Coming to Terms with Post-Processing

As you know, I used to have a love/hate relationship with post-processing. I used to think it was just a crutch, or an excuse to be a lazy when taking pictures. But with the help of some very neat Actions - basically a prefigured list of effects that create and overall effect - I've repented of my ways and started taking baby steps out of my comfort zone. I've seen some amazing images enhanced by post-processing - like my friend Jennifer. She does some amazing work, which includes some use of Actions. Why can't I do that, too? In order for my business to survive and to be taken seriously as an artist, I HAVE to come to terms that post-process is "the thing", now. While it starts with a quality image as a foundation, I've realized you can make it true art with some post-processing, but I still stand by my original statement about portraits - I refuse to edit them until the subject looks "plastic". But when it comes to "artsy" shots, I don't mind over processing, as long as it (obviously) improves the shot. Take my recent photos for example. For future reference, SOOC means "straight out of the camera", meaning it hasn't been touched up at all. Click to enlarge:

I loved this shot before, but it definitely needed some...umph. A shove in the right direction, if you will. With some sharpening, color-boost, and a subtle vignette, I think I was able to come away with a lovely, almost impressionistic, image.

I really liked this image to begin with, but I think the muted color mixed with the vibrant red really makes a statement. And I'm a big vignette fan, if you couldn't of told.

I went out on a limb with this one. It went from plain to fantastical in one action. Love it.

I wasn't sure if there was any salvaging this one. It was just kind of...blah. No obvious focus point. Nothing to draw your eye. Nothing exciting. I decided to tinker with it and see if I could do anything with it. Cropping, sharpening, and color-adjustment seemed to do the trick and thus, a whole new image was born. Pretty spiffy, I think.

The verdict: I really love post-processing and I'd love to learn how to do it better. I'm guessing it will just require more of what I have been doing - tinkering and experimenting until I'm satisfied. Just bare with me through that learning. It's purely trial and error.

And to answer any technical questions - I use CS3 and I get my Actions from all over, but the Actions are all freebies I've found here and there. I'm hoping to save up to buy some from Paint The Moon, however.