DPC Mentorship - Post Processing

07/10/2005 01:00:08 PM · #1

DPC Mentorship â�� Rules of the Road

Group: Post Processing
Mentors: aboutimage & stdavidson
Students: bebe, colyla, JayWalk, janruss, roadrunner, Olyuzi, amber, jrtodd, jtf6agent , mikala, fstopopen, kevrobertson

NON-MEMBERS PLEASE READ, TOO:

1. If you are not an active member of this mentorship group, please feel free to follow this thread. It is not intended to be exclusionary - we hope everyone can learn from it.

2. If you are not an active member of this group but have a question or comment, please send it directly to the moderator by Private Message. The moderator will either answer you directly or post your comment and their response to the thread. Thank you for understanding that we are trying to keep these groups small and on-topic. If this experiment takes off, we plan to start more groups to try to accommodate as many people as we can.

3. Mentors are volunteers with jobs and/or families. They're human too, and may make mistakes on occasion. If you feel the burning need to criticize them, point out a mistake, or point out your own infinately greater knowledge in they subject they are teaching, please do so in a PM to the mentor, not in this thread.

4. Have fun learning!

P.S. To see updated group information, see my profile.

Message edited by author 2005-07-12 16:54:40.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/10/2005 01:24:57 PM · #2

I plan getting started with a first lesson by tomorrow, maybe by tonight.

First things first, I need to make sure everyone understands my skills are in Photoshop CS. If anyone needs specific guidance on how to do something in another program, I will try to help (I have 17 years experience in the computer field and know a thing or two) but most of my skill is with Adobe products.

Fortunately, many of the things we will discuss translate well into programs like The Gimp, etc.

So let's start off with 2 questions:
(1) What software are you using for post-processing?
(2) What is your perceived skill level (none, basic, intermediate, advanced)?
(3) What would you most like to learn about?

Message edited by author 2005-07-10 13:25:24.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

07/10/2005 01:40:10 PM · #3

Hello aboutimage.
I"m using Photoshop 6.0 and my skills are between basic and intermediate. I'm pretty confident with using most of the image editing tools, such as, levels and curves, color balance, usm, Hue/sat and some of the filters such as blur. Beyond that I'm pretty much in the dark. I would like to learn photoshop architecture and know more about using layers and some of the more advanced features.

Thanks very much for teaching this!

JayWalk

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/10/2005 02:09:46 PM · #4

What software are you using for post-processing?
Photoshop 7.0

What is your perceived skill level?
Intermediate

What would you most like to learn about?
Well if you look at my profile you can see that I have been playing around with Photoshop a lot lately. I am fine with basic features such as levels, curves and basic image manipulation. What I am looking for is some advice on how I can make my pictures look as if there was more skill behind them. It's really hard to describe, but if you take a look at my portfolio you will start to see the direction I am taking my pictures in.

Bebe

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/10/2005 02:55:58 PM · #5

What software are you using for post-processing?
Photoshop CS

What is your perceived skill level?
Intermediate

What would you most like to learn about?
I'm just awed by some of the post processing I see going on here, when photogs show their originals & their outcomes. I would love to be able to do that! I'm okay with levels, layers; need help with curves & channels.

Many many thanks for taking this on and letting me play! I really look forward to learning.

jrtodd

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/10/2005 04:50:10 PM · #6

David, thanks for adding me in.

What software are you using for post-processing?
Photoshop CS

What is your perceived skill level?
Intermediate

What would you most like to learn about?
Masking Techniques, working with layers to "improve" some of my photos.

janruss

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

07/10/2005 05:20:03 PM · #7

I use Photoshop CS

My level of skill is between basic and intermediate.

I'd like to learn more about masking techniques, working with layers & curves, incorporating text that is more than just "flat text" and some of the other advanced features.

roadrunner

Canon EOS-20D

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

07/10/2005 06:01:04 PM · #8

like i said in the PM david, i am literally sitting here about to turn computer off to go away for four days, ( bummer now !! ) but just had to have a quick look see here first....lol...

1) What software are you using for post-processing? Photoshop 7
(2) What is your perceived skill level (none, basic, intermediate, advanced)? intermediate
(3) What would you most like to learn about? pretty much everything as i self taught myself how to use it, and maybe i have it all wrong...!

have fun guy's ... see you all on Thursday, ( well i think it's your wednesday )....

jtf6agent

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

07/10/2005 08:05:00 PM · #9

I use CS2 and as far as my skill level goes. I can open a file sometimes. Yup, fresh outta the box beginner. But I did pick up a book and I am currently learning...if that's what you want to call it.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/10/2005 08:23:12 PM · #10

Well, this will be fun and a little daunting for me, as I've never tried to teach anyone else! Well, at least not 7-8 at the same time.

To begin with, let's cut to the chase: You can render Photoshop mentors obsolete if you are willing to spend a few hundred bucks at Total Training and buy the Total Training for Photoshop (for your version). Seriously, you'll be amazed!

That said, I'll try my best to keep up with the likes of Deke McClelland and teach you what I know. The topics I feel best suited for a group such as this are:

- Color cast & matching
- Hue shifting & colorization
- Curves, shadows & highlights
- Adjustment layers
- Advanced selection techniques
- Dodging, burning and blurring
- Cloning, healing & patching
- Replacing colors
- Layers & layer sets
- Opacity & blend modes
- Layer styles
- Masks & channels
- Sharpening & blurring
- Text & vector shapes
- Clipping masks

If you like, we can go thru every one of them, one by one, or you can pick and choose the ones you feel will most benefit you here in DPC. I have a couple in mind that will be very useful, but I'll teach you what you want to learn. Pick away, and let me know how you'd like to get started.

JayWalk

Canon EOS-6D

07/10/2005 08:27:16 PM · #11

My vote goes for these although I wouldn't mind having a tutorial on all.

- Layers & layer sets
- Opacity & blend modes
- Layer styles
- Masks & channels
- Sharpening & blurring
- Text & vector shapes
- Clipping masks

Just throwing this out there, but it may be beneficial if we all work from the same picture and compare our editing results. That way we can see the different end results that each comes up with. Just a thought.

janruss

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIn

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

07/10/2005 08:27:36 PM · #12

I'd like to know how to fix "blown-out" highlights if that's possible without shooting in "raw"

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/10/2005 08:59:00 PM · #13

Originally posted by JayWalk:

Just throwing this out there, but it may be beneficial if we all work from the same picture and compare our editing results. That way we can see the different end results that each comes up with. Just a thought.

Great idea. Why don't each of you post a photo that you're disappointed with and I'll look thru them and see which ones can be used for tutorials. Then we'll learn new techniques aimed at improving your own photos. Post as many as you like, the more material we have the better.

While you're doing that, I think I'll get ready for our first lessons. I'm going to skip having a "basics" lesson and just integrate the basics into our lessons. I think we'll start with "Advanced Selection techniques", as this is a critical skill that most other skills rely on.

By the way, I should mention that at every step of the way, I'm going to teach you to do "non destructive editing" if it is possible. It's always good to be able to selectively undo your edits at a later time.

Message edited by author 2005-07-10 21:04:44.

amber

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

07/10/2005 09:08:28 PM · #14

Sorry I''m late;) I think I'm in a different time zone to you guys.

I use PS 7. My skills are basic to intermediate, really. As I said elsewhere, I use photoshop like I swim - sort of sychronised drowning:)
I'm mostly self taught.

I love the images Joey Lawrence creates, and I would love to be able to do digital art one day.

jrtodd

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/10/2005 09:26:41 PM · #15

Here's my photo

This kind of sums up some of my problems, running out of range. I think this could be saved (maybe not) and I would like to learn how. I have the original NEF as well if needed

Artifacts

07/10/2005 09:32:14 PM · #16

David... sent you a PM hoping to sneak into your group. Hope you let me. :)

Selection techniques is not just a good starting point but a fundamental PS skill. And I'm a HUGE fan of non-destructive editing (layers, adjustment layers and masks over permanent changes to image data layers and the eraser tool)

Message edited by author 2005-07-10 21:32:49.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/10/2005 09:35:59 PM · #17

Originally posted by stdavidson:

You're in, bro! And having looked at your portfolio, I'm curious to know if you'd consider joining me as co-mentor? We're going to be teaching all levels to a large group and it would be good to have some help.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

07/10/2005 09:41:22 PM · #18

Hi David, I'm here and excited to get going with this.
I have a question...what is ps architecture, and is it beneficial to learn it? I have heard that if you understand and get to know the architecture of ps, then you can figure anything out.
Thanks,
Olyuzi

Artifacts

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/10/2005 09:46:45 PM · #19

Originally posted by aboutimage:

Originally posted by stdavidson:
David... sent you a PM hoping to sneak into your group. Hope you let me. :)

Selection techniques is not just a good starting point but a fundamental PS skill. And I'm a HUGE fan of non-destructive editing (layers, adjustment layers and masks over permanent changes to image data layers and the eraser tool)

You're in, bro! And having looked at your portfolio, I'm curious to know if you'd consider joining me as co-mentor? We're going to be teaching all levels to a large group and it would be good to have some help.

Thanks for having me. I would be pleased to contribute to the group as co-mentor anyway I can.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

07/10/2005 10:00:00 PM · #20

Glad to have you aboard as a co-mentor, stdavidson, welcome.
David, I'm willing to supply some of my photos for posting here, but what size should they be? DPC challenge size or bigger? I've heard that the bigger the file size the more you have to work with.

Message edited by author 2005-07-10 22:01:11.

07/10/2005 10:00:54 PM · #21

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

Glad to have you aboard as a co-mentor, stdavidson, welcome.
David, I'm willing to supply some of my photos for posting here, but what size should they be?

Just post the normal DPC size

Artifacts

07/10/2005 10:06:11 PM · #22

Originally posted by Olyuzi:

If what you mean by "ps architecture" is the basic non-programming mentality of the program... sorta like just understanding the way it operates, I agree 100% with you that understanding its fundamental operation will allow you to use it to its full potential.

PS is not very intuitive in my opinion and understanding its mentality is important. Understanding the fundamentals of photo image post processing first, though, is a necessary first step. It might be easier to start with a few specific aspects of post processing and then tie them together for that type of understanding.

David suggested starting with selection techniques which is a great baseline starting point. I look forward to nailing down this absolutely crucial skill and learning many different ways to do it and then acquiring the skill to choose the right one in a given situation.

07/10/2005 10:11:46 PM · #23

Originally posted by jrtodd:

Here's my photo

This kind of sums up some of my problems, running out of range. I think this could be saved (maybe not) and I would like to learn how. I have the original NEF as well if needed

This can be saved using 2-3 fairly simple techniques, all of which we will cover at some point in time: adjustment layers, healing/cloning, and sharpening.

kevrobertson

Canon EOS-5D Mark III