Topaz Adjust - a little adjustment can make a big difference!

A little effort can make a big difference when it comes to photo editing. If you already follow me at the Fashion Doll Review, I'm sorry for the crosspost, but this software is worth mentioning here, too.

Check out Topaz Labs for free--no credit card required--for 30 days. You can use it as a plug-in with your existing photo editor. It works with (check out this link for requirements):

• Photoshop
• Elements
• Aperture
• Lightroom
• iPhoto
• photoFXlab
• PaintShop Prop
• Irfanview
• Photo Impact
• Serif Photo Plus

Above, I've used Topaz Adjust with iPhoto (so I've also used Fusion Express) to change the contrast in only a few clicks. You can compare the two photos side by side, and see which you like best. It's easy to use, and very fast. The difference is just amazing.

Love, Ante

M-Line Ante, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Ante sends you her love today, from an unusually rainy day in San Diego.

You can see a few additional photos on Flickr. I've been playing around with heart-shaped bokeh, and it's quite easy and fun. You should give it a try.

Here's a link to an easy tutorial--and I suggest trying hole punches for more shapes.
http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_create_your_own_bokeh

Fun with Photoshop

Rococo Sky, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I've run an older photo of Sky (a lovely Peak's Woods Fairy of Color) through a few Topaz filters (Adjust and Star Effects) via Photoshop Elements, and I'm just having a blast.

You can add a little bling to your photos. This one has Waterdrops and Jewel Sparkle from the Star Effect plug in, and French Countryside coloring from the Adjust plug-in. They work with lots of available software--go check them out!

Welcome home, Lea!

Lati Yellow Basic Lea, a photo by alington on Flickr.

My very first LaTi doll arrived this week, and she is just adorable! Her DollHeart (surprise!) outfit hasn't arrived yet, but this cutie fits very well in Barbie clothes.

The adorable grey sweater was made by my Blythe-collecting friend Debbie, who made it for my first Blythe. I think Lea looks very cute in it.

I do have a pair of shoes for her, but of course I can't find them now.

I have to admit, after reading the less-than-flattering company reviews of Lati Doll on Den of Angels, I was a little nervous placing an order with them. But Lea arrived just like I'd ordered in six weeks and two days after I placed the order, with the face-up I had customized for her. I couldn't be happier.

At first, I thought her stringing might be too loose--I don't have many tiny dolls. But she and her little double joints work perfectly, and they fit well, and she can stand alone. I have no complaints. I need to blush her, however. She is just gorgeous.

See more photos of her on Flickr.

Further reading

Some other books I can recommend, available from Amazon.com: