For a long time now I have been using textures to add extra depth to my photographs. I have spent a good deal of time collecting textures from around the internet (creative commons of coarse) and photographing my own. This is only one aspect of using textures. Knowing how to apply them and when to apply them is also a critical part of the whole process. Up to this point I have done everything manually and have learned what I know through experimentation. When working on a photo starts to become a chore it can really drop a brick right on the head of your creativity as well as put unneeded pressure on you when there is a deadline. This leads me to a new product that I am ecstatic about and am looking forward to adding to my arsenal of software.

The folks over at Totalaly Rad Actions will be realeasing a new product called "Dirty Pictures." Acording to their movie demoing the software it is going to simplyfy the use of adding textures to your photos as well as help you blend the texture correctly without having to waste time with a lot of trial and error.

The two things that I am excited about most is the streamlined interface that shows samples of the texture applied to the photo and the fact that they have made it work with textures that I already own. Like I mentioned earlier I have spent a lot of time hand picking textures for my usage and don't want to give that up. From the sounds of this software I will be able to continue to use what I already have as well as the included textures that are packaged with it. Its a WIN WIN situation and am glad that someone out there has created a time saving solution for doing it right.

While I do not own any of the products from Totatly Rad Actions I believe that "Dirty Pictures" may be the gateway drug that gets me hooked. I have had the opportunity to play with some of their Photoshop actions like "Boutwell Magic Glasses" and "Greetings From Paradise!" and love the simplicity and the overall impact that these actions have. If nothing else you have to love their names for the actions... How can you go wrong with "Can-O-Whoopass", "Oh, Snap!" or "Grandma's Tap Shoes." All in all, if "Dirty Pictures" works like they say it does... Then cover me in mud cause I'm tired of being clean!