes looking around google and trying stuff. shit. (of course I got no where worth mentioning) ---
**Author:** ![Since\_1983](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/since_1983/32/5362_2.png) [@Since\_1983](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Since_1983)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 2:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/23 "2009-09-27T02:13:36Z")
> [@Just Karter](#): > > yeah i need better camera setting and point and shoot tips that makes 2 of us, I have a pretty decent camera (nikon d60) just no experience and looking at stuff online can get complicated due to me not knowing all the lingo ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 7:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/24 "2009-09-27T07:32:26Z")
Yea I know what ya mean, I would have three or four tabs open at once with different explanations of terms to try to make one page understandable. I suppose its like any other subject though, it just takes time ---
**Author:** ![Karter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e480ec/32.png) [@Karter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Karter)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 8:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/25 "2009-09-27T08:15:45Z")
all the people who take the awesome pictures are being stingy! ---
**Author:** ![Vrooom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vrooom/32/7198_2.png) [@Vrooom](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vrooom)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/26 "2009-09-27T09:47:15Z")
If you want to be lazy about it, try searching online for some Photoshop Actions. Actions do all the work for you. Try this page out [http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/](http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/) and DeviantArt has a bunch. [http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/#catpath=resources/applications/psactions&order=9](http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/#catpath=resources/applications/psactions&order=9) and look at this, has a video to show you how to use them. [http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/blog/digital-editing/free-photoshop-actions.html](http://www.slrphotographyguide.com/blog/digital-editing/free-photoshop-actions.html) Some are kind of wacky and may require some adjusting afterward, but there are more subtle ones out there too. Any more questions, feel free to ask. ---
**Author:** ![Coldaccord](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/coldaccord/32/7272_2.png) [@Coldaccord](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Coldaccord)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 9:53am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/27 "2009-09-27T09:53:14Z")
some nice shortcuts in there. i wish it were explained the processes to get there though, I don’t know if I want to just throw an action on a photo like that how do I make a border like this (or get an action for that border)? ![http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p632186027-4.jpg](http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p632186027-4.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Vrooom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vrooom/32/7198_2.png) [@Vrooom](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vrooom)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 10:03am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/28 "2009-09-27T10:03:28Z")
> [@Coldaccord](#): > > some nice shortcuts in there. i wish it were explained the processes to get there though, I don’t know if I want to just throw an action on a photo like that > > how do I make a border like this (or get an action for that border)? If you go to the HISTORY tab, it shows all the steps. Sometimes the Actions flatten the layers at the end (in which case you can sometimes just press CTRL Z and the layers will show up) and then you can adjust the layers from there, ie. opacity, blending modes, etc. I usually have to go back and adjust to my liking because most actions are a bit extreme. Sometimes it helps too if you just duplicate your original untouched photo, and then set that layer on top of your Action layer and simply adjust the opacity. Like I said though, there are some more subtle ones out there that require very little post-adjustment…I’m trying to find some now to share with you guys. For borders, try these: > **[Photographers Toolkit 1 by WallStorm on DeviantArt](https://www.deviantart.com/wallstorm/art/Photographers-Toolkit-1-32945091)** > **[Framing actions - 2 - Simple by chain on DeviantArt](https://www.deviantart.com/chain/art/Framing-actions-2-Simple-118229310)** > **[Basic Borders Pack by Custard-Cream on DeviantArt](https://www.deviantart.com/custard-cream/art/Basic-Borders-Pack-63648983)** ---
**Author:** ![Vrooom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vrooom/32/7198_2.png) [@Vrooom](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vrooom)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 10:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/29 "2009-09-27T10:16:05Z")
This one is pretty decent > **[Forgotten Flowers Action](http://sd-stock.deviantart.com/art/Forgotten-Flowers-Action-115426653)** > > This is Unrestricted. Use it anywhere, for anything, but let me see. Just give me a link. Made in CS3. Credit would be nice, but is not required. Preview image is by ~gringlerstock. (Download for a... ![http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5524/35846227.jpg](http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/5524/35846227.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 4:22pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/30 "2009-09-27T16:22:19Z")
is it just my settings or is it permanently like this; the history pane only keeps a few steps. so if I want to go really far back I am screwed and have to start over. also, when I go to adjust sat/hue or brightness/contrast it NEVER remembers where I last left it, once I click ok and go back to adjust it the numbers are back at zero. Is there a way so it keeps the setting? ---
**Author:** ![Vrooom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vrooom/32/7198_2.png) [@Vrooom](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vrooom)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/31 "2009-09-27T17:11:47Z")
> [@travisn](#): > > is it just my settings or is it permanently like this; the history pane only keeps a few steps. so if I want to go really far back I am screwed and have to start over. > > also, when I go to adjust sat/hue or brightness/contrast it NEVER remembers where I last left it, once I click ok and go back to adjust it the numbers are back at zero. Is there a way so it keeps the setting? Not sure about the adjustments remembering thing, I find that annoying as well. But as for your first issue, it’s a good idea to periodically take SNAP SHOTS of what you’re doing. See that little Camera icon? Click it every so often and it will save what you’ve done and you can click on a saved snapshot and go back. Unfortunately, I don’t think it saves the actual steps for a saved snapshot…but saves you from undoing stuff…if that makes sense… ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 5:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/32 "2009-09-27T17:20:44Z")
I think I need a ps for dummies book ---
**Author:** ![Vrooom](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vrooom/32/7198_2.png) [@Vrooom](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vrooom)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/33 "2009-09-27T17:28:13Z")
> [@travisn](#): > > I think I need a ps for dummies book Or Google. I paid way too much money to learn the basics of PS in the form of a degree in Graphic Design. I learned more just by finding tutorials on Google and teaching myself. Still learning every day. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/34 "2009-09-27T18:19:28Z")
Yea I guess, There is just so much out there I am overwhelmed and dont know where to start. Those ‘you suck at photoshop’ videos are horrible, well the content is good but I cant stand his attitude or ‘funny’ jokes ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 6:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/35 "2009-09-27T18:20:50Z")
scam? [http://learnphotoshopnow.com/](http://learnphotoshopnow.com/) ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/36 "2009-09-27T18:25:36Z")
honestly if you have no idea what you’re doing in ps and you want to touch up photos use adobe lightroom 2. its a lot more user friendly. you dont have all the filters and such but for what it seems like you want to do it would work out fine for you. ---
**Author:** ![travisn](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/travisn/32/5046_2.png) [@travisn](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/travisn)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 6:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/37 "2009-09-27T18:27:11Z")
well everyone starts off not knowing what they are doing. its only day two… ---
**Author:** ![pirite](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pirite/32/5308_2.png) [@pirite](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/pirite)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/38 "2009-09-27T18:29:55Z")
> [@travisn](#): > > well everyone starts off not knowing what they are doing. its only day two… obviously. but i started off with lightroom which taught me basics like the curve and adjusting settings in a more user friendly manner. its just a suggestion. ---
**Author:** ![Karter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e480ec/32.png) [@Karter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Karter)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918/39 "2009-10-03T14:40:38Z")
![http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj47/billkarter/CIMG1742.jpg](http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj47/billkarter/CIMG1742.jpg) Did what newman did, it deffinatly improved (this was just a quick snapshot I was getting rained on haha. [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/better-pictures-how-to/73918.md?page=1)