Moose wrote:
-----
I didn't keep careful track of what I did, although I think I can pretty
much remember
< <http://www.moosemystic.net/Gallery/Others/Wagenaar_Brugges/index.htm>
http://www.moosemystic.net/Gallery/Others/Wagenaar_Brugges/index.htm>.
I'm using PSCS, which has one important tool added since 7 that I used
on some of these, ShadowHighlight (SHi). I have a number of things that
I commonly do set in actions. For example, for local contrast
enhancement (LCE), the action creates a duplicate layer and applies
Unsharp Mask to it with settings 20%, 50 pixels, 0 threshold. I can then
simply adjust the opacity of the new layer to fine tune the effect. So
much faster than going back and forth using different USM settings to
find the right amount.
LCE seems to compensate for an effect common in almost all digitally
derived images I've worked on, whether from camera or scanner, where
local brightness transitions at edges aren't abrupt enough, giving a
soft, fuzzy feeling to them. Most images seem to be improved by about
the amount I have set standard. A very few look better with none and a
fair number can use a partial second dose. with some images, LCE is like
removing a veil to reveal the image underneath. Other people use
different settings.
717 - Just a little LCE and SHi.
758 - Select sky and make separate layer, darken slightly. LCE, SHi and
curves on the rest, some dodging on the face.
764 & 767 - Select highlights to separate layer, darken slightly. LCE,
SHi and curves on the rest. 764 is improved, 767 is a huge improvement.
774 - The histogram for this one was very low, with almost everything
below 60% or so. Black portion at the bottom and the frame around all
these display images must be ignored to see the histograms properly. I
selected them as a separate layer and turned it off while working.
Levels to set the white point and spread out the histogram and a little
SHi to bring up the dark doors and windows.
777 - I should say that this isn't bad to me as is, as a way of setting
mood, but I like the adjusted version too. Another shot with no tonal
values much above the midpoint of the histogram. Levels to set the white
point, LCE and curves to add some contrast. SHi to bring up the iron
grating and some detail in the dark clothes and to bring down brightness
in the upper right from the other adjustments. This is one of my
favorites, very strong subject and composition. Although the adjustments
brighten it, the way they bring up the rough texture in the wall and
sidewalk and make the iron grating and its opening more visible and
strengthen the contrast of the vulnerable looking girl to her situation.
783 - Building simply underexposed. Select sky and make separate layer,
darken slightly. LCE, levels and curves on the rest.
789 - This is a classic example of why SHi is such a valuable tool. For
a shot like this, it's like magic. I think that's all I used.
795 - I gave into temptation here. The reflections make this shot and I
thought they could be stronger. I made a dup layer, brightened it with
curves or something, then selected and deleted most of it and cleaned up
around the edges with eraser.
> I used the same photos on both sites, so would you be so kind to tell
> me if the ones on MFT could be improved further?
They are improved over the ones straight out of the camera, but yes,
they can be improved.
I'll get to that soon.
Moose
-----
Thanks Moose for taking the time to explain waht you have done. Some
improvements were quite dramatic indeed. Sorry I responded this late,
but I only read the digest version and am a lottle behind because of
the family obligations that go with this time of the year. You obviously
did put in quite some work. I greatly appreciate the way you teach me in
this way. Please let me know if there is anything I can do back. I heard
a lot of positive things about PSCS from friends from the local
photoclob and from others. Especially the SHi you mention is everybodies
favourite new option. The improvements that are visible with this tool
are indeed much like unveiling waht is underneath. I think I need to
take a look at the option of upgrading. LCE is new to me. I will look up
how it works. It seems to me that quite some of my photo's need
improvement in the (mostly white) skies. Would LCE be the tool for that?
Last year I followed a course in PS, but that was not realle meant for
photographers. The course leader insisted that there is no neccesity
ever to shoot in RAW and you could (read should) use JPG at all times.
Since I followed the discussions here and at other places I am convinced
RAW adds to the possibilities to improve your photos. For now I still
use JPG for the relative ease of workflow. Can any of you point me to a
book or course on PS that mainly goes into improving photos for
photographers and not so much in the "other" functions like mosaic and
others.
Thanks in advance and Happy Easter.
Wiliam
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