I have been photographing roses in this wonderful private garden in Napa for the past six years.

Fountain focal point in courtyard flower garden with roses in California country garden

Fountain focal point in courtyard flower garden with roses in California country garden

I have more than a thousand photos that I have used for a series of garden albums, private books of this country garden and have just finished the most recent edition.

Besides being a rose nut, the owner is also an art collector with a love of impressionism, so I chose a few images to alter using the Topaz plug-ins for Photoshop.  I love the way this floribunda rose could be isolated from the rest of the garden, and began to play.

Before and After Slider

 

I can’t give a specific instructions on how to use the Topaz filters, they are quite complex and have multiple controls for dozens of brushes and sliders. I get lost in the process with multiple layers and subtle adjustments, and don’t keep any notes as I work.

Today’s tip is simply have fun with filters. There are many amazing plug-ins for Photoshop and the fun of using them is in the figuring out. Like any tool practice, practice, practice.