Aperture 3 Tutorial // Quick Portrait Enhancement

I thought I would share the method that I use to enhance my portraits in Aperture 3. This is the quick version and does not dig into any crazy techniques, but it is what I use a good portion of the time on casual portraits. I use a lot of keyboard shortcuts along the way but I thought I would document them here as well.

• "Quickstart" preset = q (Adds edge sharpening, and makes exposure and enhance adjustments)
• Add curves = shift+c
• Burn Brush = b
• Dodge Brush = command+b
• Vignette = control+v (default shortcut in Aperture)

After the video I also made the "s-curve" adjustment a preset and added the shortcut "shift+s" for it. Since and s-curve adjustment is a pretty useful one I figured it should have its own command for it.

Anyway, I hope this video is helpful and shows you how powerful Aperture 3 is. Most photos only need to have small changes done to them to make them "better" so there is no need to have to open them in Photoshop all the time for that. Enjoy the video and leave me some feedback if it helped out. I am also looking for other ideas and topics to create videos for so if you have any ideas let me know. And like the last video (multiple adjustments and brushing them in) don't forget to watch it in HD for the best quality.

Did this video tutorial help you?

I enjoy making these Aperture tutorials and will continue to do so to the best of my ability. With that said, I am looking towards the future and see the need to extend and grow what I can offer. If you like the videos that I have been providing, please consider a donation to help me make them better. If you prefer not to donate that will in no way impact future tutorials.

This is NOT required nor is it in any way going to be tied to any other part of my site. Any donations supplied will be used for the sole purpose of helping me create better tutorials for my fellow Aperture users. The rest of my site will remain as it has been and this information and the donation button will only be available after a video tutorial. Thanks -Nate

Comments

[Les]

Hi Nathan,

I actually found your site when looking at the Aperture Users Group on Flickr. And I am very happy that I did!

Very weel-crafted tutorial.

Les :-)

[Nathan]

Les, thanks for finding me and stopping by!! I am going to try and be a bit more active in the aperture flickr group but I will prob keep a fair amount of my tutorials and stuff here on my site. I have a handful of other videos planned so stay tuned for more goodies.

-N8

[Jose]

This was a sweet video. Really simple to follow along. Thanks Nathan.

[Nathan]

@Jose - I am glad that you liked the vide Jose and hope that it was helpful.

-N8

[Eileen]

Helpful to say the least! Thanks so much for taking the time to make and share!

[Bill417]

Very helpful video. Glad I found your site. Look forward to more Aperture videos. Suggested topic would be "All about Sharpening" --- how much for different outputs, Apertures' controls for, etc.

[Angela]

Glad I found your site. Video was very helpful... will have to look into setting up some nice shortcuts too :)
And I'd like to second the Sharpening suggestion.

[MONIKA]

Thanks very helpful;)

[Carlton Hansen]

Nathan,

Another very helpful video. Enjoy looking at your techniques. Keep up the good work.