File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
/p/,
I have a semi-decent camera, and use the manual functions as much as possible. I want to clear/cleanup the pictures. I have Photoshop, just not sure how to use it. Would anyone know of any tutorials or books that would be useful (pertaining to photo's)?

Thanks!
>> Anonymous
google.com
>> Anonymous
>>227279

... I know. But there are people on here that actually take good pictures... and I figured that I might get a little useful help.
>> Anonymous
>>227283

lol well then here's my tip for BEFORE you open it in photoshop:

shoot raw, then in this order:

- In camera raw in adobe, open it up
- Adjust exposure till it looks the right brightness
- Adjust white balance till it looks right
- Turn on the blown highlight and shadow warnings, and then adjust recovery to pull back the blown highlights, then adjust blacks to get rid of pure blacks
- Turn down the contrast a little b/c that can be adjusted in PS
- Go to the sharpening/noise tab and turn these all the way to zero.. you can adjust sharpening and noise in photoshop if needed later

then open in photoshop
>> Anonymous
>>227301

as far as actual photoshop it really depends on how youre doing things already.. if you arent already doing this, you should be working non-destructively (i.e. using layers for everything)

read up on Making layers, adjustment layers (esp curves), & the pen tool (for selection)

then apply those skills and experiment to get the final image you want.
>> Anonymous
oh also, dont fucking overdo it in photoshop
>> Anonymous
>>227301
This is a viable workflow, but what I do is this:

1. Adobe Camera Raw / Lightroom (same thing, different UI) If I overexposed for more dynamic range, pull it back to where I would've exposed it if I was going for the mark. (More on this in a minute.)
2. Boost blacks up, give it some richness.
3. Futz everything else around as well as you can.
4. NR, sharpening to zero. Photoshop does these better, although I sometimes do use the sharpen tool when I feel it's appropriate.
5. Go into Photoshop proper for fine-tuning.

In other words, find your own workflow that gets the results you want.

The big website for learning the technical side of photography is the Luminous Landscape. Two quick Photoshop tips from me:

1. To get the best raw file possible, overexpose it as much as possible without blowing anything you don't want to blow. Because of the way digital sensors work, it will have less noise, better tonality, and more dynamic range the brighter it is, without being blown out of course. Use the histogram on your camera and keep in mind point light sources can often be blown out and everything be fine.

2. When you're dodging/burning:

1. New layer.
2. Select softlight.
3. Fill with 50% softlight neutral color.

Do all your dodging/burning in layers like this one, for some reason it just gives better results, don't know why. I can't claim credit for finding either of these, but I use them on almost every image.
>> Anonymous
>>227308

I agree about exposing the way you referred to, but when you turn up blacks too much, you lose details..

if you want to get that richness you referred to, just bump up contrast in photoshop later.

dark is mysterious.. black is boring.