hints on editing pictures

Redskin301 · Post by **Redskin301** » 21 Jul 2007, 19:27

jaah wrote:I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.

One tip from my side, use in photoshop the shadow highlight function on those dark pics, or use fill light in Lightroom for the same effect!

Redskin · Post by **Redskin** » 21 Jul 2007, 19:52

jaah wrote:I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.

Use neat image or noise ninja to reduce sensor noise.

Flanker27 · Post by **Flanker27** » 21 Jul 2007, 20:27

jaah wrote: I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.
Jonas

Use Photoshop or if you like a simpler piece of software Paint Shop Pro 9(free).

Try out different functions. In Photoshop under image-->adjustments or like the shadow/highlighting mentioned above under filter.
What I use mostly are contrast, color balance, and curving (the latter is more advanced).
Google around a little. There are dozens of sites with pictures that explain how to edit your pictures like a pro.

I always used Paintshop untill a month ago, but Photoshop CS3 has more abilities and as the whole world works with it, it is easier to exchange ideas and tips. Good luck.

jaah · Post by **jaah** » 22 Jul 2007, 12:59

@ Redskin, Redskin301 and Flanker27 thank you for your replies.

I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with:

When I crop pictures (even if it's just a little bit) the quality of the image becomes a bit poor, is there something I can do about that?

When I sharpen an image I use the Unsharp Mask function in Photoshop, but I am not quite happy with the result, is there another way to do this?

Thanks

Jonas

Flanker27 · Post by **Flanker27** » 22 Jul 2007, 13:33

You're welcome, also for the sepia tint I just found out that under:
Image-->adjustments--> phofo filter, you can use a sepia filter with a density 0-100%. Try out that one, it works perfect.

cropping will always result in losing quality, there is software I have hard of neat image it is called but never used it myself. For sharpening try sharpen edges for a diff. effect. Most of the times you want the wings etc. to be a nice line and the rest is ok just fine.

Redskin301 · Post by **Redskin301** » 22 Jul 2007, 14:01

You don't need the sharpen edges filter in PS. Just use the Unsharp mask at an amount of about 80-90% and the radius at 1,0 pixel and the threshold on 6 levels. The biggest mistake some people make is to oversharpen a picture sow you just need to play with these settings in PS!

Flyboy · Post by **Flyboy** » 23 Jul 2007, 11:23

jaah wrote:When I crop pictures (even if it's just a little bit) the quality of the image becomes a bit poor, is there something I can do about that?

When I sharpen an image I use the Unsharp Mask function in Photoshop, but I am not quite happy with the result, is there another way to do this?

There is a add-on/plug in for Photoshop called "blow up" from Alien Skin which calculates new pixels in a more intelligent way. Removal of noise is done by me with Noise Ninja.

If you realy want to practice shopping, you might want to consider a Photoshop training.

Good Luck, Marc

jaah · Post by **jaah** » 23 Jul 2007, 13:36

Thanks guys for all the answers.
I know a professionel photographer, I think I will ask him if he can give me a course in this. I guess there is no easy or fast way to learn, just practice.