Photography skills and/or Posting Skills
Jan 30, 2016 21:26:55 #
Is it absolutely necessary that every photographer master post processing? I am 3 years in with a DSLR and I already struggle to find the time I want and need to invest in growing my skills. I'm familiar with Photoshop but don't know enough to make the transformations that I see often with other photographers. I worry that I'm missing out on the opportunity to make good picture great without learning some type of processing software. I have tried to learn on my own but I find it more challenging to watch online tutorials especially when there is so much to learn and you don't know where to start. Will my pictures be good but never great without it?
Jan 30, 2016 21:35:37 #
I would start with Adobe Elements 13 or 14 and go to you tube to learn how to use it....It is fairly uncomplicated but powerful editing tool.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Jan 30, 2016 21:40:19 #
There were many great photos taken long before digital post processing. While PhotoShop can do a lot, great photos start in the camera, or in the mind before the shutter is released.
When I get a photo the way I want it in the camera, I crop, tweak levels, resize based on intended use, and sharpen. That's better than 50% of photos I post.
Don't misunderstand. My photos are far from great, but those few steps get them to what I always expected out of film. For large prints I use my RAW copies and process a bit more.
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When I get a photo the way I want it in the camera, I crop, tweak levels, resize based on intended use, and sharpen. That's better than 50% of photos I post.
Don't misunderstand. My photos are far from great, but those few steps get them to what I always expected out of film. For large prints I use my RAW copies and process a bit more.
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Jan 30, 2016 21:40:39 #
Jan 30, 2016 21:41:49 #
enpaz1 wrote:
Is it absolutely necessary that every photographer... (show quote)
you might try Lightroom, it has a smaller learning curve and is a great program. it will not do all that photoshop is capable of, but the workflow is quicker and easier, and it produces some nice photos.
Jan 30, 2016 21:48:45 #
There are a few free photo processing programs that you can use quite successfully before committing yourself to a purchased program.
I personally use free FastStone Image Viewer, and process my raw files side-by-side: original and edited version.
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm I will answer any questions you have.
I personally use free FastStone Image Viewer, and process my raw files side-by-side: original and edited version.
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm I will answer any questions you have.
Jan 30, 2016 21:52:29 #
enpaz1 wrote:
Is it absolutely necessary that every photographer... (show quote)
Its something that every photographer needs to do or have done. It makes a big difference when done properly.
Jan 30, 2016 21:59:26 #
No it is not necessary to master PP, many may argue. I do not do PP, I feel
my photos don't need it. I do have Photoshop but use it for others photographs, not mine. It is up to you how you use it.
my photos don't need it. I do have Photoshop but use it for others photographs, not mine. It is up to you how you use it.
Jan 30, 2016 22:00:29 #
Jan 30, 2016 22:01:55 #
My answer is yes AND no. Familiarity with some sort of pp software is always a plus but will not replace a critical eye and composition skills.
If you can create a sharp image, the rest can be dealt with later if you choose to do so. I feel your pain however since 99.9% of my posts are completely untouched.
If you can create a sharp image, the rest can be dealt with later if you choose to do so. I feel your pain however since 99.9% of my posts are completely untouched.
Jan 30, 2016 22:05:58 #
enpaz1 wrote:
Is it absolutely necessary that every photographer... (show quote)
Unless you make perfect images SOOC you need some kind of post processing. I would start with Picasa(free). then go to gimp (also free) which has a steeper learning curve. Or fast one (also free). Sooner or later you will want to graduate to one of the more sophisticated PP programs(not free)
Jan 30, 2016 22:19:48 #
ebbote wrote:
No it is not necessary to master PP, many may argue. I do not do PP, I feel
my photos don't need it. I do have Photoshop but use it for others photographs, not mine. It is up to you how you use it.
my photos don't need it. I do have Photoshop but use it for others photographs, not mine. It is up to you how you use it.
Earnest - I don't mean to SOUND mean, but I just searched your pictures on UHH. You are exactly right, your shots don't need any help in PP because they couldn't be helped no matter how skilled one maybe. Snapshots are fine SOOC.
Now, to the OP: as others have said, the best in this hobby are equally skillful with both taking the shot and with PP skills. But most important is the picture itself.
Jan 30, 2016 22:22:24 #
tdekany wrote:
Earnest - I don't mean to SOUND mean, but I just searched your pictures on UHH. You are exactly right, your shots don't need any help in PP because they couldn't be helped no matter how skilled one maybe. Snapshots are fine SOOC.
Now, to the OP: as others have said, the best in this hobby are equally skillful with both taking the shot and with PP skills. But most important is the picture itself.
Now, to the OP: as others have said, the best in this hobby are equally skillful with both taking the shot and with PP skills. But most important is the picture itself.
At last!! I was biting my tongue but its good to see some one else deciding to embrace honesty. But, I digress, please carry on.
Jan 30, 2016 22:33:00 #
Come on Dekany, at least post one picture so we can see where you are
coming from or are you just blowing hot air. It is impossible for you to see
all my pictures in the short amount of time in took you to respond.
coming from or are you just blowing hot air. It is impossible for you to see
all my pictures in the short amount of time in took you to respond.
tdekany wrote:
Earnest - I don't mean to SOUND mean, but I just searched your pictures on UHH. You are exactly right, your shots don't need any help in PP because they couldn't be helped no matter how skilled one maybe. Snapshots are fine SOOC.
Now, to the OP: as others have said, the best in this hobby are equally skillful with both taking the shot and with PP skills. But most important is the picture itself.
Now, to the OP: as others have said, the best in this hobby are equally skillful with both taking the shot and with PP skills. But most important is the picture itself.
Jan 30, 2016 22:51:29 #
Basil wrote:
Even Ansel Adams mastered post-processing. He just did it with chemicals.
And hands, dodging wands and burning cards. "Post-processing" as many call it has been around since at least the 1860s.
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