OK... contrast question again - DPChallenge Forums

04/09/2004 03:01:37 PM · #1

I posted in one of the forums that my photo had been getting comments about contrast (the lack thereof) and I realized it needed more contrast. Since the challenge is over here is the picture:

But I couldn't get the contrast any better without:
a. losing detail in the eyes
b. blowing out her right cheek
c. getting banding in the gradient on the box

What am I missing?

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

04/09/2004 03:05:11 PM · #2

I hope you dont mind me playing with the photo - I just added some contrast, what do you think?

Mike

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

04/09/2004 03:09:28 PM · #3

I don't mind at all, it's what I wanted you guys to do. That looks good to me. What method did you use? Because I can only increase contrast a tiny bit in levels without messing up the picture myself.

KarenB

Canon EOS-70D

04/09/2004 03:10:25 PM · #4

1) Congrats on second place with this photograph :)

2) What software are you using?

In a forum not too long ago, I learned about black and white conversion.
I went ahead and redid a portrait using the new digidaan action I downloaded...

The original after turning to greyscale, and then playing with levels/curves, etc in Photoshop.

The new version using the new action.

A world of difference. Try it?

The new forum thread is here (looks like it has been discussed a few time.. which is good) :)

I am sure there is a comparable method if you are not using PS.

04/09/2004 03:10:54 PM · #5

That looks much better... the more that I look at it. I'll just send all my submissions to you to fix the contrast before I enter them...
:)

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

04/09/2004 03:13:00 PM · #6

I use Paintshop Pro 7. Just did the auto contrast enhancement.
Bye the way its a wonderful photo.

04/09/2004 03:16:00 PM · #7

Originally posted by KarenB:

I am using photoshop and there is an ocean of difference between your two photos. I need that action.
Part of my problem is that I can't always see the contrast problem until someone points it out to me (still learning). I always adjust the levels several times before I'm happy with it and have been trying to increase more than what my natural tendency tells me, but I'm still struggling. But now that I see the difference between mine and chinstrap's... it's extremely obvious.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/09/2004 03:17:07 PM · #8

Originally posted by chinstrap:

I use Paintshop Pro 7. Just did the auto contrast enhancement.
Bye the way its a wonderful photo.

Thanks :)

Prof_Fate

04/09/2004 03:22:50 PM · #9

You can play with individul color channels, depending upon how you converted it to B&W. You can also find highlights and shadows and multiply /screen them...not legal in basic editing, but the results are worthwhile.

I did the above and some sharpening to get
this version

Prof_Fate

04/09/2004 03:26:10 PM · #10

DigiDaan's conversion is not legal for basic editing as the layer blending mode he uses is color.

I liked your pic (a 10!). I agree about contrast at times, or other major flaws in a pic (i have left garbage, a white corner, a while line (see my conflict entry)). I miss the obvious regularly.

More light helps - it ALWAYS helps improve contrast (well, direct sun may not).

soup

Canon EOS-30D

04/09/2004 03:28:58 PM · #11

none-the-less it works well, and here is a link to download it.

the link

Prof_Fate

04/09/2004 03:34:48 PM · #12

Originally posted by soup:

none-the-less it works well, and here is a link to download it.

the link

THere is a built in ( included that is) action in PS 7 for making sepia toned pics, and that works well for making b&w as well.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

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

04/09/2004 03:37:30 PM · #13

Contrast can be adjusted by playing around with(Photoshop):

-Curves
-Selective Colors (Click on colors- (Default is red) You can play around with the White,Gray,Black)
-Gradient Map

If not basic editing you can mask out the eyes so it doesn't get too light or dark.