Im scared I have to start from scratch...

Unbrok3n

OK, I've never been comfortable with pp at all. I have CS3 and lightroom, but I could never do a bunch of stuff to a picture and say "there, that's perfect." The contrast or white balance or saturation etc is always gonna be off.
All this to say, I only sharpen my images. And I have been uploading to smugmug like crazy over the past week of my trial before I pay my $150. I feel like they could obviously be better, but I dont know where to start with pp.

Could some people explain how they do things, or refer me to a very easy to understand book, website, tutorial, thread, etc??

Im really paranoid. Also, take a look at my site and let me know if I'm right or wrong. I want to upload a bunch more of my "good" pics tonight, but I'm afraid I'm just gonna have to go through and re-process them all.

Please help This is is stressing me out. haha

Unbrok3n

Guess nobody wants to deal with a whiney kid who doesnt know anything about pp. haha. sorry

DavidTO

We have some good links in our tutorials section, in the navbar up top of the page. In particular, check out the tutorial on making your pictures pop. It's a really good first step to improving your images.

Art Scott

You might want to consider getting Scott Kelby's books Photoshop CS3 for digital photographers and light room for photographers..........Great author, easy to follow.............................

Unbrok3n

Can you link me to the picture popping tutor? I cant find it

DavidTO wrote:

We have some good links in our tutorials section, in the navbar up top of the page. In particular, check out the tutorial on making your pictures pop. It's a really good first step to improving your images.

jsmiley

Unbrok3n wrote:

Can you link me to the picture popping tutor? I cant find it

Ok Zack don't stress out. I took a look at your web page, it looks quite nice. Follow the directions on how to make your photographs POP and I think you'll be well on your way.

You might check around the school. Their ought to be somebody that can give you some one on one in CS3.

Here is where DavidTO was sending you....
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1100284

zacker

try the Scott Kelby book..7 point system http://www.kelbytraining.com/product/scott-kelbys-7-point-system-for-adobe-photoshop-cs3.html


I have it and it rocks!!

DavidTO

Unbrok3n wrote:

Can you link me to the picture popping tutor? I cant find it

sure

Unbrok3n

OK, I think I've calmed down
Sorry I freaked out.
Anywho, should I get some tips from the "pop" tutor, etc. and then re-edit and re-upload my photos? (if they dont "pop")
At a first glance, does anyone who looked at any of pics see ones that really need that extra boost? I Just need my eyes open a little.
Thanks so much everyone. This forum always makes me feel better

jsmiley wrote:

Ok Zack don't stress out. I took a look at your web page, it looks quite nice. Follow the directions on how to make your photographs POP and I think you'll be well on your way.

You might check around the school. Their ought to be somebody that can give you some one on one in CS3.

Here is where DavidTO was sending you....
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1100284

schmoo

Hi Zack, I remember looking at your site the other day! I still think your theater shots are awesome.

Post processing is a personal journey and you'll find your way. But there is a lot of info out there. I'm no expert but i had to just chime in that even those of us who aren't terribly studious or technical can have a good time looking around at great works, asking how it's done, experimenting with different techniques and eventually you'll find something that works for you.

Chin up, and good luck.

Unbrok3n

Thanks:)

I think im gonna go through, try some things on different pics, and repost whatever looks better.

For the "popping" tutorial, does that same curves process work on all images?(people, water, landscapes, bugs, flowers, etc)? Just curious.

DavidTO

Unbrok3n wrote:

Thanks:)

I think im gonna go through, try some things on different pics, and repost whatever looks better.

For the "popping" tutorial, does that same curves process work on all images?(people, water, landscapes, bugs, flowers, etc)? Just curious.

Try it!

It will work on any image that has a black point and a white point. Some misty shots won't have either.