October 28, 2010

by Gavin Seim: my Hollywood 2 Photoshop actions were featured in the October issue of Shutterbug Magazine, in the Digital Innovations column by Joe Farace. Back in September, Joe took a look at my Naked Elements Textures and Creative Essentials actions and gave them a great review. This month Joe came back for more, taking a peek at HE2, a collection of effects dedicated to adjustable finishing touches and giving any type of photo a little something more.

Joe gave a glowing review, Calling HE2 “Outstanding” and stating “If you photograph people, you need this inexpensive set of actions”. A shout out to him and the folks at Shutterbug for taking the time to notice my work. Here’s a copy of the review (click for larger version). You can also pick up the Oct 2010 issue of shutterbug and see it on pages 37-38.

You can learn more about Hollywood Effects 2 here as well as download some free samples… Gav

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August 19, 2010

by Gavin Seim: PW3 is my new preset collection. It’s drop dead effective at making great images by doing things you would never even try otherwise.

It’s been a long time coming. PW1 came out in 2007. Followed in 2008 by PW2. I was inspired to take it further. As I went along I kept refining and releasing free updates until I got to PW2.5, but along the way I was already working on the next version.

Taking PW2 and setting the bar twice as high meant a challenge. Early on I was not sure what I could do to make them that much better. Boy was I wrong. I started really getting under the hood in LR. Yes, more than before. I looked at every aspect I could think of. When the dust started settling I was thrilled with the results and the response from teasers I put out. Every effect has been revised and lots of new ones added, while maintaining the orderly streamlined structure that makes Power Workflow a perfect starting point for editing. It takes advantage of Lightroom 3 and remains backwards comparable with older versions.

I guess I’m just saying I’m really proud of PW3. It’s not just a pile of presets. I’ve been working on it over a year and it represents three years of studying what makes a great workflow and what makes a great effect. I feel like a scientist. PW3 is balanced, and it has a little of everything yet it still fits perfectly right beside of my other collections. Each package is still totally unique.

You can check out the Power Workflow3 page for full details, new features and even a brand new PDF that lists every effect and tells a little about what it does. Enjoy… Gav

Upgrading: Those of you that own a previous version are available for a discounted upgrade price, which happens to be more than half off. If you did not get your email with the upgrade code contact and I’ll get you taken care of.

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April 6, 2010

Color Fantasies LR presets have been out for nearly two months and I’m proud to say have been incredibly well received. While Power Workflow2 is still a mainstay for general editing and workflow, CF has gotten myself and many users thinking and using color more creatively without spending a lot of extra time in their editing.

Today marked the release of  CF V1.1, which includes a few tweaks and enhancements to existing effects, as well as two brand new movie inspired effects. Old London was inspired by the color tones I noticed throughout the new Sherlock Holmes movie and Deep Magic came after I watched the second installment to Lord of the Rings and notices the subdued yet catching way in which color was used.

If you own Color Fantasies check your inbox for the 1.1 download. If you don yet have them, check them out here. If for some reason you did not receive the update feel free to contact me. Also if you’re not a member if the Facebook page don’t wait. FB fans gets extra special deals updated and tips Enjoy… Gav

“Got the Color Fantasies yesterday and you’ve outdone yourself, Gavin! They are really wonderful. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next” Connie Graham Terry

“The new “Color Fantasies” is gorgeous. It will define my look for 2010… simply great stuff!” Julian Fuhrmann

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March 18, 2009

I have many websites that deal with photography. Probably the most recognized of which is Pro Photo Show. But since having a blog is nothing new to my world, I wanted KungFu Photo to be different. Not only a place for my workshops, but  a place to talk in simple terms about mastering photography.

I’m planning a new series of posts. I’ll take one image that’s really inspiring and analyze what’s amazing about it to me. Then I’ll leave  it to you all to share what you think and how you see it. This is different from Kung Pho Tique, where readers submit a photo for critique. These are images I’ve discovered that are already incredible and deserve to be seen.

Simple learning experiences. That’s what I want this site to be all about. Stay tune…. Gav

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