PSA: How to Edit Pictures

[slhazy]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

always shoot in raw, bring a tripod, and photoshop ftw. I'm not a huge High dynamic range person, makes the picture look fake. Remember your trying to capture the moment, not create it.

[popp]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Yes we are still trying to learn the the DSLR Camera and all the features associated with it. We have a Panasonic Lumix G2. I'm gonna try playing around with the saturation, the apeture and the shutter speeds pretty soon. Also wanna see if my camera has an Auto Exposure Bracketing feature so I can play a bit more with HDR shots.

I wouldn't bother playing with saturation and other gimmicks on the dslr itself....... just make sure your exposer is set proper and do everything else in post edit......

[Ur0Drivr]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

I wouldn't bother playing with saturation and other gimmicks on the dslr itself....... just make sure your exposer is set proper and do everything else in post edit......

Again, I would have to agree with Alex on this one. Much better control using software to edit and manipulate the photos.

[R_Ethug]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

i'm still learning my canon after 4 years of having it.. but having nice lenses is a must.. that wide angle tokina i picked up is so GOOD!

[PRY4SNO]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Is it just me (and/or my monitor) or do the colour profiles on the 'after' shots in the OP look farked?

Martin13 posted some slick edits.



I'm trained on Photoshop but keep hearing good things about Aperture/Lightroom... will have to investigate when I get a decent 'puter for sure. For now on my craptastic netbook I'll use GIMP (free, non-RAM intensive and no watermarks) when I'm forced; iPhoto has been creeping into my consciousness of late, with good results. Otherwise I just try to do a good job with setting, framing, composition, exposure settings and flash.

Shoot in RAW + JPEG (if available) with all the resolution/size settings maxed out. The more info the better.

Avoid on-camera adjustments.



Some of the everyday Photoshop basics:

Levels (start with auto until you get the gist)
Curves
Sharpen, and maybe Sharpen More + Unsharp Mask

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Ok Nikon shooters, under Picture Control do you use Standard or Neutral? Then post process using PS or LR or NX2?

[bonfire]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Don't think my old body even has that option. I organize with Lightroom, haven't touched photoshop in ages. I have cs5, but never use it, just isn't a need. I try to shoot good enough to minimize editing.

Major editing is lame. You're monitor isn't screwed up, it is just what happens when you push hdr too far. I would stay as far away from photomatix as you can. The key is just to take a pile of photos, try stuff, experiment, don't rely upon software to save you.

[PRY4SNO]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Ok Nikon shooters, under Picture Control do you use Standard or Neutral? Then post process using PS or LR or NX2?

Mine is set to neutral. A quick scan of the on-cam visible settings shows them to be the same?

[onepointeightdub]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

good thread..

[darkmanCANADA]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Mine is set to neutral. A quick scan of the on-cam visible settings shows them to be the same?

http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-6501_7-10012475-13.html

[MechEngg]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

I'm starting to really like this Picasa program. Lots of unique settings that i haven't seen before which is cool. Subtle editing would probably be best however but i like the pencil sketch thingy....

[mDmVR6]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

For anyone looking for a good starter DSLR, Walmart in Shawnessy had the Nikon D3000 with the 55-80mm lens for $368.00!

[RONDAL]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

no amount of photoshop will fix a poorly exposed or blurry photo. get it right in camera.
photoshop is a tool to enhance a photo, not create one.

i really dont want to crap on peoples photos, but almost all of the photos posted above have major issues. be it exposure settings, or simple layout and setup.
taking a picture of your car in front of something without paying attention to backgrounds, perspective will always result in a subpar photo no matter how much CS5 or photomatix you throw at it.

and on the topic of photomatix....yes its cool....yes you can slide everything to 11 and make "art" but it doesn;t make good photos.
HDR is used when the dynamic range of a particular event cannot be captured due to the restraints of the camera chip. Nothing I have seen above warranted the use of HDR.

Take people's feedback, and keep shooting. people are going to comment on your photos. dont take it as a negative, they are giving you tips for the future, its not personal.

i WISH i had more time to shoot...i haven't picked up a camera in months literally. makes me sad.

[P Arkus]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

Its all good feedback guys, and its all appreciated. It was my first time playing around with HDR and yes I think its cool. I fully agree that it completely changes the way the photo looks and doesnt make it a good photo, but I like it so if I even wanna play around, I can. There will always be those to give constructive criticism and those who hate with nothing good to add. I just filter through the info haha.

This summer i'll definitely be playing around with the settings in my camera so I can learn to take shots like Bucky, Popp, Andrew or any of the other really good photographers on the site. I just know it will take alot of time, practice, and trial/error learning.....plus all the flaming that comes along with trial & error hahah

[MechEngg]

Re: PSA: How to Edit Pictures

no amount of photoshop will fix a poorly exposed or blurry photo. get it right in camera.
photoshop is a tool to enhance a photo, not create one.

i really dont want to crap on peoples photos, but almost all of the photos posted above have major issues. be it exposure settings, or simple layout and setup.
taking a picture of your car in front of something without paying attention to backgrounds, perspective will always result in a subpar photo no matter how much CS5 or photomatix you throw at it.

and on the topic of photomatix....yes its cool....yes you can slide everything to 11 and make "art" but it doesn;t make good photos.
HDR is used when the dynamic range of a particular event cannot be captured due to the restraints of the camera chip. Nothing I have seen above warranted the use of HDR.

Take people's feedback, and keep shooting. people are going to comment on your photos. dont take it as a negative, they are giving you tips for the future, its not personal.

i WISH i had more time to shoot...i haven't picked up a camera in months literally. makes me sad.

Thanks for the feedback. I did the auto adjust editing and it came out really nice, just didn't post that picture. I am definitely not the artsy person here, just thought it was interesting how they can get a program to technically edit these pictures the way they do, interesting that they can pick up on the outlines and such, as in the pencil sketch mode that i posted. I am merely messing around with all of the functions and settings and seeing what CAN be done, not that it SHOULD be done