Massaging in Photoshop, part 1 - thebecker.com 949.385.0073

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Massaging in Photoshop, part 1

07.25.2007

Along the same lines of yesterday's post, and revisiting the "before and after" post on my old blog, I wanted to talk about the subject of Photoshop, and how it relates to wedding photography. I am putting this post in the photographers section, but it is certainly applicable to all of my clients (as well as anybody else who hires a professional photographer).

DISCLAIMER: As with all subjective matters of art, there are no right or wrong answers. I am not claiming to be a Photoshop guru, or saying my way is the right way, I am just expressing some of my thoughts about the subject. Please don't get your knickers in a twist!

So, for the sake of the story, keep in mind the story of the 3 bears. Some of the porridge is too hot, some is too cold, and some if just right (and of course there are also about a billion variations of what is just right!)

One of the difference between professional photographers, and amateurs or hobbyists, is the presentation and finishing of the photographs. Images shown straight out of the camera may be fine for proofs, but for prints and albums and any final presentation, we like to "massage" our images and give them some TLC in Photoshop.

A majority of our Photoshop work is action based, it saves time and yields consistent results. I have been using Kubota's Actions for years and continue to do so. Recently I have really been enjoying the Totally Rad Actions (TRA) from the Boutwells.

I try to use Photoshop to enhance the images, not to really make the images. It should add to the image, and never get to the point where is takes away from it. Effects that are applied just for the sake of applying them, are useless to me. Just because you can turn an image into a B&W while leaving the flowers in color doesn't mean it should be done!

Scroll down slowly and don't skip ahead in this post. Try to view the images one at a time when you first look at them, then you can compare the images.

Here are a few examples. This first image of one of my gorgeous brides from January, is SOTC "Straight Out of The Camera". If you look at it by itself, it's not half bad. The light is great, it's a good exposure, good angle, and it is certainly acceptable...

And while the above shot is not bad, it can certainly be improved. A little color correction, a slight contrast adjustment, some softening under the eyes and a slight glow to the skin, and some sharpening* make this shot much more appealing:

And then here is an example of what I think it too much Photoshop:

SOTC:

On these next two, I am not sure which one I like best. This first one was obviously lightened and color corrected, then I added the "Grunge Rock" action from the Totally Rad Action set.

This one also has the Grunge Rock action, but faded down to 40%. (That's one of my favorite things about the TRA's, they are all on separate layers and can be "seasoned to taste"). Also, I know I could of retouched the thread on the little girls dress, but I thought it told part of the story so I left it.

SOTC:

This is too much for my taste, plus it makes the South Bay look even more polluted than it probably is.

Mmmmmmmmmm, tasty!:

SOTC (a tad underexposed... hey, I am not perfect!):

I kinda like this effect (SX70 from TRA), but it doesn't really fit with my style...

This is just a simple lightening, and warming up of the skin tones and a touch of sharpening from the SOTC version.

SOTC:

Add contrast, color correct, Derelicte at 33%(from TRA), Vinette & Blur Fast at 40% (from TRA),

And while this young lady is perfect in every way...

this version just makes her personality glow a tad bit more ;)

Actions used: Kubota Cross Process at 50% and Prettyizer from TRA.

In case you don't have them yet, you should pick up a copy of the Totally Rad Actions from the Boutwells. They are awesome and if you get them by this Sunday, and enter "thebecker" in the discount code box at checkout, you'll save $25. I do not get a cent for plugging them, I am just so thankful that they've made these actions available that I wanted to send them some love and show some gratitude. Enjoy!

*All of my sharpening is done via Kubota's Magic Sharp as the very last step. I believe is in his Production Tools #1 (I got the action before he organized them that way).

CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR FUN WITH BLACK AND WHITE IMAGES.

*****

Enjoy another flashback on 80's week here on Becker's Blog with "Rock Me Amadeus" by the one and only Falco on:

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