Creative Post Processing

Sean Ealy · July 27, 2011

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 · July 27, 2011

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

TonyCooper · July 27, 2011

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 · July 28, 2011

Sounds like a Gaussian Blur overlay perhaps.

angevin1 · July 28, 2011

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

zoomer · July 28, 2011

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 · July 28, 2011

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 · July 28, 2011

Lightroom presets for wedding effects. One click.

Sean Ealy · July 28, 2011

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

zoomer · July 28, 2011

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

Sean Ealy · July 28, 2011

Thanks Zoomer. Love your work by the way.

Creative Post Processing

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