new to photography - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/18/2005 06:36:24 PM · #1

I am just starting with photography. I know people use a program to remove the noice from a picture, but what else is done is the "processing part" by programs like photoshop? I know I have a lot to learn.

Also, I have never used photoshop. I use corel draw at work. Will these skills help me?

Apple iPhone 5

10/18/2005 07:09:43 PM · #2

Photoshop is more than software... It's an addiction... :)

Seriously though, PS lets you do just about anything you can imagine to a photo, with the intention of making it look good.

- Remove blemishes
- Brighten underexposed areas
- Make colours 'pop'
- Crop down to a better composition
- Add a frame
- Add text
- Make eyes and teeth look brighter and whiter
- Remove redeye and shadow
- Rotate / Resize
- Add blur
- Sharpen
- etc..etc..

You can apply changes to the whole photo, or just parts of it using brushes. If you've use something like Corel Draw then these skills should help.

nemesise1977

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon

10/18/2005 07:21:49 PM · #3

I recommend first learning how to take good photographs. It is universal among all cameras (digital vs. film pointandshoot vs SLR 35mm vs medium format vs large format) with minor tweaks or limitations in equipment between them. Getting a good photo out of the camera is better to me than photoshopping your way to a great photo.

Learn that then go the software to "enhance" the shot

10/18/2005 07:37:17 PM · #4

So to start out, the only software I should use is the one to reduce the noice?

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

10/18/2005 07:38:57 PM · #5

Oh one more thing, do most of you get your pics printed at a lab, print them yourself, or use the Kodak machines at Wal-Mart?

For those who print, what printer do you use?

lowonenergy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/18/2005 07:49:52 PM · #6

Also, Corel Draw is vector-based and photoshop isn't.
I don't know how u want to retouch a photo with 1's & 0's ;)

faidoi

Pentax K10D

10/18/2005 07:50:00 PM · #7

Lot's of people here use Neat Image.

riot

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Helios 40-1 85mm f/1.5

10/18/2005 10:09:02 PM · #8

Originally posted by lowonenergy:

Also, Corel Draw is vector-based and photoshop isn't.
I don't know how u want to retouch a photo with 1's & 0's ;)

The coreldraw suite comes with a very powerful editing program called photopaint - it's what i use, it blows crappy photoshop out of the water.

lowonenergy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/19/2005 11:26:08 AM · #9

Originally posted by riot:

Originally posted by lowonenergy:
Also, Corel Draw is vector-based and photoshop isn't.
I don't know how u want to retouch a photo with 1's & 0's ;)

The coreldraw suite comes with a very powerful editing program called photopaint - it's what i use, it blows crappy photoshop out of the water.

Yah, but he was talking about CorelDraw, and I see Coreldraw as vector program, like Illustrator.

That was my point ;), i know Corel has Photopaint

saracat

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

10/19/2005 11:47:01 AM · #10

Originally posted by jacler:

Oh one more thing, do most of you get your pics printed at a lab, print them yourself, or use the Kodak machines at Wal-Mart?

For those who print, what printer do you use?

Well, I've used the Kodak printers at Wal-Mart, and they're OK, but it's hard to get the color just right on them sometimes. They're good if you're just doing stuff for yourself - it's not too expensive (still lots more $$ than online print shops) and you can hold the results in your hands immediately. However, I wouldn't use them for really serious prints that you intend to sell.

nemesise1977

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon

10/19/2005 11:58:21 AM · #11

I usually use walmart.com and upload the pics there, they go to a FujiFilm printer along with all the film camera photos. I try to stick with the same walmart every time for the prints as some of the other walmart outlets don't do as good so results will vary depending on staff. I don't recommend the Kodak printers though as they use a thermal process for creating images, they may look good but if they get hot or cold they will start to fade and degrade more that a film printer will create. I used to print all from home but inks paper and such cost more than the prins from walmart, and finally if it is an important print go to a goof print shop as they will help make sure it is processed correctly.

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

10/19/2005 12:21:51 PM · #12

Originally posted by jacler:

So to start out, the only software I should use is the one to reduce the noice?

As mentioned Neat Image is a huge choice around here for removing Noise but you can also see if some camera adjustments can help reduce it in the first place. Your ISO is one of the main things that will cause noise, the higher the ISO the faster the speed but also the more noise. See if your camera will allow you to pick a lower one and see how it compares to a higher one.

Like all programs, PhotoShop is great, IF you know how to use it. I am self-taught on a tiny part of it and learning more all the time from these helpful DPC'ers. I started with JASC Paint Shop Pro, it does just about as much as Photo Shop but much cheaper and since I'm used to it, it is easier for me. There are many different programs and everyone will have a favorite they've gotten used to using so find what works for you. As also mentioned, learn to shoot the best you can from the camera and do minor tweeking in post processing. The tutorial section here is a great place to start.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction of DPC and photography. :)