The only files that I had saved in RAW were the over-exposed files
(light and bright) and I wanted the site to go online as soon as
possible. So I did a no-no and brought the jpeg file back into CS3
and using curves increased the black contrast and then saved for web
and devices. For further photos I will use a darker esposure.
The only corrections that I do are in curves for the color of the
background, using the histogram to arrive to fairly equivalent
saturation - not too light or too dark, as I know how the background
should look.
A suggestion I may have missed is to always take your original, do a
"save as" and rename it, and do all modifications on the new file.
That way you always have your original digital image to go back to
if your mods mess up completely. I never modify an original file
unless it is one I really don’t care about at all.
I would also agree that Photoshop Elements, used properly, will do
everything you need it to do without the “weight” or cost of full
Photoshop (having used both, I now almost never use the full
program… such a memory hog!).
I’ve got a good suggestion if you’d prefer interactive learning vs a
book. Someone mentioned lynda.com in this thread about photoshop. For
a very small fee, Lynda.com will give you interactive lessons on any
of a wide list of software. They have topics from Actionscript to
XML, by vendors from Adobe to Sony.
You do it online, at your own pace, whenever you feel like it. Each
module is broken down into lessions that run, typically, from a few
to 10 minutes. You can scan the index and look for specific topics
if you want. Basically you are free to learn “ALL” the software
listed as long as you keep up your monthly subscription- a mere $25 a
month.
Over the years, people with much more time on their hands than I
have sent me links to galleries from here:
Some of the images are more mundane, but there are some in there
that are pretty incredible work at photo manipulation. I find the
site interesting mostly to look at how really professional PS users
are straining what photography means…
Beth: (and others who use elements in preference to the full-on
photoshop)
I was just asked to help teach someone photo-retouching for jewelry,
and she wanted to know if she could get away with Elements instead
of Photoshop.
I’ve known Photoshop since it was a toddler, so my natural
inclination is to say ‘get the full thing’. I’ve never used Elements,
and after reviewing a list of ‘how it’s different’, I concluded that
it simply couldn’t handle most of the tricks I rely on most.
So, my question to the elements users out there is this: How do you
deal with the lack of layers and channels? Most of my bedrock
techniques rely on layers or (and/or) adjustment layers and channels
to do…anything. How do you deal without them? (Imagine trying to
forge a sword without an anvil or hammer. I imagine I could
(eventually) get it done, but it’d be a much longer road than it
could have been.)
they have dvd tutorials on a variety of software. don’t know if they
have one for elements but one for photoshop would still be very
relevant. I have a couple of their video lesson sets and find them
very clear and easy to follow along. I believe there is an online
demo you watch and get a feel for what they are offering. No
affiliation here - just thought these might be worth a look
Elements DOES have layers… not so sure about channels, but a lot
of what you can do in Elements involves layers, just as in
Photoshop. The advantage I have found in Elements when teaching is
that the learning curve is much easier and faster. Partly because it
does less, but that less is generally the bits anyone who isn’t into
graphic design doesn’t really need.
I can use layers and add backgrounds, depth to letters, etc. I just
went to adobe.com and checked, since I have been running Elements 3,
and the new Elements 6 still incorporates layers according to Adobe.
And I agree - I can’t imagine working without them, once you
understand them! The 6 version also says it will let you easily
separate an object from the background, which could be very helpful
if you wanted to shoot on white and then insert a computer-generated
gradient background. I see the price has come down too… hmmm…
maybe it is finally time to upgrade!
Beth in SC
(I also have a very old version of Photoshop, and just could not
justify the cost to get the newest version, versus the cost of
Elements, which it turns out does everything I actually need to be
able to do)
For those interested in what 'Photoshop is capable of when used by a
professional see “The New Yorker” May 12 issue, article “Pixel
Perfect”. It’s about fashion photography but it’s photoshopping.
Unless you plan to do it professionally don’t go to “Photoshop”; go
to “Photoshop Elements”. That’s enough to keep one occupied for at
least several full time months.
Finally remember “Crap in; crap out”. If you’re not starting with an
already good image no tool will help. Show your image to a
disinterested party for a more objective assessment of your starting
image.
Over the years, people with much more time on their hands than I
have sent me links to galleries from here: http://www.worth1000.com
I’ve just spent a whole evening looking at that site!!! There are
some amazing images on there. I ended up registering and may have a
go at some of the tutorials just to get more of a feel for how to
use photoshop for different effects. An interesting diversion indeed.
For a couple years I have quietly began doing more pro photography.
It started with PMWest catalogs and ads for AJM. I just got carried
away.
For my retouching I depend on Photoshop CS2. The learning curve is
steep, and the best way to learn how to use it well is just keep
banging away. All the most capable software requires time. I tried
Darkroom, I tried elements, I tried Corel photo, and others. I hated
to spend that much money. I got help from professional photographers
to learn the most common tricks like the layers and curves. Past
that-Practice, practice.
The only way I know to make Photoshop less needed is to gear up the
camera, lenses, strobes, lights etc, (lots of money & time there too)
and take a perfect complete picture to begin with. That takes time,
and clever bracketing. Then all you need is cropping or masking.
I am NOT a fan of making up backgrounds or composite layers of
different elements like background. I prefer to create an attractive
scene and shoot it. I do the rest when I have no choice to keep my
clients happy. BTW, that is usually my boss at my day job at PMWest.