I know a handful of the wedding photogs here on FM apply the VSCO film on their work. Anyone care to do a quick rundown on how they are using this tool? VSCO's site doesn't do much other than "Adjust WB before applying preset". I've only had moderate success with its use. So what are your other usual adjustments after/before applying the presets, and which film preset do you use? I'm shooting with the D800 and trying to achieve a desaturated, grainy and white washed look. Sometimes the preset works fine alone(very rarely) but other times I've had to place a white overlay with about 8% opacity to get the exact look.
I don't use VSCO, but you have to realize that you need to actually *shoot* a certain way to get a consistent look, even if the processing remains constant.
I'm on my day job's computer with only LR3, but I think that on my home computer with LR4 and the newest version of VSCO, I often use Fuji 800Z++, and I take out some of the grain. I like a 20-30 grain, depending on the shot and I think that preset runs a 40 grain.
For that preset, I find it runs warmer than some of the other presets, and less punchy and slightly more "washed out". This probably won't get you your Photoshop 8% white overlay look, but I think it'll bring you closer.
My favorite B&W's are the Ilford presets. On occasion for a really soft and pale gray look, the T-Max 3200+ which, I think has a 100 grain, is great. But I typically dial back the grain to something like a 40-50, and then darken the blacks just a tad.
I actually just spoke with someone who is kinda' in the know at VSCO, and mentioned to them that I struggled for about a month using VSCO stuff, as I was so used to over-exposing my images because that's the way that I shot. We talked and I mentioned that if I underexpose from the proper exposure about 1/3 to 1/2 stop (eg. -0.5ev) that the VSCO stuff works wonderfully. They told me that's exactly what they recommend.
I also find that color balance can jump a little bit when using some of the presets, so I usually adjust WB in camera when possible, shoot Auto-WB when I don't have the time, and then when I'm in post processing, I run my VSCO preset on the image first, and THEN adjust for WB. I think that works the best.
TTLKurtis wrote:
I don't use VSCO, but you have to realize that you need to actually *shoot* a certain way to get a consistent look, even if the processing remains constant.
What TTLKurtis said.
I find that VSCO doesn't work well for backlighting. It can, but it takes a lot of finessing to get it to look right. I love shadowy images, and soft window light. Shade. VSCO works wonderful when shooting in shade. It also tends to bring up the shadows and remove some contrast, so you'll need to shoot for that type of lighting and editing.
Prettym1k3 wrote:
I actually just spoke with someone who is kinda' in the know at VSCO, and mentioned to them that I struggled for about a month using VSCO stuff, as I was so used to over-exposing my images because that's the way that I shot. We talked and I mentioned that if I underexpose from the proper exposure about 1/3 to 1/2 stop (eg. -0.5ev) that the VSCO stuff works wonderfully. They told me that's exactly what they recommend.
Totally agree with the above. I find that VSCO tends to brighten (caucasian) skin tones. If I expose my typical way, VSCO washes out skin. If I shoot just slightly under my usual exposure, VSCO balances out very nicely - the skin comes out just bright enough, and smoother too.
Im finding VSCO and 5D MK III files have been a challenge so far. I think it is because I am expecting to look like files from the 5Dc or MKII would look. I find my go to outdoor preset based on Portra 800 does not work too well with the new files. Im using more the Fuji and Portra 160. I guess I have to come to grips that the MK III files are different, no worse, just different and tweak it. Also with the MK III files I am finding bad light + VSCO= terrible. Much better results with using Canon's faithful or starndard Profile. Shadows seem to always get crushed with the MK III files as well, pulling the blacks back to +40 on a regular basis with contrasty scenes.
We like the Portra 400 and TRI-X 400 sets. WB often gets adjusted after applying the preset, then some recovery and/or fill light, maybe adjust the brightness a little, maybe the grain as well. 5Dii with LR3. The tool set is really handy too, but I haven't utilized it too often yet.
I don't really use the canned versions at all. Never did. I use the tool box to build my own. I've stripped a few of the film presets down to just the color modifications only. I didn't like the overly contrast in most of the film presets. Seems to work better for me this way. I get the brand coloring I like for the specific shoot. The main thing I didn't want was to look like everyone else when using them; but I did want to be able to pick Fuji or Kodak coloring on the fly when it fit the shoot, with my own taste in contrast.
I like the fact that Amon uses his own version. When post processing is relied upon as a stylistic identity then anyone's style can be duplicated by purchasing the software. Wtg Amon
Draper wrote:
I like the fact that Amon uses his own version. When post processing is relied upon as a stylistic identity then anyone's style can be duplicated by purchasing the software. Wtg Amon
I kinda' agree and disagree with you on this one.
I know people who use VSCO who are in my area, and their personalities and shooting styles differ from mine enough that I don't feel like have a similar editing style means much of anything.
Ghost wrote:
So I checked out VSCO's website and some photos with VSCO applied on it. I don't get it. It's so dull and washed out.
Do you still have to tweak VSCO presets?
The dull and washed out look is supposed to be reminiscent of a number of films (in various stages of decay ). You don't necessarily still have to tweak them, but many folks do to make them look the way they'd like. I've currently got six LR presets made up, and three of them started with VSCO and ended...differently.
I think we all tweak our VSCO presets. I only used them without tweaks for about 2 weeks until I realized I was just blown away with how much I liked them, and then needed to tweak and change them to my own style.
They're a great starting point, and for things like reception images where my editing is light, I can usually run one or two of the presets on almost all of the images (a color, and a B&W), remove and adjust some grain and alter exposure, and I'm done.
). You don't necessarily still have to tweak them, but many folks do to make them look the way they'd like. I've currently got six LR presets made up, and three of them started with VSCO and ended...differently.