Before and After - Frozen Drop

This is my SOOC shot on Monday.   

And this is my edited version.  

I cropped it a little, ran Pioneer Woman's Sharpen and Define action x 2, played with the highlights and contrast, and then ran it through Topaz Adjust and to lower the noise.   I was still not happy so I added a layer and chose Pin Light.  I really have no clue what I am doing with layers yet!

Be sure to visit Ashley for more great editing tips and tutorials.  She really rocks! 

Happy Thursday everyone!

xoxo,
SouthernSass

SOOC and Macro Monday

This frozen drop is straight out of the camera and yep, it was taken during our big snow and ice event.   I took it during the morning before it melted, so hopefully that counts for this week's theme "Good Morning."

There is a little reflection of some red berries in it at the very bottom.   Hopefully, when I edit it they will be more visible.  So, be sure to check back on Thursday for the edited version.  


 

Also, be sure to visit Lisa for more great macros.  It is always a fun way to start the week!

Happy Monday!!

xoxo,
SouthernSass

Strength....

This one little leaf was standing up straight in our front yard in the snow/ice.    Can you imagine the strength it took for it to stand upright in the snow, ice and wind?  

May you all have a very blessed Sunday!   Be sure to visit Katie for more great Scripture and a Snapshot.



xoxo,
SouthernSass

Frozen Parsley....

I'm teaming up with Ashley for Shoot and Edit.   I missed the SOOC link up on Monday, but have displayed it below. 

SOOC.  This flower pot sits on my front porch but the wind blew the snow and ice in on top of it.

My edit:  Opened in PS Elements 8.  Cropped.   Under "Enhance" I lightened the shadows at 27%, darkened highlights at 3% and boosted the midtone contrast to 33%.   I then adjusted the brightness up to 15 and increased contrast to 26.    I used Pioneer Woman's Define and Sharpen action x 2 and then used Florabella Rain action.  I adjusted the layers to suit my taste and then ran it through Topaz Adjust (GREAT product!) to decrease the noise.    I am not sure this is my favorite edit for this pic - but I am learning.  

Thanks Ashley - and I look forward to learning more about layers and masks!    I am also linking up with Macro Friday with Blogging from Bolivia.

Have a safe and blessed weekend!

xoxo,
SouthernSass






 

Southern Snow/Ice

These are just a few random pics from our snow/ice event.   We had at least 2 to 3 inches of snow, but then the sleet and freezing rain came through coating everything with an icy finish. 

My empty tricycle planter was frozen in place. 

The back yard was a sheet of ice.  My poor dog Rascal did not like it one bit - poor thing slid around just trying to find the "right" spot to do his business. 

 
My garden girl had a basket full of puppies covered in ice.

And this is my little guy's take on snowboarding - he did it with his Yo-Baby plastic skateboard!  He and his buddy had fun playing ice hockey in the front yard. 

Happy Thursday - I hope you have a great one!

xoxo,
SouthernSass

Frozen.....Macro Monday

I'm sorry to overdose you on icy/snow shots, but that is the big story here right now.   This particular shot was taken during our last snow event the day after Christmas.   This little branch and drop was frozen after the snow had started melting, but had refrozen during the night.  

We are forecast to get 1 inch of snow overnight (I'm hoping for more!) but the big story is the ice that is expected tomorrow afternoon.  Grrrrr......  Ice is never good, no matter where you live.   

The "crud" has also reared its ugly head again and I have been sick and have fallen behind on keeping up with everyone.  I hope to be catching up with all of you tomorrow, provided we have power.       

For more great macros be sure to visit Lisa - its a fun way to start the week!

Have a wonderful week!

xoxo,
SouthernSass

Ice Crown

I am soooo happy that we got snow today!!   It was an inch or less that accumulated, but nonetheless very exciting for us Southern folks that do not get to see it very often.    My youngest is still outside playing with his buddy and does not want to give it up - even though he is probably close to becoming a popsicle right about now.

  
This dried flower looked like it was wearing an ice crown.   I hope to get out in the morning and find some more icy macro shots.  

For more great macros, but sure to visit Lisa.  Its a fun way to start the week! 

Have a happy Monday!!

xoxo,
SouthernSass