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08/02/2005 10:09:18 PM · #1 |
Need some opinions on these. They were taken with my 300D and kit lens (the only lens I have, haha). The uniform ones were shot in RAW format and converted in Photoshop. How is it that people get their images to be so vibrant and look almost 3D? Being that this was my first time doing portraits I think I did okay but am still disappointed in the result.
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08/02/2005 10:12:04 PM · #2 |
| Forgot to note: These were all shot handheld outdoors at sunset with a moderately cloudy sky. My camera was set to Av mode with an aperture of 4 (maybe 5.6? It was as low as it would go). |
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08/02/2005 10:22:05 PM · #3 |
| Learn how to use "M"anual mode. I have shot with raw and jpeg both. I prefer jpeg, but that is my choice. Jpeg will let you take more photos. Did your camera come with any Photoshop programs? The more you shoot, even if it is something like your foot, you will always learn something new. Also look at your histogram after each shot. |
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08/02/2005 10:26:08 PM · #4 |
All of them are very vibrant and sharp. Maybe a bit too red, but that could just be me. I agree about Manual mode. You will never go back once you learn and become confortable using it. I also shoot jpeg, but as was stated, that is my choice and I like it. All in all though if you want them to be sharp and vibrant then they are. Good first effort.
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08/02/2005 10:34:08 PM · #5 |
Thanks for the comments. As far as shooting RAW, the only reason I chose to shoot with it is because of the post processing ability and being able to change the settings. I took the first 15 or so shots in JPEG because I forgot to switch to RAW and I was able to do little to them and most were too bright.
As far as manual mode, why do you prefer to use it?
With the histogram, I believe everything is suppost to be in the center, correct? How can you use PhotoShop to change the histogram? |
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08/02/2005 10:39:39 PM · #6 |
For me, I like manual because it give me a lttle more control. Instead of the camera setting the aperture and/or shutter speed, I set it and some situation require different settings than the camera will set for you. I have used raw a few times, but hated the amount of work needed to convert it and the amount of space it used on a card. I did like the post processing flexibility, but I try to get it right while taking the shot so that I do not need to do alot of postprocessing. BTW, I don't always, but I try.
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08/02/2005 10:46:55 PM · #7 |
yes you should always try to get the shot perfect the first time so that you don't have to post process but if you have the time and space RAW allows you to be more creative and try varieties with one shot.
As far as the manual mode goes it will give you more flexiblity, I am just learning it and trying to use it as often as possible but a lot of the time what I do is set it on P or auto mode, take a reading then switch to manual and adjust from there to change my depth of field or exposure time. I tend to underexpose sometimes to control blow outs in white areas but I know this isn't always the best thing to do.
Your histogram should be mostly even throughout the shot but there are some that say more to the right (white) is better. I haven't messed with this much but read what I can find. Mostly here.
Your shots are very nice, good lighting, you took care to watch shadows and used the perfect time of day to shoot. Keep up the good work.
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08/02/2005 10:48:43 PM · #8 |
| Left you a few comments. I enjoyed the photos. Very clear and sharp, color was good too. |
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08/02/2005 11:12:57 PM · #9 |
| Thanks to everyone who has replied! |
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08/02/2005 11:22:27 PM · #10 |
| I also left you a few comments, I hope they help. I think you did a great job for your first shoot. |
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08/02/2005 11:34:10 PM · #11 |
Not bad. You've already anticipated my first comment which was to use a wide aperture. The second thing that helps to blur the background is to stand further back and then zoom in. Portrait shots with fuzzy background are often taken at 200mm zoom or more. I think the stock Canon lens goes up to 80, which will help, but getting a portrait lens that zooms to at least 200 will help you to achieve a smaller depth of field, will really allow the subject to stand out from the background.
As for the editing, you've saturated the colours a lot. This is a difficult thing to do in portrait shots - highly saturated colours make the photo stand out more, and it's very effective on non-people shots. However, it can give funny skin tones with too much pink/red. Having said that, you've pushed the saturation fairly hard without making the subject look too bad, so that's ok, but I certainly wouldn't push it any further.
Flat lighting is good for portraits, as it stops facial shadows, but it also cuts down the contrast in the background. You could play around with backgrounds that have more shadow areas to also help out, and give less distraction from the subject.
Just a few ideas. You haven't done too bad with these shots. Keep playing, and have fun!
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08/02/2005 11:36:08 PM · #12 |
Oh, one extra comment - for more shadow/contrast in the backgrounds, you can use post editing to dodge and burn, but as someone else commented, it's a tricky business, and the best approach is to try to take the best photo in the first place.
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