Before and After: Post processing help
I frequently get asked about my work. About the workflow and how you get from point A ( taking your a picture) to point B ( the final result). So I thought today would be a good time as any to help you and explain a few simple steps what I do. So let's start with a simple image. Attached here is one from a recent newborn session. This is straight out of the camera. Or in a photographers lingo SOOC. So let's start with an image. These twin brothers were in studio a few weeks ago. My studio set up consists of a single Elinchrom Octabox. I use an awesome bean bag that the little ones lay on. I absolutely love it. By far one of my best investments for the business. The bean bag is from Shoot Baby.
This set up was pretty simple. Babies were laying on the throw, a space heater off to the side. It's VERY important that while photographing newborns, they are kept warm, comfortable and full tummies. It makes ALL the difference in your images. My lighting was off to the side at a 45 degree angle from where I was ( straight overhead babies) After a few test shots, I decided to raise up the octabox slightly higher so that baby B ( on your right) wasn't in too much of a shadow from his older brother.
Camera settings were 1/125th, ISO 100 ( I always keep at this when shooting with studio lighting) and I used my 50mm 1.4. My f/stop was at 5.6 here.
SO here is my SOOC.
It's important to me to get a good exposure as best as possible in camera. The more you practice with your camera and get to know your settings, the easier this will be. Benefits of doing so will allow you to cut your post processing time down drastically! Therefore creating a smoother and quicker workflow for your business.
Seen above, image is not too bad, however here is the final image I created for mom and dad.
Sweet isn't it? Ok let me tell you how I got here. I opened the image up in Adobe Lightroom and adjusted the white balance. Babies had a slight bit of jaundice so I needed to remove some yellow in the skin tones. Once done, I exported to Photoshop. I still use CS3 ( have an upgrade just not got there yet lol) Why do I need to export? Because I need to convert my files from my camera into a DNG format. I do 90% of my work in PS vs LR. After I've opened up the image in PS I can then do any cropping and editing I would like. I crop all my images to an 8x10 format. Once done, I knew I wanted to lighten the image some more. I added an curve layer to the image and increased ever so slightly. Again, the more you work with your images in Photoshop, the more your eyes will be trained to know what looks good and what doesn't work.
Since I already adjusted the white balance on this image, and when I lightened it I wanted to add a slight bit of color back into the babies skin. The lighter an image is, it tends to wash out your tones. In order to do this I again added a layer adjustment and increased my saturation to 3-5%. Can't remember exactly. Almost done! From here I used an action called "Clarify". I always use this as a layer so that I can go back and adjust as needed. I never leave it at 100%. For me I can easily tell a digital image over a film one. The clarify action was run about 25% I believe. And voila! My finished product.
Mom and Dad loved this image so much they used it for their Birth Announcements as well as a gorgeous 16x20 Canvas to hang in their home.
If you enjoyed this post, that's awesome! I will be posting more content that will be helpful to you as well as educational. Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!
Drop me a line at petraking@rogers.com
Thanks a million and chat soon!
P
Ajax, Durham Region, Photographer Petra King:: Custom Photography...Before and After
I hear you want to have some photographs taken? Well..choosing YOUR photographer is an important decision. Regardless of whom you choose, here are a few things you may want to consider when going through your decision making process.
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Every once in a while, I am asked why I do what I do? Why I charge what I charge. Let me explain a bit for you.
"I" believe that photos play a very important role in our lives. They have a unique way of lasting much longer than our natural memories.
They also remind us of where we came from and usually bring with them warm fuzzy feelings inside. They keep us mindful of how really precious life is.
Technology today has taken George Eastman’s dream (Mr. Kodak) and kicked it up a huge notch. No longer do we have to wait months to have our photos processed and printed, results of a photo session are edited and retouched professionally and ready within 5-7 days. Digital photography makes this possible. Cameras have come a long way.
We just happen to have a keen eye and a good sense of timing to capture those precious moments that you’ll end up treasuring forever. Weather it be during a pregnancy, the first days or weeks of a newborn’s life or a photographic record of your family together, you might want to try us out. We’re good at what we do, you won’t be disappointed!
SIMPLE,PURE & FUN!
One thing I do NOT do is take your images and run out to Walmart or other small bulk labs to process the artwork for you. A lot of time, work goes into processing my images. I edit each and every photo by hand to make sure that they look their best. I create custom work for you, for your family to cherish for years to come.
When you book a session with Petra King Photography, you are not investing in a chain superstore or studio, where often, you are rushed in an unfriendly , pushy enviornment. I give each session the time needed to make sure you are comfortable, relaxed and enjoying the experience. I take the time to get to know you and your children. Not just as a photographer but as a friend. These relationships have been the back bone of my success.
I have listed a link below about the pricing of custom photography. I recommend that you take a few minutes to read up on them. I am also attaching a few Before and After images that I have edited so you know exactly what you are paying for when you choose me as your photographer. And yes, I have a "good camera"...but I also know how to use it. ( An ongoing joke between my photographer friends)
Thanks very much, I DO look forward to working with you in the near future. Enjoy looking at my images, I just ask that you do not copy them from any venue.
Custom Photography Link:
http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information.
BEFORE
AFTER
One more with a little vintage honey tint...
