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05/17/2014 04:36:40 PM · #51 |
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
 Gyaban certainly does that... |
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05/17/2014 04:47:07 PM · #52 |
The challenges we had this year (not considering the ones in voting and the ones open to submission):
Advanced 48
Expert 7
Minimal 6
So the site is steering towards fantasy like stuff? Strange way to do that: 48+6 vs 7. |
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05/17/2014 04:48:05 PM · #53 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Gyaban certainly does that... |
He does! But that is one member out of how many? If this is going to be a learning site, than those that know more could help us that know less. Simply post your editing steps so we can try it on our own images. |
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05/17/2014 04:49:49 PM · #54 |
Shot and edited an entry for one of the Expert challenges today (not Flip and Blend); I'm by no means an expert with Photoshop but nonetheless I got what I think is a good result without too much effort. I had a bunch of fun too.
I'm certainly glad I gave it a go. |
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05/17/2014 04:52:35 PM · #55 |
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Gyaban certainly does that... |
He does! But that is one member out of how many? If this is going to be a learning site, than those that know more could help us that know less. Simply post your editing steps so we can try it on our own images. |
A lot of people sent me messages asking how I did a certain thing in a photo. I always answered and in some of my images I explained it in the notes. And I'm sure most of the others would do the same. |
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05/17/2014 05:02:16 PM · #56 |
Originally posted by Alexkc:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Gyaban certainly does that... |
He does! But that is one member out of how many? If this is going to be a learning site, than those that know more could help us that know less. Simply post your editing steps so we can try it on our own images. |
A lot of people sent me messages asking how I did a certain thing in a photo. I always answered and in some of my images I explained it in the notes. And I'm sure most of the others would do the same. |
+1
I like to tell the story behind the shoot rather than the pp'g steps. Anyone wanting to know those is free to PM me. I just figured, based on what is being posted in the forums, that most DPCers are not interested.
Also, the current plethora of expert challenges is an anomaly, and hardly a slippery slop, as the challenge history clearly shows. |
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05/17/2014 05:16:06 PM · #57 |
Flip and Bend instructions
 GeneralE Did a phenomenal job with the steps on how to do flip and bends.. however there are steps in there I never deal with, so its going to take me extra time to go though each tutorial to learn how to do each step. By the time I get done, the challenge will be over, but at least I know how to achieve that effect if I want to use it.
plethora = One of my favorite words LOL
+1 on the posts as well :-))
Message edited by author 2014-05-17 17:16:42. |
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05/17/2014 05:36:34 PM · #58 |
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Gyaban certainly does that... |
He does! But that is one member out of how many? If this is going to be a learning site, than those that know more could help us that know less. Simply post your editing steps so we can try it on our own images. |
I simply ask. I can't remember a time where I asked a question and it wasn't answered. People here have been truly incredible at sharing their knowledge -- all you really have to do is ask. |
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05/17/2014 05:36:54 PM · #59 |
Originally posted by jgirl57:
Flip and Bend instructions
GeneralE Did a phenomenal job with the steps on how to do flip and bends.. however there are steps in there I never deal with, so its going to take me extra time to go though each tutorial to learn how to do each step. By the time I get done, the challenge will be over, but at least I know how to achieve that effect if I want to use it.
plethora = One of my favorite words LOL
+1 on the posts as well :-)) |
The flip and bend is actually extremely simple. You should be able to get the basics down quickly, and play enough to be able to enter by the deadline.
If you're in photoshop, all you have to do which is shown in more detail as you posted is:
Duplicate layer, go to edit>transform>flip horizontal. Directly above the layers, you should see a drop down that says "normal" change that to difference. Then flatten the image.
Repeat for flip vertical.
Repeat for rotate 90 degrees.
crop
You can choose different modes other than difference, but that's a good place to start. Once you do one or two, you can start messing around with different edits, but just do the basics on a couple images, to find out what type of image gives you the look you like. |
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05/17/2014 06:13:10 PM · #60 |
| Have entered all three expert editing challenges currently open for submission. Not bragging… just the facts. |
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05/17/2014 07:51:08 PM · #61 |
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by jgirl57:
My hubby just paid mine too, I am not into the Digital art thing either, do not think I ever will be...
However, for the expert challenges, what I am hoping to get out of it and learn by the expert challenges is to really, really help me advance in my editing techniques. I really want to learn on how to blend images together well, do cloning/masking covering up spots like telephone wires to make it more natural, learning really how to use the tools in my photo programs. I have not had a chance or reason to use them, But I have learned how to use the lasso and the magic wand ( those are my favorite in Photoshop) :-)).
I already decided that I will not use graphics or the digital art of any kind but try to keep things to the most realistic way that I can and if that means only using real natural pictures to combine I will by and through layers.
I also hope to learn and gain experiences in how to create certain lightness/darkness in situations to create the mood of a scene, and especially create and learn composition better than what I have been.
For me, expert just means that I get to learn and help gain experience on how to use "extra tools" in my program not so much as making something or turning something into digital art photography.
That is how I am looking at this, but then again maybe I am completely wrong too LOL
I wanted to join to learn photography .. so, I will just keep it as that.
I think this "expert" it is what it is. Make it to what you want :-)) That is what I love to do :-) Take the different beaten path |
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Imagine this: you've been asked to do a group portrait of some people, not in a studio. It's going to be sent out as a greeting card to a huge mailing list & will have your name on it as the photographer.
You'e thinking you could have them all holler "cheese" at the same time & get the shot you want perfectly in camera, no editing required.
Only it never works out that way. In every single shot, somebody is going to have their eyes closed or otherwise not cooperating with you.
You could shoot the setting before they get there, with no people in it, just have it in case you want to adjust it separately from the people.
If you take enough shots everyone will have a good face in at least one of them, allowing you to combine them all together into a great portrait. With any luck, only the camera-shy people will require extra editing effort.
Thank goodness for expert challenges, allowing you to practice your digital art skills. You can do the required editing easily & perfectly. Everyone is happy.
The same editing skills used to create fantasy art crap can be used in real life, for realistic purposes.
Expertise in post-processing does not make you an automatic fake who over-compensates for weak camera technique by heavy editing.
I don't understand why some people are so reluctant to learn how to use their editing software.
[sigh]
*** |
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05/17/2014 08:12:31 PM · #62 |
Originally posted by pixelpig:
Originally posted by ShutterPug:
Originally posted by jgirl57:
My hubby just paid mine too, I am not into the Digital art thing either, do not think I ever will be...
However, for the expert challenges, what I am hoping to get out of it and learn by the expert challenges is to really, really help me advance in my editing techniques. I really want to learn on how to blend images together well, do cloning/masking covering up spots like telephone wires to make it more natural, learning really how to use the tools in my photo programs. I have not had a chance or reason to use them, But I have learned how to use the lasso and the magic wand ( those are my favorite in Photoshop) :-)).
I already decided that I will not use graphics or the digital art of any kind but try to keep things to the most realistic way that I can and if that means only using real natural pictures to combine I will by and through layers.
I also hope to learn and gain experiences in how to create certain lightness/darkness in situations to create the mood of a scene, and especially create and learn composition better than what I have been.
For me, expert just means that I get to learn and help gain experience on how to use "extra tools" in my program not so much as making something or turning something into digital art photography.
That is how I am looking at this, but then again maybe I am completely wrong too LOL
I wanted to join to learn photography .. so, I will just keep it as that.
I think this "expert" it is what it is. Make it to what you want :-)) That is what I love to do :-) Take the different beaten path |
In theory that sounds wonderful, but unless those who are really good at this stuff share how they did it in their photo descriptions, how will the rest of us learn? |
Imagine this: you've been asked to do a group portrait of some people, not in a studio. It's going to be sent out as a greeting card to a huge mailing list & will have your name on it as the photographer.
You'e thinking you could have them all holler "cheese" at the same time & get the shot you want perfectly in camera, no editing required.
Only it never works out that way. In every single shot, somebody is going to have their eyes closed or otherwise not cooperating with you.
You could shoot the setting before they get there, with no people in it, just have it in case you want to adjust it separately from the people.
If you take enough shots everyone will have a good face in at least one of them, allowing you to combine them all together into a great portrait. With any luck, only the camera-shy people will require extra editing effort.
Thank goodness for expert challenges, allowing you to practice your digital art skills. You can do the required editing easily & perfectly. Everyone is happy.
The same editing skills used to create fantasy art crap can be used in real life, for realistic purposes.
Expertise in post-processing does not make you an automatic fake who over-compensates for weak camera technique by heavy editing.
I don't understand why some people are so reluctant to learn how to use their editing software.
[sigh]
*** |
That is the stuff I want to learn, well said :-)) +1
Message edited by author 2014-05-17 20:22:18. |
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05/17/2014 08:20:00 PM · #63 |
I may have been converted and will think and approach voting on Expert ruleset challenges somewhat differently than in the past. Why fight it?
So, instead of dinging those entries that I previously thought of as over the top, "fantasy" type imagery - I'll give the highest most marks (votes) to. If it is indeed a challenge running under the Expert ruleset then those entries that look normal, I'm going to be disappointed in, and mark them at the lower end of the scale, as they didn't rise up to the challenge. All, of course, keeping the challenge theme / subject in mind as well.
I'm going to do my part to help fill out the rest of the Highest Rated photographs page with the most wonderful images ever. Seriously! |
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05/17/2014 08:35:40 PM · #64 |
Originally posted by jgirl57:
That is the stuff I want to learn, well said :-)) +1 |
I suggest:
1. Buy any small-sized (4x6) tablet/stylus combination -- Wacom is a popular brand but almost any will do for a start. You "will" need it to do effetive masking/cloning.
2. Check out the following DPC Tutorials (under the Learn menu):
• //www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=68
• //www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=36
• //www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=62
• //www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=34
• //www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=44 |
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05/17/2014 09:05:06 PM · #65 |
[quote=bmatt17] . . .
Duplicate layer, go to edit>transform>flip horizontal. . . . /quote]
For those using Elements, you can flip or rotate a layer by going to Image - Rotate. The first list of options is for the entire image. Under that are the options for rotating or flipping a layer. Do this instead of the edit>transform>flip or rotate step |
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05/17/2014 10:26:35 PM · #66 |
| I am always afraid of rocking the boat (like most folks), but I am glad that I did on this one. It has made me think and others as well, which I suppose is the point. I still do not like the three expert editing challenges in a row and think that mentioning the "slippery slop" was a typo that was well put!! There is a place for everything and everything has it's place. We can learn from everything and progress has it's place, but there is something to be said fr the tried and true "old" methods. The folks that are truly talented at the expert editing are usually good at the basics as well. But we need to learn the basics well, before we should move on to the more advanced. Learning is the key word and that is what we hope to achieve. Learn and grow. I like the challenges for that reason. they stretch me and I am sure many others out of their comfort zone. So when not only our photography skills but also our editing (computer) skills/knowledge is being stretched - sometimes that is too great of a leap for some and the competition is too great (including myself). Back to baby steps and advanced editing. Basic editing is a "true" challenge to me and one that a ribbon means more to me (now) than in an expert editing challenge. BUT if I did ribbon well in a basic editing then the next big challenge, I suppose, would naturally progress to expert???? Food for thought and open to discussion... |
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05/17/2014 11:20:13 PM · #67 |
@ Karen
I think the issue is when blanket statements concerning style/processing/etc. are applied to everyone. There is indeed a time and place for everything. I view DPC primarily as a place to learn how to do things related to photography. Do I apply everything I've learned to all my photographs? No. Do I create composites for every assignment? No. Do I process everything I do? To some degree, yes. And how much I process varies depending upon the assignment. The knowledge I've gained by doing all these things on DPC has proven to be priceless, as I am able to meet my client's expectations regardless of the assignment. I have gained the confidence to take on a variety of assignments because I have gained hands on experience by doing it first at DPC.
These discussions about basic vs. "expert", realistic vs. fantasy, etc., can be interesting, possibly enlightening, but in the end, resolve nothing. Everyone has different tastes, and images are created for many reasons and purposes. |
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05/18/2014 12:10:59 AM · #68 |
Originally posted by Alexkc:
The challenges we had this year (not considering the ones in voting and the ones open to submission):
Advanced 48
Expert 7
Minimal 6
So the site is steering towards fantasy like stuff? Strange way to do that: 48+6 vs 7. |
I predict your data will be ignored and people will continue to talk about the site being expert editing now, and ...
I'm right!
You can't fool true believers with data. |
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05/18/2014 02:12:38 AM · #69 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
@ Karen
I think the issue is when blanket statements concerning style/processing/etc. are applied to everyone. There is indeed a time and place for everything. I view DPC primarily as a place to learn how to do things related to photography. Do I apply everything I've learned to all my photographs? No. Do I create composites for every assignment? No. Do I process everything I do? To some degree, yes. And how much I process varies depending upon the assignment. The knowledge I've gained by doing all these things on DPC has proven to be priceless, as I am able to meet my client's expectations regardless of the assignment. I have gained the confidence to take on a variety of assignments because I have gained hands on experience by doing it first at DPC.
These discussions about basic vs. "expert", realistic vs. fantasy, etc., can be interesting, possibly enlightening, but in the end, resolve nothing. Everyone has different tastes, and images are created for many reasons and purposes. |
Very well put. A good image is a good image, regardless of "rules". Sour grapes have been put aside. Now to step it up a notch or two, or get off the pot (so to speak)... |
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05/18/2014 02:15:20 AM · #70 |
Originally posted by posthumous:
Originally posted by Alexkc:
The challenges we had this year (not considering the ones in voting and the ones open to submission):
Advanced 48
Expert 7
Minimal 6
So the site is steering towards fantasy like stuff? Strange way to do that: 48+6 vs 7. |
I predict your data will be ignored and people will continue to talk about the site being expert editing now, and ...
I'm right!
You can't fool true believers with data. |
As hard as I try, I cannot fathom a word you type... (and I usually pride myself on relating to the obscure. They say that pride comes before the fall. I feel that I have hit rock bottom... and it hurts!) |
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05/18/2014 11:21:21 AM · #71 |
Originally posted by tryingtostayinfocus:
As hard as I try, I cannot fathom a word you type... |
Don's saying the presence of hard data regarding the actual ratio of expert-to-other challenges won't dissuade the Chicken Littles from running around bemoaning DPC's horrible slide into the swamps of non-photography... |
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05/18/2014 11:38:24 AM · #72 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by tryingtostayinfocus:
As hard as I try, I cannot fathom a word you type... |
Don's saying the presence of hard data regarding the actual ratio of expert-to-other challenges won't dissuade the Chicken Littles from running around bemoaning DPC's horrible slide into the swamps of non-photography... |
Well, 3 Expert challenges IN A ROW will make Chicken Littles look to the skies to see if it's truly falling or not. Those statistics were conveniently left out of the numbers Alex posted earlier, that Don found worthy of clinging to.
So, if we were to believe the statistics posted earlier, we should be good for Expert challenges now for the next few months and not need to see another one until, say the end of August, maybe September.
Only time will tell ... |
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05/18/2014 11:53:07 AM · #73 |
As I see it, it's not really 3 expert editing challenges in a row (although it does appear to be. :)
Wings is definitely expert editing.
Avatar is simply a fun challenge -- and for people like me who absolutely hate self portraits, this adds an element of fun to it. I would much rather see Art do an expert editing image for avatar than a plain old advanced one. It simply fits the challenge and makes it more fun/interesting.
Flip and blend isn't the normal type of expert editing. It simply requires the expert editing rule set to do it. But you're not going to get your normal expert editing results on it. So in my mind, it's not really expert editing, it's just allowing steps you need to do a flip and blend.
So while I'm really not into the expert editing -- these all make sense to me. |
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05/18/2014 12:03:24 PM · #74 |
Okay ... 2 Expert challenges then and one wacko challenge. :-)
Even though the wacko challenge is only one image source, you can still do just about anything you want with it under the Expert rules. After all of the "flipping/rotating/warping/blending" there's still going to really bizarre stuff in there.
So, maybe again, it is 3 Expert challenges in a row. :-D
I'll probably pass on voting the wacko challenge, but do plan on seeing the light and elevating the truly Expert fantasy images, and frowning on the regular straight photography images, with my vote casting in the other two when they come up for voting. |
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05/18/2014 12:44:36 PM · #75 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
...{I} do plan on seeing the light and elevating the truly Expert fantasy images, and frowning on the regular straight photography images ... |
Despite the challenge description proviso suggesting bonus consideration for OOB thinking ...? |
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