FOGARTYFOTO

That jarring headline is a quote from “Tropic Thunder”, where Robert Downey Jr.’s character advises Ben Stiller’s character to pull it back, never go all the way.

Throttle back your Photoshop effects. Or better, use none at all. Photoshop actions can be so exciting, especially to the new photographer. But – like government and habanero salsa – it’s best to use them sparingly. I’ve ruined many photos by applying Photoshop actions at 100%. Now – if I use Photoshop actions at all – I start at 20% opacity and slide the opacity around ’til it looks best. Then I back that off a little bit Everybody knows, you never go full retard.