Processing input C&C welcom

pmaxwell · July 14, 2011

I'm eager to try a metal print. I thought I'd start with a copy of this image cropped just above the white dogwood (I think it is a dogwood).

This is pretty much straight out of the camera other than a slight (-0.25) tweak to exposure.

Before I spend the bucks on a metal print, any input on processing, tweaks or the image itself?

Thanks
Pete

pathfinder · July 14, 2011

You might post the size of this image in pixels along each border ( width and height ) and the paper size you want the file to print as well.

I only see your one image, which seems to be the first link you posted.

pmaxwell · July 14, 2011

Here a link to the gallery, to see any details I may omit.
http://maxwell.smugmug.com/2011/San-Francisco/16872265_FtDN5p/1284612008_q4HzKF7

the image is 3888x2592

I was thinking about getting the 12x18 print

pmaxwell · July 18, 2011

bump

pathfinder · July 18, 2011

3888/300 = 12.96 inches at 300 pixels per inch

2592/300 = 8.64 inches at 300 pixels per inch

So you cannot really print this image at 12 x 18 inches at 300 pixels per inch, which is the resolution some folks recommend for close to optimum image quality.

You CAN uprez the file in Photoshop, or Genuine Fractals, or have Smugmug do it for you and the file should look just fine. A print of 12 x 18 inches at 200 pixels per inch will look quite nice, but the fine detail in this image really does need higher pixels per inch than some simpler images much less fine detail like in the leaves in this image.

pmaxwell · July 18, 2011

Thanks Pathfinder.

I didn't know that uprezing existed, I guess it falls into the "I don't know what I don't know" category.

I checked out your resolution and resizing gallery, that helped me understand the issue, so thanks.

I have downloaded the Perfect Resize program (they renamed genuine fractals) and order the print from Smugmug (Metal print from Bay).

It is just a wait and see game from here, but I'm excited to see how it looks.

Thanks for your help.

pathfinder · July 18, 2011

Yes, genuine Fractals is now called Perfect Resize; I have used it as Genuine Fractals for ~ 5 years, so I am slow to adapt to the new name.

Uprezzing is a fancy term for counterfeiting more pixels in an image by interpolation in software.
.

I felt your image was a bit flat in tone overall, and brought the image posted here on dgrin into CS4, and used some selective curves, some blending with Multiply and Soft Light brushes, and sharpening to create this to give you an idea of how this image might be edited further. I used a vignette to darken the edges, and some highlight adjustment to brighten the center as well.

If this is not the kind of help you wanted, just tell me and I will pull my edited image from this thread for you.

Here is the original image you posted for comparison

The differences look fairly subtle here, but the green leaves are slightly darker in mine, the red leaves are slightly darker and more saturated, the white flowers are just a touch brighter, and I have a bit more shadow detail in the far trees. The edges of my image are slightly darker as well. Not sure mine is clearly better, just a different interpretation.

pmaxwell · July 18, 2011

Pathfinder, this is exactly the kind of help I wanted. I have a lot to learn about post processing as I know almost nothing about it. Thanks you very much.

I particularly like the changes in the Japanese Maple and the pink azalea.
I will try and replicate your changes just to learn how it is done. Again, thanks.

TonyCooper · July 19, 2011

As I was looking at the photograph in the original post, my
thoughts were "It's far too busy. Too much of too many too
many textures and colors".

My wife walked in the room, looked over my shoulder, and said
"That really looks good. You should blow it up and frame it."
She had thought I was working on a photograph of mine in
Photoshop.

This contribution doesn't contribute to your questions, but is
intended to say the "eye of the beholder" still rules.

pathfinder · July 19, 2011

TonyCooper wrote: »

This contribution doesn't contribute to your questions, but is
intended to say the "eye of the beholder" still rules.

That is so true, Tony.

Different strokes for different folks.

pmaxwell · July 19, 2011

Tony, that is absoutely true. I'm not in love with this one, but something about the colors seem really right to me (especially after some post processing based on Pathfinders input).

that Azalea was one of the nicest I have every seen.

pathfinder · July 20, 2011

I liked the Japanese maple, but the red is pretty light.

You might reshoot this after a rain with a polarizing filter; I bet that would look fantastic.

pmaxwell · July 20, 2011

Pathfinder, I would love to re-shoot. Problem is that particular shot is in San Fransisco and I'm a Virginia guy.

Wonder if my wife would OK another trip just for photography.

pathfinder · July 20, 2011

Well, there's that too!!

Maybe another day..

Processing input C&C welcom

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