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10/11/2004 02:51:07 PM · #1 |
I just got "curves" for the first time; the newest version of Digital Image Pro has them. Anyone have suggestions for some basic techniques for a beginner with curves to get started with? I have been playing around with it, but know I could probably be using it much more effectively. Thanks!!
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10/11/2004 02:59:52 PM · #2 |
Something I often do to boost contrast :
(assuming the left represents the dark pixels and the right represents the light pixels and your original line runs from bottom left to top right).
put a fixed point in the middle.
pull a point at 1/4 from the bottom left slightly downwards and to the right.
the top right will then move up automatically, but you can make it stronger by pulling a point 1/4 from top left to the left and up.
you now have a slight S curve to make contrast stronger. |
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10/11/2004 03:10:49 PM · #3 |
I have some examples of the use of Curves in this gallery and some in this other gallery. These are more unusual uses, but the only ones where I have screenshots of the curves so you can see what's going on.
The general guideline is that the steeper the curve, the more detail represented by the tones within that range.
Also quite a few examples here ... but not my originals:
DPC Members -- test images. |
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10/11/2004 03:37:24 PM · #4 |
Hi Kylie,
Each image has it's own needs depending on initial exposure, white balance and contrast/color.
Here is an example of a decent starting point I use often:
In the curves window, I click the diagonal line at the three point in the chart and drag them in an "S" curve, often bringing back some punch to a shot. Another thing thing that can be done, is to use the 3 eyedroppers on the bottom of the chart. Left one is Black, Center is Neutral and Right is White. Click the Black eyedropper and using your cursor, selected the darkest/blackest part of the image. Select the center eyedropper and find a neutral/grey portion. Do the same with the white eyedropper. Sometimes I only do the Neutral. To find what level of Grey is desired, double-click the eyedropper to bring up the color palette and see what the target is. Black & White are self-explanitory.
It takes some trial and error with each shot.
Hope this helps.
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10/11/2004 03:48:10 PM · #5 |
Curves in Photoshop comes with a sampler... when you touch a point in your photo, it'll show you where on the curve it is. I presume your curves has a similar function... if there's somewhere in particular where you're missing detail, you can sample the range of tones, and adjust the corresponding tones.
Usually I just use curves to adjust contrast, by splitting the curve into three points... increase the top 3rd, lower the top 3rd, and adjust the gamma (middle). If I'm struggling, I'll use the contrast dialogue in PS to get a rough idea of what I want, then do it again using curves, which allows for more fine tuning.
Sometimes, you'll want to increase contrast without losing highlight or shadow detail... in this case, you'll want to put a point on your curve exactly where the curve is when you open the dialogue box, near the top end of the highlights (or shadows). Then create your 'S' shape (S shape is how people commonly refer to adding contrast using levels), and your 1st point will protect the extreme tones.
If you have a sunset photo, dragging the curve down will intensify all the colours... my Sunset at Castle Hill photo is a good example of this. However, you'll need to select the sky and ground seperately and adjust the curves correspondingly.
Anyway, this is a few of the ways that curves can be put to good use, ask any questions if you need to!
Bob |
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10/11/2004 04:09:28 PM · #6 |
Thank you all so much for your help. These are exactly the kinds of suggestions and guidance I was looking for!!!
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