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08/08/2006 09:41:58 PM · #1 |
Hey y'all,
I've been here for about a month and a half. Almost every comment I've recieved has been extremely helpful. However, I'm still a bit clueless on some of the things. I was wondering if anyone would like to take a (some) photos from my portfolio, do the post processing on it, and let me know what and how it was done. I think that will help me the most.
I get comments saying that I have a fairly good eye, but the technicals need work and who better to get help from than you guys!!!
Thanks in advance.
Mike
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08/08/2006 09:44:13 PM · #2 |
| It might be easier if you picked one, or better yet, take one and upload relatively untouched. |
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08/08/2006 09:45:56 PM · #3 |
Almost everything in my portfolio is basically untouched, unless it's a challenge one. But, let's go with
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08/08/2006 09:55:02 PM · #4 |
| For me that would be a hard one. Im not very experienced with post processing myself. The dark shadow that is on it is hard to fix. If the lighting were a little better it would be easier. It is an interesting subject but I would get that shadow fixed. Artistically, I think this one would look good with the saturation turned down, and in sepia tone. Just my opinion. |
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08/08/2006 09:56:31 PM · #5 |
That's really not an easy one. It's hard to tell what the subject is, and as ltimschrisss pointed out, it's pretty dark. Here's a go. Editing steps on the image:
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08/08/2006 10:02:13 PM · #6 |
Here is my go at it. :) Steps are in the image. |
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08/08/2006 10:02:24 PM · #7 |
Here's another
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08/08/2006 10:16:39 PM · #8 |
| Mike what editing program are you using? For your crops etc... |
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08/08/2006 10:17:52 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by awpollard:
Mike what editing program are you using? For your crops etc... |
Good stuff so far everyone. Thanks!
One thing I would like to know is how the levels and curves are being set. I'm having problems with those.
And I'm using Photoshop 7 right now.
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08/08/2006 10:22:30 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by cryingdragon:
Good stuff so far everyone. Thanks!
One thing I would like to know is how the levels and curves are being set. I'm having problems with those.
And I'm using Photoshop 7 right now. |
Generally, in levels you can pull the left and light sliders in to "stretch" the histogram (really, just expanding the dynamic range of the pic). You can also use it to tweak lightness and darkness further by adjusting the middle slider (midtones) and tackle color casts using the individual color channels.
Curves is a different way of looking at the same info levels gives you, but with better control over individual brightness levels, contrast, etc. Some people only use Curves, some only Levels. Search our tutorials for some general info on these basic adjustments. |
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08/08/2006 11:01:29 PM · #11 |
Let's take this outtake: I think you know that it might have been a bit better with a little more of the liquid stream visible at the top but hey it still is a cool shot.
Question: When viewing the shot what is more powerful to you? The Glass or the Lighting on the blinds?
Initial Glance, the light on the blinds catch me first, then the crook in glass stem, next the negative space on the bottom and finally the liquid in and being poured into the glass. (the noise/grain is noticable but we will deal with that.
Now the blinds would not stand on their own without the glass, as they need a sub-subject, the glass might stand alone against another background but would really need to pop (clarity)...
The "good eye" part is that you put these element together to create an environment or feel. I believe you were probably shooting for the glass to be the main subject but the blinds really do it for me. I would have used Levels to darken the shadows on the blinds, and remove noise that is visible on the table top.
Next question: Do you calibrate your monitor? I ask because before I started calibrating mine I would get hit with the "Too much grain" from commentors when I didn't see any on my pics when I viewed them at home.
Anyways back to the shot...I did adjusted levels and a tiny bit of curves to darken the shadows and add more emphasis on the blinds. I like the blinds standing out and the glass only as a reinforcing secondary subject.
Oh yeah, I don't suggest the use of borders on DPC as the border police will knock points off... I only did it to tie the negative space into the blinds.
Of course this is all just my opinion...
...Andy
Message edited by author 2006-08-08 23:04:13. |
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08/08/2006 11:34:33 PM · #12 |
and to be rather opposite of Andy's opinion, I'd actually find the glass shot better if:
1.) the black and bottom portion was cropped out
2.) the top portion was cropped so that bit of blue in the left-hand corner was gone
3.) the stream of liquid WASN'T there
4.) The glass was much more focused with the blinds being a bit more soft behind - adding some interesting depth/texture in the background but the glass and blue being defined as separate from it - possible by moving the glass way forward of the blinds?
5.) In the current state the glass seems to have weird sharpening or something issues, just looks odd to me so cleaning that up would help too.
My vision of the result in my mind is much more abstract than the current image but whether it'd actually be possible to achieve what my mind's eye is seeing is another question altogether. :D
So from this you can see, can't please everyone all the time!
I do like what Andy did to the blinds though, definitely adds more interest to the shot for me.
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08/09/2006 12:19:17 AM · #13 |
Okay.. From this:
To this:
Via levels, draganizer, and gothic glow, both the latter faded as overlays...
R.
Message edited by author 2006-08-09 00:20:56.
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