Pre and Post processed photos

[dave0010]

After the advice from another thread I'm currently trailing Adobe Lightroom. I'm sure there is a massive amount that can be done with the program but I'm only just beginning. Thought it would be good to see some of the more experienced peoples results and the difference processing makes on pictures.

[AndyS2]

Just watch a few of this guy's videos to see what Lighroom is capable of:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGREWqMSUJ0&lis...

It was watching this video that made me go out and buy Lightroom!

[dave0010]

Funny enough I already have been. Its just a bit overwhelming watching it I find at the moment as he's so fast. I'm still playing with various levels to see what effects they have let alone using all the short cuts.

subscribed though an think I will have a "play along" session to learn them.

[AndyS2]

Similar thread running here:-

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php...

[eltawater]

It depends on what sort of source photos you have, and whether you just want to lift an image/rescue details, or try something completely different.



I prefer it as this:



Or from this:



To this:



The end results are not always to everyone's tastes so your mileage may vary

There are quite a few sites out there which offer free packs of Presets, it's worth having some fun and trying them out on your RAW image bank to see what works best for you.

[dave0010]

I really like the second image with the spider. I defiantly preferrer the photos that look less "shopped"

[2slo]

dave0010 said:

I definately prefer the photos that look less "shopped"

Most do. Worth however learning how to completely 'overcook' images then dial back to suit your own taste. This way you become familiar with both ends of the sliders, extremes of tone curves etc. The best work flow I've found is RAW through LR working top to bottom. Then export to CS for layers adjustments if needed (something LR doesn't have), final NR then final sharpening, again, if needed.
One of my original images followed by the finished result:


Before:

B36K7883original by 2slo7, on Flickr

After:

Vakeel mosque by 2slo7, on Flickr

Edited by 2slo on Tuesday 1st July 14:28

[dave0010]

Wow thats some pretty impressive editing there. Ive only been using the brush feature to remove small details. I'm yet to even begin trying to hide large portions like that. How do you even begin to simplifying a photo that much?

[2slo]

As above really, once the basic adjustments are sorted in LR then into CS to, in this case, clone out unwanted items in the shot (pipes, scaffolding etc). One tip I'd give you for this is, if you know you have to do a lot of editing work on a shot you take, take the RAW image using the largest size your camera will allow. This lets the brush and clone tools have more to work with when you're editing small details at 100%.

[Simpo Two]

You forgot the bit about 'copied the left side over to the right side'. Check out the shadows

[2slo]

Simpo Two said:

You forgot the bit about 'copied the left side over to the right side'. Check out the shadows

I didn't forget it, although you're quite right it is a mirror flip with adjustments based on that, but since the OP is just starting out I didn't want to baffle him with too much, rather I just wanted to show a before and after of what is possible with a little bit of work. I'd class myself as a rank amateur compared to many photoshop users

[dave0010]

So far i'm mainly concentrating on adjusting the colours and the highlights/shadows. I will add filter If i think it works. So far its mainly just playing with each image until I like what i have. I'm not at the point when I can identify what exactly I want to do before I start. More trial and error but its fun.

[eltawater]

Just for a laugh and a bit of fun (not even bothered to smooth out the cloning).

Turns out a bit too overprocessed for my own personal liking.