Recently, with an evening free of commitments presenting opportunities galore, I chose to sit a spell in the backyard and light the chiminea. Sometimes, I like to put my Girl Scout acquired fire-building skills to practice and sit outside and enjoy the fresh evening air watching the sky turn from a dusky blue to black as the stars begin to appear. I can usually count on my youngest daughter to join in and occasionally we will partake in another time- honored Girl Scout tradition, the s’more. But this night, I was alone, at first, and brought my camera out. There were a few clouds in the sky and the sun was setting turning the clouds a beautiful shade of pink.

I decided to try something for boosting the colors in the images in Photoshop. I made a copy of the background layer and then used the overlay effect at about 50% opacity. It definitely boosts the colors.  I will show before and after the overlay so you can see for yourself.

Before
After

It was mesmerizing watching the swift-moving and ever-changing clouds.

Before

After

Then some birds crossed the lens.

Before

After

As darkness set in, my attentions turned towards the fire. The flames captivated as I watched them dance around in the chiminea.

Before

After

I can sit for quite a while enthralled by the flames’ movement while enjoying the warmth.

Before

After

Hopefully the differences are obvious to you. I like the overlay copy effect for enhancing colors on many images. I think it adds a richness to the color without distorting it which, in my opinion, boosting the saturation can do.

My daughter joined me, by this time, and we both sat entranced while sharing an occasional tidbit of conversation as the fire slowly died down.  Sometimes, a good campfire can’t be beat.

Here’s to time well spent!

~Sue