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Having logged most of my recent photoshop hours simply editing PHOTOS, I was thrilled to stumble on this blog and fall in love (yet again) with creating beautiful images.  This blog actually demonstrates some lovely filters and techniques that, although dangerous in the wrong hands, are wonderfully refreshing. Don't just read and say, "I oughta give that a try." Familiarize yourself with at least ONE creative option to put in your toolbox.  Enjoy!  http://blog.echoenduring.com/2010/01/20/10-photoshop-filters-you-should-definitely-know/

Fun layering effect in photoshop - the photo becomes the frame... check out a tutorial that shows you how at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/marksjohnsonphotography/~3/nhPfeSfBbUc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

This tutorial is worth exploring just to learn some new light effects available in Photoshop!  Thanks abduzeedo!   http://abduzeedo.com/amazing-photoshop-light-effect-10-steps

Here's another fun tutorial to help you stretch and grow.  This is my version, and I actually did it twice.  The first time I followed the steps exactly and the result was not like the sample.  The second time I changed some of the layer blending modes to get closer to the example.  Give it a try - it was not all that difficult! I'll use the techniques I learned, for sure.  http://www.jadgraphics.net/blog/create-amazing-extreme-space-background-photoshop/

This image is actually of my daughter playing her guitar (believe it or not).  After a fairly basic kaleidoscope treatment, this is the result. And here's the original photo.  Granted, the treatment has limited application, but it was fun, I learned some new shortcuts and I got to look at one of my favorite photo subjects the whole time. Here is the "quit-lovers" version of the same pattern repeated.  Check out the tutorial and see what you come up with!  http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-create-kaleidoscope-patterns-from-your-photos

Done to death by some - but it's my first time, So I'm good with learning a new thing!  If this tutorial doesn't light your fire, google "orton effect" and the whole world is lined up just waiting to show you how to do it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLQfva4kWbY&feature=player_embedded# And how's this for irony: I spent the whole day trying to get great depth of field in focus, only to come back to my computer and throw a gaussian blur over everything... nice.  Top image is with Orton effect, bottom is the orginal image.  Call me crazy - they don't look that different... Could be better with a close up?