Lovely day today on Coronado Island. For people who have never been here, this hotel opened in 1888 and at that time was the largest resort in the world. It was owned by three men who bought the land together. It served as a playground for many Presidents, celebrities and actors. The hotel was used in a lot of movies including "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe. They actually make a drink there called Some Like It Hot. It's made with Vanilla Vodka, Hot Chocolate, Baileys floated on top and whip cream. I thought about trying it but I decided I could save myself the $14.00 that they charge and make it at home. In fact, I could make 2 or 3 for that price! Anyway, the Hotel Del is a beautiful and fun place to visit.
You asked about high key in your nice comment on my shot today. When I'm deliberately trying for it, I use the High Key effect in PSE 11, and then I may tinker with the result, darkening, lightening, etc. Most of the flower shots I've posted lately have not been deliberately high key. I get the white background sometimes by posing my subject against white card stock; or if the shot is taken (as the one I posted today was) on, say, my windowsill, with a blurred background of dirty window and whatever lies beyond it--my balcony railing, tall buildings beyond the park--I may fiddle in PSE to get a plain white background. I select the area(s) I want to change with PSE's Quick Selection Tool, probably feathering the edges a bit to make them look more natural, then lighten the area I've selected, and/or use the Paint Bucket to arrive at a white background. I may use PSE's Clone Stamp tool to make an area look like an adjacent area, and may use the Spot Healing thingie in the Guided section of PSE if necessary. I like the white background, but one reason I use it just now, which applies when I'm shooting something on a background of a chosen colour (I use pieces of card stock) is that white reflects light onto the subject and means I have fewer exposure problems, since my apartment faces north and the natural light in it at this time of year is still none too strong, and I don't like the effect of flash. I do use a tripod when I want everything in sharp focus, which of course isn't always the case. Hope at least some of this makes sense and is a bit helpful. By the way, I really admire your shots, they are beautifully done.
@wind_of_the_sothern_sea Thank you Arefin! I am doing quite well thank you. I was off the radar for a while visiting family and such. It's good to be back home.
@tristansmum Thank you so much Stephanie! Your technique suggestions are very helpful. I have PSE 9, practically a dinosaur but I will look for the high key tools. There is so much I still need to learn with photoshop but it's fun to tweak stuff! I really appreciate your instructions!
