fabulous friday challenge

It's that time again! I had planned to post a shot from the air show last weekend but I changed my mind after yesterday's adventure. I was driving home during a thunderstorm and I was still inspired from Mary Kate's awesome shot from last week.

I didn't have my camera on me, but I had my iPhone, so I thought why not and I pulled over. I didn't know if anything would look good on the computer, but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Then I was disappointed because they were very grainy.

And then I found the best tip I have heard in a long time. Check it out. Here's my Fabulous Friday shot:



It didn't start out so fabulous. Like I said, it was grainy and I needed some help, so I went to Google to look for a way to reduce noise in Photoshop. It turns out there's a great setting in the RAW viewer that I knew nothing about.

Here's my original after I opened it in the RAW viewer in CS5. Click on the third icon from the left along the top that looks like two triangles. Under 'Noise Reduction' you'll see a slider called 'Luminance'. Grab that slider and slide it all the way to the right.

I don't know if I'd want to go so heavy on that slider if it was a portrait as it makes it almost dream-like, but it really helped me out on this shot. I was able to then hit it with an action to enhance the purple a bit and I was done.

It turned out well so I wanted to share.





Now it's your turn!

Just a reminder of the rules:

1. The picture has to be taken by you.
2. The picture has been taken during the past week and it can be a picture you have posted earlier in the week.
3. Link up using the link to your individual blog post and not your main blog address.
4. Please include the Fabulous Friday button (below) in your post to link back to my site.
5. Leave feedback for five other participants. Let them know what you think!
6. By linking up you are okay with me re-posting your photo here if you are chosen for the top five.


Thanks everyone! Have a fantastic weekend!





Comments

This is my first link-up to your blog party, with my fave picture of a heritage mountain rail I visited last week. Just love your blog! Am off to leave my comments on some of the others who've linked up too. Good day to you!
Anonymous said…
Awesome shot. I still need to capture lightening.
Melanie said…
This shot is spectacular! Thanks so much for sharing your tips, I have many shots, I could use that option on! Sometimes I like a little bit of grain in my photo's, but only sometimes! Off to see more beautiful shots!!
FYH said…
Cool shot! I've never captured lighting...
Lisa said…
That is a good shot and from your phone...nice work. Thanks for the tips
4 Lettre Words said…
Wow...so beautiful!
Anonymous said…
I almost use my iPhone for more pictures than my SLR these days! (in fact- I just bought lenses for my iPhone the other day...yes, lenses for a phone! Click on my name to see a picture I took with my macro lens!)
But...I had no idea that I could open those pictures in the RAW editor! Awesome- and thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle said…
Great lightning capture! And...thanks again for such a fun weekly theme. I really enjoy Fab Fridays. :)
Ashley Sisk said…
I'm really impressed - that is amazing.
Tiffany said…
Thanks for the tip Jen...have a great weekend!

Tiffany
Nayana said…
Shot is stunning, I never clicked lightning yet.....linking up....
Honey Mommy said…
Love your lightening shot! I SO want to capture lightening. It's on my bucket list but I haven't managed it yet!
Wow, fabulous even with, but especially because you used your phone.
Brooke said…
WOW! Great capture and that tip made the world of difference. THANK YOU for sharing. I had no idea that you could do that. I will be using that one from now on ;D YOU ROCK!!!
Gina Kleinworth said…
I would love the opportunity to capture lightning! Really cool & I love how you posted about how you processed it too.
Kim Stevens said…
Oh, I love it! I have never tried lightning before, but right now we are in such a drought that it might be a while!!
Gretchen said…
Great capture... and wonderful tip!!! I'm going have to check it out to see if it will work with PSE?!
Everyone's entries are so gorgeous today!!
Rosie Gan said…
You discovered another technique!Your photo turned out great. That's why I seldom delete a poor capture...you never know.
Rosie
Trish ~ ♥ ~ said…
thanks for the tip. I will have to give it a try.
Anonymous said…
awesome blog, do you have twitter or facebook? i will bookmark this page thanks.

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