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08-20-2007, 08:07 PM | #76 |
Scooby Specialist
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Probably been mentioned, but watch reflections on your shots, too. In some cases it can enhance, but in most cases, it takes attention away from the overall look of the car, and can obscure lines and other details. In this shot, I tried to find not only a good angle for the shot, but one that minimized environmental reflections on the car. Pulling your car away from a background can make a huge difference in terms of what is reflected not only on the side of your car, but on the roof, windows, and hood, too.
-Mike
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08-21-2007, 08:56 PM | #77 |
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Awesome write-up....def. seen some of your work before!
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08-23-2007, 06:13 PM | #78 |
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Really helpful hints there Armin ! I will get a tripod, and I already have a stepladder ! Thanks a lot. Okey
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09-05-2007, 06:17 PM | #79 |
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This thread is fabulous ... Im just wondering how better the pictures are before and after 'photoshop job' ?
Can you upload the original pictures before it processed with photoshop ? I really curious about it especially with these pictures below. Also what changes you made with photoshop other than the 'Frame' and 'Signatures'. Again ... your pictures are fabulous ... Very good. David @ Indonesia. |
09-05-2007, 08:02 PM | #80 | |
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Quote:
I'd be happy to upload the "original" versions of these, however there are a few things to keep in mind. 1. I shoot in RAW format 99% of the time. This file format is called "RAW" for a good reason...it is simply the raw data that the camera pics up off the imaging sensor. That said, I obviously can't post a true raw image here, since it would need to be converted into JPEG. If I were to convert these to JPEG with all raw conversion settings set to zero, then the photos undoubtedly come out very dull, washed out, and unsaturated. Hence, this thread focuses on the photography element alone, and not the post-processing. 2. I won't upload the actual RAW file itself, since by doing that, I do give up my "digital negative" and thus, my copyright over the image. 3. 90% of my post processing is as simple as a bump in contrast and saturation. Occasionally, I'll use the shadow/highlight tool to bring out a little more detail, but that's about it. That said, I firmly do not believe if "straight out of the camera" photography. Why? Because that relies on your camera to do all the processing work for you, and I personally believe it's a cop-out not to actually spend just a few minutes to make your photo look better than it already was. Too often do I see a good photo that would be a spectacular photo if the photographer just spent about 30 seconds to adjust the contrast or saturation. Now, having said that...here's a "straight out of camera" photo that I took yesterday here after work, since I shot these in JPEG mode instead of RAW. The only post-processing done to this is the resize, border, and signature...it's not even cropped properly: And, here's some really old photos I took before I even know how to do RAW processing: I hope this helps. The point is, I liken Photoshop to be an electronic version of doing the same kinds of things with chemicals in a dark room. No amount of chemicals or photoshop will magically turn a really crappy photo into a beautiful one Armin |
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09-05-2007, 10:09 PM | #81 |
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Appreciated for your great reply. also thank you for same samples of your 'original' pictures. what you you mean by "shadow/highlight" ? I dont really get it. Do you simply blur or desaturate some of the spot to bring the focus into another parts ?
also for the orange/blue sky on the pic below .. was it real or photoshopped ? thnx again. |
09-05-2007, 11:30 PM | #82 |
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Probably around sundown but most slr camera leave the blue sky kinda grayish. So you can isolate the blue area of the sky and make the blue pop.
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09-06-2007, 12:43 AM | #83 | |
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Quote:
The sky is completely real. It was taken right before sunset and it made the sky look absolutely perfect. The only thing changed in the sky was darkening it a little bit to make it pop a little more, but the colors are exact. If you want to see a heavily photoshopped image, here's a good comparison: vs. Armin Last edited by Verdugo; 09-06-2007 at 12:48 AM. |
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09-06-2007, 11:00 AM | #84 |
built to spill
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A question to the pros and semi pros out there...
Have you ever been faced with a car that made you cry out loud, "Dear GOD, there is no trick I know that could make this thing look good!" And when faced with such a mountainous task how did you eventually find it's good side? |
09-06-2007, 12:23 PM | #85 | |
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Quote:
'Cause after all...I tried...and I think I failed... Armin |
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10-15-2007, 01:14 PM | #86 |
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nice write up, I def need to improve on my picture taking skills. This helps a lot
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10-19-2007, 09:09 AM | #87 |
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11-24-2007, 12:56 AM | #88 |
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First time I've read this Armin. Excellent job and very precise. Hopefully everyone will use this as a resource.
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02-20-2008, 11:39 AM | #89 |
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thank you for this.
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03-08-2008, 10:11 PM | #90 |
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Awesome pictures man!
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03-12-2008, 11:05 AM | #91 |
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After the Storm
On my way out to Blythe in prep for Desert Storm Rally and it was storming like crazy, then out the desert the sky just got beautiful. This wasn't taken in the best light (sunrise/sunset), but the sky was dramatic so i went for it. I have very little time in that I really can't choose when and where most of the time. CP filter is responsible for the sky, not a photo shop gradient.
taken with my 30D, Tammy 17-50mm f2.8, with a CP filter. later lugnutz |
03-12-2008, 11:47 AM | #92 |
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[quote=Verdugo;19279701]
haha i love this pic of J-beard |
04-07-2008, 09:10 PM | #93 |
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I am taking photography and although its not digital i love taking pictures of my car and developing them. Lighting and unusual angle are my fave! especially using filters or texture screens. No such thing as a perfect picture...Unless the subject is a scooby! lol
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04-29-2008, 01:24 AM | #94 |
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Suggestions? |
04-29-2008, 09:56 AM | #95 |
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some really great tips & pics here. Thanks for posting them
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05-02-2008, 05:28 AM | #96 |
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First off, I'd probably turn the wheels a little to face the camera. The position of the car isn't bad, but I usually prefer to have it on the left side so that it look like it's moving toward the right. I'd also be aware of your surroundings...the caution tape doesn't look too great Finally, try getting a little lower
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05-23-2008, 04:02 AM | #97 |
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Armin,
I love this thread you've started and have tried all the basic techniques you mentioned. However, I can never get the car to be as crystal clear in the picture as you do, and I've tried almost everything from dropping the ISO and opening the aperture up to holding a long shutter w/ tripod. Any suggestions? (using Nikon D60 w/ various ED VR lenses). |
05-23-2008, 05:00 AM | #98 | |
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Quote:
Armin |
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05-23-2008, 05:07 AM | #99 |
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05-23-2008, 05:16 AM | #100 | |
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Quote:
Second, I don't really see any problem with sharpness in that photo. You could try running the unsharp mask at say 35 and it'll sharpen it a little, but otherwise the photo looks just fine in terms of sharpness. Are you shooting at the maximum resolution and JPEG quality, or RAW for that matter? If you aren't, that's what I'd recommend. Sure, you save space on your memory card, but even if you shoot at max quality and then shrink down to a nice web size, the overall quality and sharpness of the photos is better than when you just shot the photos and uploaded without shrinking down. Armin |
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