Team Suck Headquarters - DPChallenge Forums

01/23/2007 01:15:41 PM · #1751

Originally posted by snaffles:

Ditto here, guys - do I have a style? What am I good at? Seriously!

Hello Snaffles, you have some great stuff in your portfolio. I think your strongest set seems to be your candids/photo journalism type stuff. Perhaps you are a little more relaxed and more willing to experiment, but these really stand out for me. I'll leave a couple of comments on your photos here in a bit.

meyers

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/23/2007 01:21:03 PM · #1752

I wouldn't mind someone looking at my stuff and helping me figure out what my strengths are. I'm reminded of my weaknesses (which I do try to work on) in the comments of my challenge entries.

noraneko

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/23/2007 01:38:04 PM · #1753

Originally posted by timfythetoo:

And on one other side note - I honestly dont have a clue what those filters are that noraneko is talking about. It was just a couple of weeks ago that I found out that there was a white balance tool in my RAW convertor program.

timfythetoo if you are still reading this thread, I stand corrected (or perhaps humbled is a better term)! You seem to have an intrinsic grasp of something I had to take an online course to even begin to understand...

As a basic understanding of white balance has helped me tremendously, I'm going to attemp to share it with rest of Team Suck, in brief.

-Most, if not all, of your cameras have a "white balance" setting, with the default being "auto white balance (AWB)". AWB is set for a sunny day at noon. If you take a photo under these conditions with AWB set, the colors will be true.

-We rarely, however, take photos on a sunny day at noon. The result is that photos taken on cloudy days, or in shade on a sunny day, or by firelight, flourescent light, or lamplight will have a color cast, often unintended.

-Your cameras can correct for this problem internally (by filters I am not talking about something you affix to the lens).

Some situations:
a) "Open shade" refers to photos taken in the shade on a sunny day. Uncorrected photos will have a very blue cast. Your cameras probably have a little icon that looks like a house in the white balance settings menu. This is what you select for open shade. These lousy thumbnails show what a tremendous difference it makes. Photo #1 is AWB. Photo #2 is corrected with Open Shade setting:

b) "Cloudy" is obvously for cloudy days, and the icon is a little cloud. This filter is less warm than the Open Shade filter, as clouds diffuse light better than an open shade situation. Here is a photo in cloudy conditions, #1 is AWB, #2 is corrected with Cloudy setting:

c) "Tungsten" and "Flourescent" are cooling filters that compensate for the light being too warm, which often happens in indoor shots on AWB (an unflattering yellow cast). These can also be used creatively outdoors. The following photo was taken just around noon on a sunny day, so AWB was actually appropriate. Photo #1 is taken on Open Shade setting. Too warm! Photo #2 is taken on Tungsten setting. Very cold. The difference is enormous, though, considering all other settings are identical!

There are also ways to correct white balance problems in Photoshop. You have probably done it without even realizing it using hue/saturation, etc. To add a white balance adjustment filter post process, go to Filter, then Adjustment, then Photo Filter and choose the appropriate one.

Sorry this is so long. Hope it helps a little!

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 13:38:48.

quiet_observation

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/23/2007 01:46:31 PM · #1754

And if you use raw files, you can disregard the camera settings and set the white balance when converting to Photoshop.

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens

01/23/2007 01:48:39 PM · #1755

Originally posted by meyers:

I wouldn't mind someone looking at my stuff and helping me figure out what my strengths are. I'm reminded of my weaknesses (which I do try to work on) in the comments of my challenge entries.

I think your strongest assest is you pure composition mechanic. You are very good at placing items in the rule of thirds and using strong lines. I might suggest incorporating a little near/middle/far, aspect to your photos. While compositionally they are correct, some photos just lack depth and as such they feel on the same flat plain. Your best photos seem to incorporate this, but nearly all your photos contain the fundamental basics of lines and subject placement. As for style, you seem pretty adept at them all.

I'll comment on a few pics in a moment.

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 14:20:42.

JuliBoc

Apple iPhone 6s+

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/23/2007 01:50:34 PM · #1756

Originally posted by noraneko:

I actually took a course on lighting not too long ago and learned all about white balance. The difference in my scores recently (aside from my upcoming colossal flop in Match) partly reflects that new knowledge. I'd be happy to share details if anyone is interested.

Please share with me. I don't know anything about white balance. I know I can adjust it in the camera, and I know I can use the white eye dropper to pick the whitest area in a photo, but that's it.

skewsme

Canon EOS-6D

01/23/2007 01:53:48 PM · #1757

Originally posted by quiet_observation:

And if you use raw files, you can disregard the camera settings and set the white balance when converting to Photoshop.

True. Additionally, for jpgs, you can adjust the color quality of your blacks, whites and neutrals with Selective Color. You can warm or cool your shadows or highlights with Color Balance. And also, in PS, you can manipulate your levels, curves and channels by R, G, and B separately and bring about some subtle but powerful shifts. But my favorite quick fix is Photo Filter, which noraneko mentioned. These are all legal in Basic Editing if you apply them to the whole image without blending layers.

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

01/23/2007 01:58:57 PM · #1758

Originally posted by JuliBoc:

Please share with me. I don't know anything about white balance. I know I can adjust it in the camera, and I know I can use the white eye dropper to pick the whitest area in a photo, but that's it.

My understanding of the white, black, and neutral eyedroppers in both levels and curves is thus:
1) click the white eyedropper in the brightest spot to set the "white point," not so much a color determination as for brightness. Pixels at least as bright as the one you click will go to full brightness.
2) click the black eyedropper in the darkest spot to set the "black point." Again, not for color, but to make all pixels that are initially at least as dark as the one you clicked go to total black.
3) click the neutral eyedropper to correct color casts. It will set the pixel you clicked to have the same value for red, green, and blue, rendering it gray, and make the same adjustment to the entire image.

Originally posted by noraneko:

Most, if not all, of your cameras have a "white balance" setting, with the default being "auto white balance (AWB)". AWB is set for a sunny day at noon. If you take a photo under these conditions with AWB set, the colors will be true.

Noraneko: your explanation of white balance settings is great! Thanks for all of the work. I have one correction, though: on my camera, anyway, "sunshine" is just another white balance option, whereas auto white balance is SUPPOSED to detect the type of light and set the white balance to the correct values. Hence the "auto" in the name. It's not locked into a bright sunny day. It doesn't always work, though.

My camera also has a custom setting, where you point the camera at a know white bit and hit the shutter, and it adjusts colors accordingly.

The upshot is that if the colors look weird on your LCD, check the white balance setting.

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 14:01:45.

raish

Olympus C-2500L

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

01/23/2007 02:00:16 PM · #1759

Originally posted by jaysonmc:

Originally posted by kdsprog:
It's also cracking me up that my highest score to date still has no comments after 140 votes.

Wildlife III

Votes: 140
Views: 177
Avg Vote: 6.0000
Comments: 0

Would you rather have the comments or the score? My own Wildlife is lacking in the score department, but great in the comments.

Votes: 136
Views: 197
Avg Vote: 5.1544
Comments: 8
Favorites: 0
Wish Lists: 0

Good score good comments - oh happy daze...
Wildlife III
Votes: 143
Views: 204
Avg Vote: 5.5315
Comments: 11

mist

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/23/2007 02:02:20 PM · #1760

Originally posted by levyj413:

Originally posted by noraneko:
Most, if not all, of your cameras have a "white balance" setting, with the default being "auto white balance (AWB)". AWB is set for a sunny day at noon. If you take a photo under these conditions with AWB set, the colors will be true.

Noraneko: your explanation of white balance settings is great! Thanks for all of the work. I have one correction, though: on my camera, anyway, "sunshine" is just another white balance option, whereas auto white balance is SUPPOSED to detect the type of light and set the white balance to the correct values. Hence the "auto" in the name. It's not locked into a bright sunny day.

Yep. And the Auto WB on the 20D is actually not a bad guesser in a lot of lighting situations.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/23/2007 02:02:50 PM · #1761

HI all

I've decided that I want to *take the plunge* and approach Shutterstock, see if I can actually make some money!

So...any comments on which pics my dear friends here on TS can suggest I submit in a portfolio - I was thinking 5-8 pics - would be most welcome. I know I know, I can't submit Octopussy!...not yet anyway ;-)

timfythetoo

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

01/23/2007 02:04:02 PM · #1762

Hey noraneko. Now I understand what you are talking about. I do shift my white balance setting on my camera but usually just between sun and the flourescent light one I think. But now knowing how to tweak it easily in RAW I am not usually as concerned with it. You gave a great tutorial on it though. Well done and I am sure helpful to many. I am still trying to figure out all of my different camera settings and I feel like I have only touched the tip of the iceberg with the whole photoshop thing.

Oh yeah - and GO TEAM SUCK! (This really is a cool community within a community)

Elaine

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

01/23/2007 02:06:35 PM · #1763

Is it too late for a strength(s) analysis?

Catherine, I have just recently decided that my next big "improvement" would be to start working with white balance settings. I love your examples, and realize now that a lot of my work could be done in-camera. I do make a lot of corrections using hue/sat. This can be very important if they keep having minimal editing challenges.

Probably my favorite tool is shadow/highlights. I almost always use the shadow and highlight correction, and often use the midtone contrast. At the bottom is an adjustment called black clip and white clip. I'm not sure how to explain what it does, but it is frequently very helpful.

Edit to add: I think that some of my best shots are on my blogs.

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 14:14:07.

01/23/2007 02:31:52 PM · #1764

Originally posted by chaimelle:

Edit to add: I think that some of my best shots are on my blogs.

When you say blogs, you mean forum posts or a real blog? I don't see a blog/website listed in your profile.

noraneko

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/23/2007 02:36:43 PM · #1765

I love looking at everyone's photos, so my goal for this evening is to go through and suss out some strengths! There are people far more qualified than I to comment, but no one minds hearing about what they do well, especially in such a difficult / critical forum as DPC. Go Team Suck!

poser

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/23/2007 02:45:12 PM · #1766

I also would like it if someone would look at my portfolio and give me tips. I don't know what my strenghts are. I'm working on moving off the auto setting to more brave stuff.

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 14:45:39.

Elaine

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

01/23/2007 02:45:27 PM · #1767

Originally posted by jaysonmc:

Originally posted by chaimelle:

Edit to add: I think that some of my best shots are on my blogs.

When you say blogs, you mean forum posts or a real blog? I don't see a blog/website listed in your profile.

The 2007 Photo a Day, 2007 Photo a Week (Links in the signature above)
I also started a general photo blog with no theme or certain time to post at Photo Blog

01/23/2007 02:49:13 PM · #1768

Originally posted by chaimelle:

Is it too late for a strength(s) analysis?

I like the way you are able to see patterns and textures. Whether they are subtle patterns or bold, you have a knack for finding it. From fine tree limbs to bicycle spokes you often have an eye for simple things others miss. The hard part of this type of photography is excluding the things that conflict or busy the photograph. Cheers.

EDIT: Just saw you blog, and it just re-affirms my opinion. Also, you have some great photos on the blog.

While I love DPC as it does get me out to shoot more often, having set 1 week challenge isn't the best format for all photographers. I have seen many pictures from Team Suck which are much improved outside of the structured challenges.

Message edited by author 2007-01-23 14:53:34.

Elaine

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens

01/23/2007 02:55:00 PM · #1769

Originally posted by jaysonmc:

Originally posted by chaimelle:
Is it too late for a strength(s) analysis?

I like the way you are able to see patterns and textures. Whether they are subtle patterns or bold, you have a knack for finding it. From fine tree limbs to bicycle spokes you often have an eye for simple things others miss. The hard part of this type of photography is excluding the things that conflict or busy the photograph. Cheers.

Thank you! I would agree that I tend to like simplicity, patterns and textures. One of my favorite types of shot is a single subject against a solid white or black background. Yet, with only 2 days to go, I don't have anything for the Minimal challenge! I will love to vote on it though.

Brookied

Apple iPhone 6

01/23/2007 03:08:28 PM · #1770

Votes: 149
Views: 252
Avg Vote: 6.3423
Comments: 6
Favorites: 1
Wish Lists: 0
Updated: 01/23/07 03:03 pm

Wildlife challenge details, as for this i am well chuffed.

As to having to rebuild my Imac for the 7th time after discovering that one of my 1Gb ram sticks was faulty and corrupting my HDD! that has really pi**ed me off.

2 months to discover this.... my god. Still were there now no more crashes in my web browser or any apps for that matter. all updates running and all seems ok now.

good news.... one of the local papers contacted me this evening to say they loved the photos of my recent coverage of the local Rugby team and will be requesting more shots and possible assignments to other matches on a paid basis ;-)

what you call a mixed day

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

01/23/2007 03:11:46 PM · #1771

Originally posted by Brookied:

what you call a mixed day

Well, it may seem mixed now. But in a year or two when you're doing lots of shooting assignments, the beginning of your success will still warm your heart while the computer problems will be a distant memory. :)

I've been meaning to confirm something: does "chuffed" mean "excited"? Is it British?

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/23/2007 03:12:08 PM · #1772

Originally posted by Brookied:

what you call a mixed day

I'd call it a darn good day! Congrats on the assigments, and more importantly, the PAID part!

Brookied

Apple iPhone 6

01/23/2007 03:18:07 PM · #1773

chuffed would mean happy,

I am just hoping i get more than 3 months from this new Imac