I was checking out this ladies blog and I really love the look of the pictures especially the color ones. Does anyone know where I can learn a workflow to achive pictures like these
The look of her work has as much or more to do with the way she lights the subjects (low, often nearly flat lighting ratios with open shadows which from the catchlights appear to be created outdoors by using large panel reflectors) than the post processing which is just a bit more saturated and contrasty than normal (i.e. as perceived by eye).
The color images have had a special treatment that increases the color intensity and number of colors. I suspect that she is using a lab color method. The variety of colors in some images leads me the think that she is pushing the envelope a little. Dan Margulis over on kelbytraining.com has some classes on lab color. A standard a & b lab channel color boost method will give you the over saturated, but not blown colors. For the color variety in many shots, try his "man from Mars" method (this will bring out colors that would not be noticeable in standard RGB processing). These lab methods are very quick and easy once you learn how to do them. One way to identify this work is to ask yourself have you ever seen something like the walls in many shots with that level of color range. Creates a nice artistic effect. If your Photoshop skills are not at least at a solid intermediate level, don't attempt to take Dan's classes. In the intro to his classes he states that he expects you to know how to use Photoshop ... and he is not kidding. Outside of that, she is using selective sharpening in some interesting ways. Such as the heavy sharpening of the jacket in the first shot. Throw in a little protection for the skin tones with a mask and then smooth the skin (to an almost objectionable level ... do babies need skin smoothing) and you have the finished product. Nice look. I may try it on a few of my recent shots ... it has been a while since I used some of these techniques.
