DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Perfect images out of the box
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 12 of 12, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 01/03/2004 01:07:31 AM · #1
I'm curious to know how many people get perfect pictures right out of their cameras, that need no post processing, or little post processing, a majority of the time they shoot. Or is that more a matter of luck that happens rarely? Is it reasonable to expect that one day, in the too far distant future (lol), that my photographic skills will become so good that my images will need little post processing in a photo editor? That my previsualizations will match my camera's output the way I saw them in the field or studio?

I'm talking about basic types of corrections, such as color balance, contrast, brightness, compostion, etc, nothing too fancy. I always have to make adjustments and am wondering if this has more to do with my lack of experience that will get better with time, or is this something that all photogs go through most of the time?

01/03/2004 01:17:12 AM · #2
As I get better, I do less and less post processing, I also take my shots slower, knowing what I want (and don't want) in them. I also get a little more how to make the camera achieve what I want it to. (It has been a wonderful few months to notice these changes and learn so much!!) Thanks to all of you at DPC for all you have taught me.
 01/03/2004 01:19:58 AM · #3
it will come to you once you get used to your camera and learn how to work it with the light you have or manipulating light to get the shot you want.....it just takes a lot of trial and error, most of my pics are pretty good right out of the camera and only need very little adjusting

James
 01/03/2004 01:21:21 AM · #4
I have a few shots in my portfolio that got no post processing:














01/03/2004 01:30:26 AM · #5
John, of those studio shots, how many attempts were made prior to getting your perfect shot? Sometimes what appears to be perfect had many hours of learning before reaching perfection. So, to all the people who fear that can't possible get a perfect shot out of the camera, keep in mind, that hours of effort may or maynot be needed to learn the technique you are trying to achieve.
 01/03/2004 01:44:24 AM · #6
Those are awesome shots, John, expecially given the fact they've had no post processing.

I guess the key is in being able to know how to make the camera's output match your previsualization? Right now, when I come upon a scene, I don't really have a previsualization, but just try to capture something that I find attractive or stimulating by getting the exposure and composition right. I've read so many books about photography and understand the basics, but it's a whole other matter when you're out in the field and have to make decisions. I like Ellamay's advice to take things slowly...which I don't do. I'm still at a stage where I'm snapshooting.
 01/03/2004 01:49:16 AM · #7
I would say over half of my shots wont require post processing at all. The ones that do require post processing are usually planned for post processing for exaggerated color or effect.

My "shoot from the hip" shots will most always require some massaging. They are spur of the moment opportunity shots with little if any planning.
 01/03/2004 03:20:59 AM · #8
I think that's my problem, Gringo. I have been "shooting from the hip." Just kind of wandering about looking for a photographic opportunity instead of planning one. I just don't know how to do that out in the field, where I do most of shooting. I'm trying to DISCOVER or find an image, rather than set one up and plan it. That, I guess, would take some visualization.
 01/03/2004 05:44:46 AM · #9
U have to ask yourself a question:
-Do I have the necessary experience to do that?
My problem is the same as yours! I have a Medion 9700 camera and in 2 weeks I realised that the best thing u can do to your pics before post processing is getting the right combinations of light, ambience and skill toghether 4 a perfect picture! I've done that and WOW no post processing! TRY IT! IT WILL BE HARD BUT>>>EVERYTHING COMES WITH A PRICE!
 01/03/2004 11:10:56 AM · #10
Originally posted by crabappl3:
John, of those studio shots, how many attempts were made prior to getting your perfect shot? Sometimes what appears to be perfect had many hours of learning before reaching perfection. So, to all the people who fear that can't possible get a perfect shot out of the camera, keep in mind, that hours of effort may or maynot be needed to learn the technique you are trying to achieve.


The 5 shots here that were done in a 'studio' environment all took 5-10 shots with the exception of the wine glass photo. That particular shot was setup and executed for the purpose of doing no post processing. All of these shots except the rose were done with the Sony 707. When I setup a shot, I never just take one photo and then go back to the computer. I always take a few and bracket the exposure because the LCD is not reliable for evaluating exposure.
 01/03/2004 11:50:30 AM · #11
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

The 5 shots here that were done in a 'studio' environment all took 5-10 shots with the exception of the wine glass photo. That particular shot was setup and executed for the purpose of doing no post processing. All of these shots except the rose were done with the Sony 707. When I setup a shot, I never just take one photo and then go back to the computer. I always take a few and bracket the exposure because the LCD is not reliable for evaluating exposure.


I need to do more bracketing like that. It would sure help my exposure problems.

01/03/2004 01:11:27 PM · #12
The vast majority (99%) of my work is outdoors, so it's always harder to 'setup'. In general though, post-processing is normally limited to sharpening - especially coastal shots which are always soft because of the sea air.

Taking your time on composition is very good advice. I can't remember the last time I cropped an image.

My only reason for post-processing is usually B&W conversion, or to bring out something which wasn't apparent given the available light (again, especially things like levels adjustment after B&W conversion).
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 06/24/2025 07:42:23 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 06/24/2025 07:42:23 PM EDT.