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mmshaw · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 17

Hi Everyone!

As I am completely new at this stock thing, I am posting just one photo for now to 1) figure out how to post correctly and 2) to get the necessary critique/feedback so that I can start producing the right kind and quality of images. There seems to be quite a curve in learning how to see your own work objectively!

In this particular image I have sharpened it a bit and used a touch of noise reduction. I just don't know how far to go with any of it.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3921 Location: Canada

I've seen worse initial submissions on this thread...

At least you got the posting thing down correctly.

As far as the photo goes, my first though is that it could be brighter and the colours could be a little (ok, alot) less drab. Sharpness is close although Barry will say OOF. Someone will tell you that you shouldn't use any sharpening and you shouldn't need noise reduction. That is mostly true if you shoot it correctly. If it was properly exposed it would be brighter and there shouldn't be any noise (becasue you used the lowest iso available right?). I find that a touch of sharpening helps "pop" an image but you have to be really careful to not overdo it. Noise reduction is best avoided if at all possible because you will lose detail (very bad) and end up with artifacting (also very bad). The moral of all that babble is to make sure you get it right in camera. At least you didn't shoot this in full sun in the middle of the day. It could have been worse.

Subject-wise, this will likely get a LCV rejection as it isn't really much more than some plant leaves (grapes?). Put a cluster of grapes on a vine in it somewhere and you would have alot more to work with.

To paraphrase Laurin, "What else you got?"

mmshaw · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 17

Thanks for your thoughts and direction. This photo was taken on an overcast morning so I do understand the it could be much more colorful. Finding the right light and still keeping the iso at 100 seems to be a tough one for me so far but I really do see your points. And I agree with you about the LCV and possibly using some grapes to tell more of a story. Frankly I was almost satisfied to just get it all posted correctly! I'll keep working.

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3921 Location: Canada

ruxpriencdiam · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 5:53 pm

Who me say OOF?

Looks a bit to me.

And the lighting looks a bit flat.

Kinda needs to be more like this, but will it be accepted in today's world? No! And why?

Because no more BG's and such already to many here.

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 5:55 pm

rinder99 · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 7:18 pm

I think your darn close Girl,much Better than most matter of fact, Now work on telling a story. pretty Pictures just don't sell unless theres a subject and commercial Value to help a buyer sell or promote an idea or concept. great beginning and if you have read me , You know I don't say that very often. If you can see something you can shoot it. The issue most have is they can't see. We sell Little stories, Simple,Clean,elegant and Unique. Composition is perfect ....Thats a big step and the toughest to teach.Im looking forward to your progress.Good Luck. lets see some more, I wanna see what you see.

mmshaw · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 17

Thanks to all of you. Unfortunately you seem to think that I understand more about post-processing than I really do!

Copidosma: I'm almost afraid to ask (LOL!), but is there a difference between using levels and the recovery/fill light functions? Do they do basically the same thing or are they different birds? I am learning to use my PSE9 and LR3 and some of the options and controls are sort of different than regular Photoshop. Also, part of my fear in using slower shutter speeds is movement - even when using a tripod.

Ruxpriencdiam: I get it - no more background attempts and you will be my inspiration for a tack sharp image!

Hhltdave5: Actually I used my tripod for this shot, but there was a touch of wind so I was shy about using a slower shutter speed. I am trying to get in the habit of using it though - I see it's importance. And, why should you shoot raw before sharpening?

Rinder99: Thank you so much! Like I said before, a little bit of encouragement goes a long way and I sure value your opinion. I'll be back.

Thanks again!

hhltdave5 · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 7:57 pm

mmshaw · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 17

[quote="hhltdave5"]

jhuls · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Posts: 1058

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3921 Location: Canada

[quote="mmshaw"]

copidosoma · Joined: 17 Nov 2009 Posts: 3921 Location: Canada

This is what I was suggesting with my first post. Although, the image was underexposed so instead of adjusting the highlights with levels you should do it with exposure. That way the noise in the shadows won't be a problem.

This is 15 seconds in photoshop (likely similar in elements)
Levels adjustment so that your highlights start to clip then a bump in saturation and contrast.

Match colour does the same thing (not sure if that is in elements or not).

Oh, and don't forget to add some grapes next time ;)

jeffbanke · Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 9:10 pm

[quote="mmshaw"]

mmshaw · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 17