Post processing, Subject, Photographic skills. Which is more important?
Jul 1, 2021 06:28:58 #
Burkley
Loc: Park City
I have friends who work as models, photographers and post processing computer whizzes for a major manufacturer that does tons of magazine and electronic media advertising. For years now, I’m continually amazed that a great photographer can turn something plain, simple into a work of beauty. I’m also amazed that excellent post processing can turn a boring photo into something gripping. What part does each play in your photography: subject, image, post-processing? What percentage to create your best outputs?
FYI, the business heads have given their emphasis. There are a dozen models plus, 2 1/2 full time photographers and 10-13 post processing gurus. Each one says they’re most important.
FYI, the business heads have given their emphasis. There are a dozen models plus, 2 1/2 full time photographers and 10-13 post processing gurus. Each one says they’re most important.
Jul 1, 2021 06:38:48 #
"Each one says they’re most important."
I reply cryptically and with their viewpoint.... "Yes, they are each the most important"
Each a cog in the gear that spins the wheel of fortune.
I reply cryptically and with their viewpoint.... "Yes, they are each the most important"
Each a cog in the gear that spins the wheel of fortune.
Jul 1, 2021 07:02:22 #
If the image is out of focus, no amount of post is going to save it.
"Plain to amazing" is probably an individual assessment that will differ by each individual. To achieve these results, a file with the maximum available data is needed as input to the processing along with computer / software power, and the vision of the potential, and the knowledge / skills to harvest an amazing result from the input file.
And still, all that processing starts with the best input. The subject needs to be interesting / potentially interesting. The image needs to maximize the possibilities for editing, typically RAW. These are skills of the photographer using the camera equipment.
"Plain to amazing" is probably an individual assessment that will differ by each individual. To achieve these results, a file with the maximum available data is needed as input to the processing along with computer / software power, and the vision of the potential, and the knowledge / skills to harvest an amazing result from the input file.
And still, all that processing starts with the best input. The subject needs to be interesting / potentially interesting. The image needs to maximize the possibilities for editing, typically RAW. These are skills of the photographer using the camera equipment.
Jul 1, 2021 07:25:12 #
Pre-visualization, to me, is the most important. That will guide everything else I do in taking/processing the photograph.
--Bob
--Bob
Burkley wrote:
I have friends who work as models, photographers a... (show quote)
Jul 1, 2021 07:37:09 #
dpullum wrote:
"Each one says they’re most important."
I reply cryptically and with their viewpoint.... "Yes, they are each the most important"
Each a cog in the gear that spins the wheel of fortune.
I reply cryptically and with their viewpoint.... "Yes, they are each the most important"
Each a cog in the gear that spins the wheel of fortune.
Agreed! Which is more important, your eyes or yours ears?....right, both
Jul 1, 2021 08:08:54 #
sodapop wrote:
Agreed! Which is more important, your eyes or yours ears?....right, both
Jul 1, 2021 08:16:09 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
I say subject/image is the most important because you can’t put lipstick on a pig. If you’ve got nothing of particular interest, post isn’t going to be worth your time to try to improve your image.
Jul 1, 2021 08:37:43 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
Burkley wrote:
I have friends who work as models, photographers a... (show quote)
I understand having two photographers, but I've never seen half a photographer.
As for who's most important, it depends on your goals. Each is essential in their own right, and together 1+1+1 is greater than 3. The job cannot be done to the best result unless all are capable in their own field.
Jul 1, 2021 08:41:36 #
Burkley wrote:
I have friends who work as models, photographers a... (show quote)
Subject matter is no. 1 - no escaping this ! .......
then concept/pre-visualization, then photographic/photographer input ......the further you go from subject/concept/photo input the less importance things become. PP is used to save/embellish inadequate photo input..
Jul 1, 2021 08:45:10 #
Burkley wrote:
I have friends who work as models, photographers a... (show quote)
I'd like to see the 1/2 full time photographer...
Is that based on age, size, missing parts or what?
Photography fully embraces all those parts. I guess it's possible on a rare occasion to get a perfect image SOOC that can't be improved upon in post, but that is so rare that depending on that would be unproductive enough to be useless for most purposes. A good photographer will pump out more photo's with "good bones" than a not so good guy, but they will almost always require post work to correct them or get them looking how wanted.
Myself, photo taking is mostly for the sole purpose to feed my editing hobby. For the past few years 90% of my work is on pictures my daughter sends me, taken with her cell phone 1500 miles away. I get the most pleasure out of turning a bland/boring/so-so photo into a "masterpiece" worthy for making it into Amazon Drive for display on my HD TV's slide show. My photo starting point requirements are in focus and, good subject, normally my GD Josie, and/or Bear, her dog.
Jul 1, 2021 08:55:24 #
BigDaddy wrote:
Myself, photo taking is mostly for the sole purpose to feed my editing hobby.
Yes, I am glad you admit this - as there are MANY more here like you .....but NOT all of us !
.
Jul 1, 2021 09:19:54 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
If the image is out of focus, no amount of post is going to save it.
It depends on what one's goal is. If it's to make a sharp picture, no, post processing probably won't do it. If it's to create Photographic Art, never say never as my wise old grandmother would say. I learned never to trash a picture because the options in post processing are extraordinary. One can make something out of nothing at all.
Jul 1, 2021 09:27:09 #
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, I am glad you admit this - as there are MANY more here like you .....but NOT all of us !
.
.
I'm aware everyone is not like me, but I'd hope most here take their photography well past just snapping the shutter. Getting the best you can muster SOOC is noble and has merit, but ignoring post processing skills is missing at least half the experience and I shudder to think how many great photo's have been tossed when often moderate pp skills could turn the so-so into a wow, if not WOW.
Anyhow, the OP asked what each part plays in our photography, and for me, editing peaks my interest, floats my boat, bakes my cake... Taking the picture is just a starting point.
Jul 1, 2021 09:38:00 #
Burkley wrote:
I have friends who work as models, photographers a... (show quote)
You must start with a good composition and a good photo likewise. You must have all the data you can grab in raw. You cannot take a bad exposure and make a great photo. You might be able to save it and post for a vacation shot to remind you of something but any photo that's completely underexposed or washed out cannot be saved for anything worthwhile. With that I would say post 30% or maybe even 20%.
Jul 1, 2021 09:53:23 #
You can put Lipstick on a Pig, but it is still a Pig. A good photo can stand on its own without processing if necessary. A bad one probably can't be saved by any amount of post processing wizardry.
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