CC for first time DSLR user...

[MTVision]

Thanks Megan, I checked out the link you posted above and I can't wait to spend some more time this weekend viewing the tutorials. I was curious do you know a good book or way for me to learn how to clean edit my pictures correctly?

It's kind of Hard to teach a way to edit photos because every photo will be different. But there are some websites that will teach you their workflow - its basically fixing exposure (if it needs it), fixing skin tones, adjusting colors, adding contrast and sharpen if needed.

 

[cmaag]

I use the free software that came with my Canon Rebel T3 (I've been trying to google the name of it but can't find it). I'm thinking of getting photoshop for my mac.

 

[MTVision]

I know what you are talking about. Do you shoot in RAW? Or jpeg? RAW files need to be processed but they are much better IMO. JPEGS are compressed so they throw out alot of data. Also, everytime you open, edit and save a JPEG it loses more data. You have alot more control with RAW files and they are easier to edit IMO - JPEGS are processed in camera

 

[fjrabon]

The tip of the nose would be OOF if you were shooting wide open. I've never read anything that said to focus on the cheeks. In portraits the eyes are the most important not the nose or any other part. Why even mention that to a newbie especially if you don't agree with it? You are just going to confuse them.

There is some debate about it (though not as much any longer), which is what I said. If you want I can find you the references for making the cheek focus argument on portraits. The argument is that the overall focus is better over the face as a whole. The most acclaimedPhotog I've heard who is a cheek focus person is Walter Ioss

Another issue us sometimes the top of the cheek gives a little better contrast, which is how AF works, by measuring contrast.

 

[cmaag]

RAW, glad you approve.