For a change, this is one of my better captures in terms of timing and focus. Captured with a pair of 400ws strobes, 1D2N with 85 f/1.8... ISO 500, 1/200 at f/4.5... shot RAW and converted (minimal adjustments) with Rawshooter.
Download the original fullsize jpg at this link: original photo
Process/Crop as you see fit and post your version, along with the basic workflow steps.
I added blue to it with color balance to try to remove some of the yellow cast. Otherwise, just a minor levels adjustment, local contrast (USM: 8/16/0) and sharpening (USM: 150/.7/2).
Thanks Russ... this is one the relatively few shots of mine that I'd say the focus was nailed, so I appreciate the feedback.
Just to nit pick a little... I hear "minor levels adjustment" about a 1000 times a week on these boards. Are you pulling the end sliders in a little, or just what exactly? Sorry for what is probably a dumb question... I'm a visual learner.
Sorry I wasn't more specific, and it's certainly not 'dumb' to ask "what did you do?" when I haven't offered that information. With levels, what I usually do is try "auto" first. Image > Adjustments > Levels: in the dialogue box, I click on "Auto" then go to the "Options" menu, where I try the different algorithm options. Often, this works, and if not, I'll cancel and come back to the Levels menu and figure out my own manipulation (bringing the sliders in, as you suggest) or decide to forego a levels adjustment altogether. In the case of your photo, the automatic adjustment looked good to me. And I agree that you nailed the focus on this one.
Thanks for the detail. I do have a calibrated monitor (although it probably needs to be run again)... unfortunately, I think my eyes need calibration too at times
That's a very nice shot to start with, and I like Russ' crop and processing. The only thing I would add is that on my flashed shots, I like to bring a little more texture back to the skin--I find an easy way to do this is to lower the luminance/brightness of the "orange channel", either in Lightroom, or with "selective color" in PS. It may not be to everyone's taste, though.
UCSB... Using my album posting site (Fotki), I'm not sure if I can upload my RAW file to it, but will give it a shot tonight. As far as WB, here is the expodisc shot I used for a custom WB... (I did adjust the wb a little in the conversion). This is after conversion, so it has the same conversion wb setting as the image.
Peano... I like the idea. Did you use a mask or somehow extract the players? It looks a little too much blur for my taste though... almost like there's a fog behind the players.
thanks for your version... There isn't any right or wrong.
bob
drbob wrote:
Peano... I like the idea. Did you use a mask or somehow extract the players? It looks a little too much blur for my taste though... almost like there's a fog behind the players.
thanks for your version... There isn't any right or wrong.
bob
Yes, I masked out the players. You can vary the curves adjustment for more or less contrast and brighter or darker background. Unlimited possibilities.
Did a Leroy Neiman interpretation this time so I hope you don't mind. The flow for this is simple. Some GIMP gradient modifications (for the coloring), and Xero's Artworx filter for the Pastel brushwork. Just click and expand.
Also, since I've been on a metallic binge of late (other forums), thought I would do a mirror metallic interpretation (work flow way too convoluted to explain, but it does involve Three bar sin gradient, Xero's Supersmooth filter, and Unplugged's Copystar filter).
crop
auto color
auto levels
slight de-saturation on background
slight blur on background
slight saturation on foreground
smart sharpen .8/125
burn corners
lylejk ... wow! Certainly not your every-day processing. I like the metallic effect. Wonder what the parents would think? Thanks for you .02!
derthax ... thanks...looks good. How do you like smartsharpen compared to "regular" USM?? Do you use an action for burnt corners, or the vignette option in the lens correction adjustment?
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