Creative Post Processing

Sean Ealy

I am still a newbie when it comes to understanding post processing, but I am really looking to take my photos to the next level. I understand the basics of layers in Photoshop. I see a lot of work that looks like a softened filter was applied, and some with an overly saturated look and some with a slightly under saturated look. I would love to hear from some of you on your post processing techniques!

basflt

me , i have no spacial technique
i just try different things until i get a result i like

TonyCooper

Sean Ealy wrote: »

I am still a newbie when it comes to understanding post processing, but I am really looking to take my photos to the next level. I understand the basics of layers in Photoshop. I see a lot of work that looks like a softened filter was applied, and some with an overly saturated look and some with a slightly under saturated look. I would love to hear from some of you on your post processing techniques!

Most of us, I would imagine, have techniques that we've developed
for our own type of photography and we vary our post-processing
based on the specific image. And, the problem with Photoshop is that
there so many different ways to do the same thing.

I suggest you start Googling for tutorials. Googling for "Scott Kelby
tutorials" or "post-processing tutorials" is a good start.

pathfinder

Sounds like a Gaussian Blur overlay perhaps.

angevin1

Heres a good thread: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=181639

zoomer

My suggestion is to learn to take good photos and process them to look good as taken. Once you have mastered that then branch out into different kinds of processing and effects.
The effects you are talking about can be used as a crutch by many to cover up poor photography skills.
Knowledge of layers are not required to process photos.
Take photos in good light, with good exposures. My advice is to learn to use your histogram and to do levels/contrast adjustments on your photos....master those then branch out if you still feel the need.

Sean Ealy

Thank you all for the information! I do still prefer natural photos. I believe that an image with good composition and good lighting are usually enough to convey the message I'm trying to get across. However, I want to be able to offer my clients the best images possible. Especially in wedding phtoography, it seems that post processing in certain forms (beyong just color and contrast adjustments) has become the norm.

zoomer

Lightroom presets for wedding effects. One click.

Sean Ealy

Going to download LR3 Demo.....now....

zoomer

There are tons of free download Lightroom presets on the internet... or you can pay for them, lots of options.

Sean Ealy

Thanks Zoomer. Love your work by the way.