Someone suggested learning back-button focus with a single focal point to me years ago, and it was a game-changer. I use BBF exclusively, whether I’m shooting sports, portraits, or a static piece. There was a steep learning curve, but it’s all in muscle memory now!

You’re right! There were so many things that were off in this shot. I snapped it without checking settings…and then she was off and running! I posted this because sometimes we photographers delete photos that can be made presentable with a little bit of work. I’ll never have that moment again, so I’m glad I kept it!

Her hair was blown out, the background was uninteresting, her eyes weren't sharp, her teeth weren't sharp. even the cropping was inadequate. I just wasn't happy with it. Today, I spent some time in PS Beta, correcting everything. It took some time, but I'm really happy. It'll never win an award, but my daughter, the girl-child's momma, will be happy.

(Download)

Your photo took my breath away!

A big thanks for everyone's help!

Sure enough, I somehow lost my Creative Cloud App. None of my apps had been updated since 2019, so I'm sure I have a learning hill to climb. I, pretty much, put down my camera for the two years of Covid, but have had some great opportunities lately to do some shoots for businesses and babies. It's good to be back behind the lenses...and in Photoshop/Lightroom!

Well, I feel like an idiot. I though Photoshop and Lightroom subscriptions automatically updated. I'm still on Lightroom version 8.3 and I have absolutely no idea how to update it.

It's giving me an Error message: Specified product is not installed on this machine. Please quit the installer and start over. How do I quit the installer????

I'm watching a Phlearn video on Lightroom Classic's new (2022) masking capabilities, but Aaron's screen is different than mine. Do you see the four icons on his on the right with the Crop, Healing, Red Eye and Masking tools? Where can I find them?

I got 35 out of 35, too. I guess that means I have a few good years before dementia sets in!

I have a beautiful specimen of this plant. Here in Central Texas, we call it "Pride of Barbados." I whack it back every winter; it reemerges every May and blooms all summer and into fall, preferring lots of sun, a lot of heat, and little water. SCORE! I still haven't figured out how to propagate them, though. I knick the seeds, soak them overnight, start the seedlings under paper toweling and plastic wrap. Then, when they emerge, I plant them in tiny pots in potting soil. I can get them to grow about 4" tall in a pot...and then they die. :( I've tried twice now.

You're right. I'd probably kick myself blue if I left it at home! :)

Hi Stevieboy! I'm going to Israel next month and I'm waffling between just taking my iPhone6 for photos or taking my good stuff with me--D600 with a 24-70. People in my group are taking a lot of precautions to keep their valuables safe, so I'm wondering whether the risk of loss is too great. Your thoughts?

I planted six of these this year and they are gorgeous! You've inspired me to get out and photograph them. Gorgeous shots, Sundar!

What a great theme! What inspired you to do this series?

Tack sharp on his BEAUTIFUL eyes! He'll love this 'til he's an old man, Rudolph!

Be prepared to re-download plugins, like Nik, after updating to the new PSCC. Kelby mentions that this may be the last time we have to jump through this hoop!

He also includes three helpful tutorial videos--Content Aware Crop, Select and Mask, and Face Aware in Liquify.