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DPChallenge Forums >> Individual Photograph Discussion >> What do you think? How could it be improved?
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02/01/2009 08:22:15 AM · #1
Hey all, I shot this in Seoul last weekend. I think its a cool shot mainly because of all the brilliant colors. I didn't do much post processing, just some minor contrast and saturation adjustments. What other things could I have tried, or what could I have done differently to make the picture more interesting overall? I could have tried getting closer to the guards... I also think HDR would be awesome for this. What do you think? Thanks for the input.



Message edited by author 2009-02-02 09:27:05.
02/01/2009 09:01:39 AM · #2
I definately like the slightly lower angle tilted up for it adds some visual impact. Maybe getting the camera even lower and tilting to look up would add even more interest. I like how you composed it such that the line of soldiers goes off to the horizon line. Colors and exposure is good - but some of those bright colors 'look' a bit oversaturated and as such some shadow (darker tones) seem washed out. Hmmmmm....some highlights & shadow adjustment and/or brightness/contrast to add a bid more contrast to the highlights and shadows (the light and dark areas) might improve the shot. You do not mention what ISO and aperture you shot this with...something you might want to do in the future and if you have the time (meaning main subject is not moving or going anywhere) is try bracketing - taking a shot with different exposure settings to see which is better (sometimes you get some really interesting exposures)
02/01/2009 10:01:53 AM · #3
Thanks so much for the input CNovack. I took the shot at ISO-200 and f/13. The shutter speed was 1/250sec. I've been wondering how to individually adjust the contrast of the highlights and shadows. Could you, or someone, direct me to a thread here, or another site elsewhere, that explains how to do that? Does that have anything to do with tone mapping?
02/01/2009 02:18:15 PM · #4
Originally posted by johnnyphoto:

Thanks so much for the input CNovack. I took the shot at ISO-200 and f/13. The shutter speed was 1/250sec. I've been wondering how to individually adjust the contrast of the highlights and shadows. Could you, or someone, direct me to a thread here, or another site elsewhere, that explains how to do that? Does that have anything to do with tone mapping?


Generally, the higher the F-stop the greater the DOF so that f-13 setting was a good choice in this composition. As to adjustments of contrast of the highlights and shadows. I have Paintshop Pro so I play around with (the > indicates this is a drop down menu selection) Color > Brightnes & Contrast or Color > Highlight/Midtone/Shadow. Some tutorials here at DPC Improving Shadow & Highlight Detail & Tone Mapping Emulation

I know of two other sites but I will have to find time to dig them up due to a very messy bookmarking system I have - way to many and not categorized:-) But these should get you started. Anyone else have some suggestions?
02/01/2009 02:28:27 PM · #5


So this is my take on a crop that might work.

You have a great eye, and a good image here, so the improvements I can see are minor: Some selective dodging and sharpening/saturation/contrast of the high part of the building could bring out a lot of fascinating detail there.

02/01/2009 08:31:33 PM · #6
Chromeydome, I see that you cropped out a couple of tourists. I was actually thinking of doing the same at some point (those pesky tourists). Actually, every other person in this country has a DSLR, so they aren't any worse than me I suppose :) I do like your crop however. I will play around with some photo editing and post an update later. Thanks for the help!
02/01/2009 10:17:42 PM · #7
IMHO, you tried to do too much with the shot. Either pick the implied line of the flag bearers, or the majesty of the architecture. Each competes with the other.
02/02/2009 12:50:13 AM · #8
Originally posted by L2:

IMHO, you tried to do too much with the shot. Either pick the implied line of the flag bearers, or the majesty of the architecture. Each competes with the other.


That's an interesting take. I had a lot of pictures of just the palace, and some of only the guards. I really liked this one because it has both. I like all of the brilliant colors. I see how the foreground and background could be competing with each other. Thanks for the input!
02/02/2009 09:21:40 AM · #9
Okay, how do these edits look? Better or worse? Too much of something or too little of something? What do you think?

I feel like I may have gone a little overboard with the contrast...



Message edited by author 2009-02-02 09:28:36.
02/02/2009 09:40:40 AM · #10
Why dont you desaturate the image, but keep the flag bearers in colour, that way you have a solid focal point in an otherwise overbearing and busy composition! It'll give it a nice 'pop' to the image! Hope that helps.

Oh, and if you do it this way, I think the original crop would probably suit it better.

Message edited by author 2009-02-02 09:41:53.
02/02/2009 11:28:51 AM · #11
Originally posted by Caravela:

Why dont you desaturate the image, but keep the flag bearers in colour, that way you have a solid focal point in an otherwise overbearing and busy composition! It'll give it a nice 'pop' to the image! Hope that helps.

Oh, and if you do it this way, I think the original crop would probably suit it better.


I don't mean to be the photo editing noob who doesn't know how to do anything, but what would be the best way to go about adjusting the saturation for only part of a photograph? I recently purchased Paintshop Pro, and have limited experience with it. I know the basics, but not the advanced stuff. I would have bought Adobe Photoshop if I could have afforded it :) I refuse to use pirated software so Paintshop Pro X2 seemed the next best thing.
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