I’ve heard photographers say good and bad things about Photoshop. Some will not publish anything without doing any post-processing (editing with a photo program). Some do not like to use it at all. I think that in order to build a good business, no matter what it is…you need the tools. Here’s an example: Let’s play pretend. You are a customer looking for someone to paint a portrait of your family. You could choose Painter #1 who has a clamp board, basic medium weight paper, led based paints and tattered brushes. Painter #2 has an easel, Archer 50lb acid-free (lasts longer) paper, oil or acrylic (which spread color better) paints and new brushes. Could both painters get the job done? Yes. Is their value to the painter that sticks with to his guns demanding that the new stuff is cheaper and less valuable because “anyone can do it”? Yes. But, when it really comes down to spending YOUR money, which would you choose to document your precious families portrait? The decision is obvious to me, especially if both are charging the same price.
For a photographer, artist, creator or designer, Photoshop (or some derivative) is one of the tools we need to make our photos just that much better. In using post processing I am able to convey the image that’s in my mind, not just the one the camera gives me.
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. I recently took some photos at Sweet Pete’s {an awesome new candy shop in San Marco} and I wanted to use a few of the photos to show what using a simple contrast and clarity can do to. The images on the left are straight out of my camera. The images on the right are the edited ones.
All of the following images were taken with my Canon 50mm f 1/4 lens {a.k.a: best lens ever} All JPEG files. No flash.
Now, don’t think I do not like the photo on the left. I do. I just like the brightness of the photo on the right better. Next…
The photo above speaks for itself.
I like the subtle differences in the above photos but the one on the right just pops a bit more. And another…
I love the brightness of the above photo (the one on the right) but as you can see the text isn’t as clear. I don’t mind because the text doesn’t matter for this photo. Although, if you were editing and needed to see the text it would be something to keep in mind. You could lessen the brightness and play with the curves to see if that helps. Last one:
I hope it helped you see the light. {Pun intended}
~Carmen
I’m leaving your first comment (I think). It looks good. Very nice pictures.
It is my first comment. Thanks a lot Edward. I appreciate the feedback!
I’m already learning from you. Still being new at this, it really helps. Thanks so much.
my perspective is that the photo editing software is your darkroom. if someone skipped the darkroom after shooting a roll of film, how would their photos ever reach print? the difference with digital is that you can just print them without “development” and they can look great if you do your work in-camera, but many photographers prefer working in the “digital darkroom” as opposed to in-camera settings. it’s a matter of preference i suppose and photo editing software allows more room for adjustments and creativity to flourish. my choice weapon is gimp, after using canon’s digital photo professional for photos taken with my xti or silkypix for my gf1 shots.