Photo Editing

Not long ago I went out and bought a Nikon D60... replacing a way old Minolta Maxxum 3000i. The price of developing film was killing me and the old camera was really just a point and shoot and I'd been wanting to really figure out photography.

The D60 is considered an entry level camera but at my current skill level it's more than enough. Along with trying to take good pics I've also been messing around a bit with Paint Shop Pro X2.  Some of the photos that I used for the comic strip that I posted a couple of days ago were "altered" using Paint Shop.

I've been reading a lot of articles about editing digital images and using Photo Shop so I've learned quite a bit in the short time but I find myself still struggling to figure out what exactly makes a great picture.  Of course everyone has their own perception as to what a great picture is (although I'm sure most will share some common attributes) and I'm sure that in time I'll figure out my own definition.  But I'd like to ask you guys...what is your definition of a great picture?  What really makes a picture pop?

It's pretty cool that by just applying a few filters/effects to an ordinary picture, or in the case of the picture below a pretty crappy picture,  you can turn it into something that isn't really great but at least not so crappy.

This pic was taken at BAM on my Optio W30.  Unfortunately, I don't know who the two yakers are.



After a bit of cropping, applying some filters/effects, and slighly straigtening the horizon this is what it looks like



Is it great? No not great, garbage in garbage out.  Right? But at least in my opinion it isn't so bad.

I'm sure there are some of us here that like to modify the pictures we take to make them more closely resemble what we seen in our mind when we took the picture or even make them into something they really aren't. If you have any tips or know of any good books/tutorials/articles post them here.  I'm pretty much an absolute beginner so any info will be helpful to me.

You'll get a 1001 different opinions on any given picture. It works for me if I feel like I'm "in" the picture. I would suggesti cropping out 2/3 of the foreground water which diverts attention from the mood of the picture, due to its dominating glare. Nice touch on adding the "sunlight" at the upper lift...doesn't look hokey.

Thanks Hojo, I can see what you're saying about cropping the bottom of the picture.  I guess that would fall under the rule of thirds? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds

Yep. Also, if both kayakers were pointed in the same direction, you would want them to be entering the picture and not exiting or centered in the picture. If the soft focus effect was added, don't overdo the use of it. Once in a while is OK, but do it too often and it becomes blase....might even give someone the impression that you don't know how to focus. 

Pacifico......it's an excellent picture.....the ingredient that breaks it away from a snapshot is the fog/haze.   Snapshots are purely representational.   The fog adds an ethereal element.   The distant shot is the better exactly because the distant shot is more non-representational.

I have adobe photoshop and have used it exclusively for years.   I am utterly unable to comment on other software packages but I'm sure this is true:  Spend time learning how to execute all the functions your package allows.   Adobe Photoshop does so much.....you have to practice with it to get good.   Any package that will do alot, will have a pretty steep learning-curve.  Accept the curve...embrace it...do not fight it.

Photoshop has "filters"....that are software sub-programs that will take any photo you submit....and convert them to images "that appear as if they were made with special drawing or artistic effects..as, for example, re-doing a photo in the manner of a charcoal-drawings.   There are many such "filter algorithms."    Learn to play with them.   I've gotten some nice results.

Another IMPORTANT feature of all software sets is that they allow you at the click of a mouse, to convert full-color to B&W.    Some color shots become art, by conversion to B&W.   Manipulation of contrast is an amazing power.

Of course, the fabulous feature of all software-sets is that you get to manipulate the "displayed version" of your photo to your heart's content without destroying the ORIGINAL FILE...(so be careful when you "Save" something, that it's to a different file-name).

One of the critical things for you to know, is that within the context of a "final print":   Big can be a critical consideration in "better."   The image-straight-out-of-your-digital-camera (as a 7-12-meg file) is insufficient to support direct "enlargement"...but...

Photoshop has an "enlargement algorithm" that is based on a mathematic "bi-cubic interpolation scheme"  that is ENORMOUSLY effective  (think:  mind-blowingly good).     With all these schemes, you get to declare your desired final image size.   Using an "enlargement algorithm" you can DECLARE a final picture-size of 40 x 30-inches...!!!...(yeah,really..!!..)...and (this is an important tip) you need to declare a "resolution" of 320 dpi.    The software will chug away and after coupla minutes you'll get a FILE that's 30-Meg or way-more.  Good.  Re-name and SAVE that file.....write it over to a CD-ROM.

By the way....if you are intimidated by the word:  "algorithm"  .... simply substitute the good english words "method" or "scheme" for the word "algorithm" and you will have flawless interpretation....of what algorithm means.

OK....here's important info:   Virtually ALL COPY-SHOPS have the ability to print photos in (poster-size) ...always order that the print be done on "CANVAS"  (Their version of "canvas" is a very heavy latex/vinyl-impregnated fabric...it isn't ever anything like "just cloth")   This "canvas" comes in various "textures" you can select.  You should seldom select untextured, but you must not go overboard with deep textures...they will mess up your print.    ALWAYS order a 2-inch blank, unprinted, white boundary around your print for mounting-staples.    
When dealing with copy-shop counter personnel you have to be very specific.  You will present them with your order by saying:  "The file I'm giving  you on this CD is already sized to be printed nn-inches by nn-inches.  I want it on canvas.  I want a 2-inch blank unprinted border.  Yes, I'm willing to pay for the border."...

(Never order prints on paper.  I find that when colors are printed on paper,they are EXTREMELY unstable and impermenant).

Overall with "canvas".....you will pay between $12 and $15 per square foot.
Do NOT use "internet" shops...use real-live-brick & mortar local shops.  But do shop for price.

Their ink-jet printing process ANTICIPATES that the printed canvas will be displayed in sunlight.....the inks are very resistant to ultra-violet degredation.

Ok....you take this HUGE print home...you frame it yourself...and you put it on your wall.    It'll cost you, for such a Huge Picture,  (8.3 sq/ft @ $15/sq-ft = $124) plus wood & stuff for your frame.    

Now Pacifico.....think a minute.....lets say this is a REALLY GOOD picture...no "just snapshot" but containing nice artistic elements....

Well, if you go visit "The Commercial Art Gallerys" you will find that nothing,
absolutely NOTHING that's 40 by 30-inches and framed....will sell for less than $4,500.    

I have taken 7-meg files to final print-size of 41 x 54 inches....whose "sharp-line" resolution and definition more than satisfied me.   I have eight photos on display in my house....they please me....and they please visitors:  "Wow...!!!...YOU took those...???...!!!"...

Tip...???....I have gotten more really good pictures from close-focused-tight-composition of objects-in-nature.....than I have from broad scenes.   My God nature does beautiful stuff.

Keep it up, dude....
You're on the right track.

Judd

Angel, I think any picture that has me in it is a great picture. 

I like pic's that are candid, where the person being photographed has not clue they are being photoed. As for effects, I'm on the fence.

Just my 2 cents.

Angel, I think any picture that has me in it is a great picture. 

Especially of the one of you grinning while stuck in the sand. Now, THAT is candid.

Angel, I think any picture that has me in it is a great picture. 

I like pic's that are candid, where the person being photographed has not clue they are being photoed. As for effects, I'm on the fence.

Just my 2 cents.

Mahi, I think that you're saying, if I'm reading between the lines correctly, is that this year at BAM camp you're not opposed to someone swinging open the door to the head and snapping off a couple of photos while you're dropping a duece? 

Angel-what are you using to make the comics...they are very cool.

Angel-what are you using to make the comics...they are very cool.

I used an application named "Comic Life". My 7 year old son, Omar, actually introduced me to it so you know it's pretty easy.  It makes it pretty easy to do some basic stuff but doesn't provide any photo manipulation.  The picture of Art with his wetsuit on sitting in front of the Impala requried some Paintshop Pro work.

Here's the link: http://plasq.com/comiclife-win ... Not a bad deal for $30.


When Omar was 5 he "borrowed" my Maxim magazine, I looked all over for it even asking him if he knew where it was... he denied even knowing what it was.  One night I walked into his room and there he was looking through it.  I made up a quick comic with the picture I took of him...