>> |
Jay
I'm far from being a professional and I'm far from owning a decent Digital camera (Sony DSC-P400 7.2MP that I got FREE at Best Buy). Being on a lot of car forums, I see a lot of pictures, both professional and amateur, and I've noted the subtle and not-so-subtle differences that make a really good picture stand out from the rest.
Putting aside the fact that some people just can't set up a good shot to begin with. I find that even an average picture can be manipulated in photoshop to bring out some of the detail. I have, in a way, been able to reproduce the same quality I see in some of the best pictures, even with my cheap little camera.
First off, if you happen to be using a camera like mine, you'll find that the biggest nightmare is low light as well as any pictures that are designed to stop of produce motion, all due to the lack of an F-stop and shutter speed control. The best subjects have little motion on the stage as well as in the picture. Finding a location and time of day that produce the absolute best lighting makes all the difference because I cannot filter any of this out during the shot. I found there is ONE major difference between SLRs and point+shoot cameras. You can produce the scene with SLRs, you have to bring the scene to point+shoot. If you are freelance you're not always given the opportunity to set things up just right.
Once the picture is taken (at the camera's highest resolution). I only use photoshop briefly. I adjust the levels (all colors at once) to produce the best detail. Obviously, the photographer's needs change a lot at this point depending on what they want the final product to look like. I go for high contrast levels that are most appealing to the subject.
As far as borders go, I prefer a black border 5-10px wide. I think it makes it stand out better when viewed online.
Anyway, that's my POV.
|