This Week's MVT Is...
(Most Valuable Technique)
Levels!
"Levels is a tool in Photoshop and other image editing programs which can move and stretch thebrightness levels of an image histogram. It has the power to adjust brightness, contrast, and tonal range by specifying the location of complete black, complete white, and midtones in a histogram. "
Information courtesy of Cambridge In Colour
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/levels.htm
Information Taken 6-2-12
I levels tool really helps me adjust the brightness in my pictures. The shelter has poor lighting especially on rainy and gloomy days. Now I don't have to worry too much about the lack of quality lighting because I can always go back in photoshop and brighten up the picture.
Coming In Close Second Is...
Curve!
"The Photoshop curves tool is perhaps the most powerful and flexible image transformation, yet it may also be one of the most intimidating. Since photographers effectively paint with light, curves is central to their practice because it affects light's two primary influences: tones and contrast. Tonal curves are also what give different film types their unique character, so understanding how they work allows one to mimic any film — without ever having to retake the photograph."
Information courtesy of Cambridge In Colour
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm
Information Taken 6-2-12
As Professor Shannon Johnstone says, "Use this tool like salt" only a little so you don't ruin the over all product. This tool in combination with the levels tool is really amazing. I can go back and edit bright spots and shadows to make them more unified. The end product looks great!
Roger
Animal ID: 72068
The photo below is an unedited photo
This photo has been edited using both the levels tool and the curves tool.
Notice how much more detail shows and how these two tools improved the overall photo.
I'm glad those two worked for you! I found them most helpful too, especially the curves tool. They almost counteract together and certainly improve the photo! Awesome work!
ReplyDeleteThe improvement looks great! You did a great job at this! I like how you explained in your post what each technique for people who do not know. Have you tried taking the red eye out of the photo while editing before? The picture looks great, but just imagine how much better it could be even with non-red eyes!
ReplyDeleteI agree, very good explanations. I appreciate how you have used other sources as well. The visual helps us to understand.
ReplyDelete