I am just beginning to try post processing. So I used a basic program that came with my camera (Olympus Master) to play around. # 1 is the PP photo. #2 is the original. Am I on the right track?
View from Jamestown PP
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View from Jamestown Orig
I just thought about my question. I'm not certain that you can answer it without knowing my intent. And, honestly, I'm not certain of my intent. I guess I was just playing around, thought it didn't look bad and wondered if anyone else thought so too or if I overdid it. (I'm sure Randy thinks that I didn't go far enough by a long shot.)
MattPhox wrote:
...I'm not certain of my intent. I guess I was just playing around, thought it didn't look bad and wondered if anyone else thought so too or if I overdid it. (I'm sure Randy thinks that I didn't go far enough by a long shot.)
Playing around is a good thing! Can't learn otherwise.
From my own viewpoint, I think this would be more effective taken further, or dialed back a little - but really, it's a personal decision, what appeals to you the most.
The sky is heavily processed and unreal - though very appealing! - while the boats and most of the water aren't. I think it's a great image to continue working on, seeing what you come up with. Playful pp is an addictive habit :)
Note you have a sensor dust spot above the bridge tower that should be smudged out.
Linda From Maine wrote:
Playing around is a good thing! Can't learn otherwise.
From my own viewpoint, I think this would be more effective taken further, or dialed back a little - but really, it's a personal decision, what appeals to you the most.
The sky is heavily processed and unreal - though very appealing! - while the boats and most of the water aren't. I think it's a great image to continue working on, seeing what you come up with. Playful pp is an addictive habit :)
Note you have a sensor dust spot above the bridge tower that should be smudged out.
Playing around is a good thing! Can't learn otherw... (
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Thanks, I didn't notice the spot but now that you mention it......it's pretty noticeable.
I think I was a bit premature in this post also.
MattPhox wrote:
...
I think I was a bit premature in this post also.
Oh I don't know; it's fun enjoying the journey with you :)
Linda From Maine wrote:
Oh I don't know; it's fun enjoying the journey with you :)
You may be too kind. It occurred to me also that the reason that I chose that one to do the PP was that the original wasn't too sterling either. Boredom can make a man do terrible things. :)
Matt, you never find out what you can do until you try. And the best way to learn is to try everything you can. You'll find your own way, given a bit of practice. I don't think there's a right or wrong, but only what appeals to you.
Don't expect everyone to love what you do. To some, processing is evil and anathema (I so rarely get to use that word). Others of us revel in it. Find your own path.
FWIW, I like this! But whether it's successful depends on your own vision of what you want from the image.
Treepusher wrote:
Matt, you never find out what you can do until you try. And the best way to learn is to try everything you can. You'll find your own way, given a bit of practice. I don't think there's a right or wrong, but only what appeals to you.
Don't expect everyone to love what you do. To some, processing is evil and anathema (I so rarely get to use that word). Others of us revel in it. Find your own path.
FWIW, I like this! But whether it's successful depends on your own vision of what you want from the image.
Matt, you never find out what you can do until you... (
show quote)
Thank you for your encouragement.
Matt you've already heard from some who are quite good at PP... My two cents would be that if you want to jump in just keep playing with it, have fun, and post post post! Let us see it and let those who do it well have at it. This forum is the best place to accomplish that goal. I noticed from the start that you have a very teachable spirit... That will pay dividends in the end!
One who enjoys your work and does PP only under duress,
Michael
MattPhox wrote:
I am just beginning to try post processing. So I used a basic program that came with my camera (Olympus Master) to play around. # 1 is the PP photo. #2 is the original. Am I on the right track?
Welcome! I'm always thrilled to see someone willing to get out there and experiment with processing and take the risk to share their work! The free OM software that came with your camera is a great way to get started, but eventually you may want another, more comprehensive program.
The Jamestown bridge is a great subject, there's a lot you can do with it. I'm jealous of your landscape possibilities, you live in a beauty-rich area.
I agree with some posters that you've gone a little further than your file will allow and acquired some breakdown in the sky and the sun reflection. When editing, it helps to enlarge your file after applying an effect to watch for loss of detail and see if you're tearing up your image. I don't know if you shot this in raw or jpeg but Oly jpegs will tear up pretty fast if you push them hard (they are great if handled lightly) - if you want to do more intense processing, raw will serve you best. I shoot strictly with Olympus cameras so I'm very familiar with the files they produce. You also have to watch for noise, which will magnify itself rapidly when you push an image, and even faster if you had to use a higher ISO.
You've got a dust spot in the sky, and a slight right-downward slant that you'll need to correct for.
Processing is almost as much fun for me as taking photos, and I hope you'll stick with your learning plan and keep posting. You'll be able to get lots of feedback from people who have some years of experience under their belts and can steer you in the direction you want to go.
MattPhox wrote:
I just thought about my question. I'm not certain that you can answer it without knowing my intent. And, honestly, I'm not certain of my intent. I guess I was just playing around, thought it didn't look bad and wondered if anyone else thought so too or if I overdid it. (I'm sure Randy thinks that I didn't go far enough by a long shot.)
My opinion is that you have overdone certain aspects of it and ignored critical aspects.
Ignored? - the horizon is not level. The dust spot.
Overdone - the orange halo around the yellow light, particularly in the reflection but also in the sky. It does not look natural.
minniev wrote:
Welcome! I'm always thrilled to see someone willing to get out there and experiment with processing and take the risk to share their work! The free OM software that came with your camera is a great way to get started, but eventually you may want another, more comprehensive program.
The Jamestown bridge is a great subject, there's a lot you can do with it. I'm jealous of your landscape possibilities, you live in a beauty-rich area.
I agree with some posters that you've gone a little further than your file will allow and acquired some breakdown in the sky and the sun reflection. When editing, it helps to enlarge your file after applying an effect to watch for loss of detail and see if you're tearing up your image. I don't know if you shot this in raw or jpeg but Oly jpegs will tear up pretty fast if you push them hard (they are great if handled lightly) - if you want to do more intense processing, raw will serve you best. I shoot strictly with Olympus cameras so I'm very familiar with the files they produce. You also have to watch for noise, which will magnify itself rapidly when you push an image, and even faster if you had to use a higher ISO.
You've got a dust spot in the sky, and a slight right-downward slant that you'll need to correct for.
Processing is almost as much fun for me as taking photos, and I hope you'll stick with your learning plan and keep posting. You'll be able to get lots of feedback from people who have some years of experience under their belts and can steer you in the direction you want to go.
Welcome! I'm always thrilled to see someone willin... (
show quote)
Wow. Thank you for your detailed response. I appreciate it.
lighthouse wrote:
My opinion is that you have overdone certain aspects of it and ignored critical aspects.
Ignored? - the horizon is not level. The dust spot.
Overdone - the orange halo around the yellow light, particularly in the reflection but also in the sky. It does not look natural.
Thanks lighthouse. I appreciate your comments.
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