Dianna Cameron

HI Damien --- Yes, and that is EXACTLY the problem I found when I made my first fumbling attempt to mask her in order to create the background.  You are quite right, I don't have the necessary Photoshop skills yet.  But can I ask, why would it be easier with a solid color than it would be with an artistic background?

Hi Brian - thank you for your message and I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.

My budget is tiny, really - (I'm a pensioner) - so I was hoping you could give me some indication of what type of camera I should look for and then I will go on Gumtree and see what I can find.  The trouble is, I have no idea what kind of camera I should be looking for that does Raw, because this is all quite new to me. 

Kind regards

Dianna Cameron

HI Damien --- Thank you for following up.  A solid black background on a painting 60cm by 90cm might be a bit overwhelming.   I have a couple of months before I have to start painting it, so I might see if I can experiment in Photoshop with alternative backgrounds. The trouble is I'm so inexperienced at this stage that I have no confidence.  But I will give it a go.  (I am learning a new Method of painting and this method requires that I paint exactly what I see for the first few paintings, otherwise I could simply experiment when I'm painting.) Thank you for your time.  I know how busy you must be, and I appreciate it.   

I am about to begin the task of digitizing some family albums (7 of them) and that will involved either scanning or photographing images and documents. I am doing your courses, Damien, so that I can get the skills necessary to restore/improve the images.  Other than that, just general every-day photography. I would like to take some good quality photos of my paintings.  Thank you

It just a little Samsung ST150F  thanks

Damien, can you direct me to where I can find some information on cameras that shoot Raw but don't cost a lot?

Kind regards

Dianna Cameron

HI Damien - thank you very much for your time.  I'm not sure about the background but it's not such a big problem....  It's a shame about the focus but there's nothing I can do about it now.

Kind regards

Dianna

Are you able to help me improve the focus of this photograph?

The photo was taken 35 years ago and the focus is terrible.  The background is also terrible.   Is there anything you can suggest?

Kind regards

Dianna Cameron

Yes, of course, I apologise.  Sometimes for me it's too confusing having just one thread!

I feel terrible, I'm wasting your time - that color is not even close  -- I might have to accept the fact that the color has to remain the same for the next painting. 

Is there anything you can do with Jeana in terms of focus and background? My Photoshop skills are so limited....I know I can change the background but I'm so clumsy and inept at this stage.

Thank you very much for your time and I truly apologise for wasting your time

Kind regards

Dianna

I'm sorry but I think that color might be far too bright...   the color has to be compatible with the image overall. 

I'm quite uncertain really, but maybe something like:

H337

S62

B70

R179

G69

B112

I'm quite out of my depth here.

Kind regards

Dianna

No, I mean actual painting with oils paints.  I need a good source image to use.

Hi Damien

Some advice would be appreciated.

Can I get some help editing two images? I’m too inexperienced at this stage.

LUCIA:  I have just spent months painting Lucia for a friend. I am now about to start a second one.   I would prefer the second painting to be a brighter pink. I could just change the color when I’m painting it but because I’m learning a new painting method from markcarder.com, I must not alter anything. Is there anyone who could deepen the color of the dress without destroying the skin?

Thank you

Kind regards

Dianna Cameron

Abc123@ozemail.com.au

I have only enrolled for the bridge class. Got sick.  Won't be able to concentrate until New Year.  In the meantime would like to scan lots of old photos.  Can someone please tell me what the best format and resolution to use?  thank you

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the best way to clean print negatives. I just received my Epson Perfection V550 today and I want to start scanning but lots of the negatives are in a bad way.  I have some isopropyl alcohol.  Thank you  Dianna

Brian, please excuse me!!!  My head is spinning with the amount of new information I'm having to deal with at the moment!  The fact that they ship to Oz is there in huge great big bold letters and I missed it!  What can I say!   

Thank you, all the same.  I really appreciate your time and effort.

Hi Brian - thank you for your advice.  I would love to get an Epson V700 too, based on what you've said!  But I can't do it at the moment.  I have actually ordered a V550 from the States for only AUD$200 including postage and import duty, so I will stick with that.  Otherwise the Perfection V600 would have been an excellent idea.  Are you in the States?  For some reason I thought Damien lived in Brisbane, which is close to where I live on the Gold Coast.  I went onto the website you sent, and it seems that B&H are in the States and they said on their website that they don't send products to Australia.  Unless of course I read that wrong.  Also, the cost in AU dollars would be double what I am paying now.  Thank you for the prompt feedback and help.  Kind regards  Dianna

I want to study with you.  I am a bit confused about everything at the moment but I'm sure it will become clearer.  I have an immediate project of wanting to scan 500 negatives.  I need a scanner and don't have much to spend.  Would your forum be likely to comment on whether an Epson Perfection 500 scanner would be a reasonable choice?  I hope my question is not inappropriate. Thank you  Kind regards  Dianna