BEFORE and AFTER: The Post Processing Thread

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by are0lies

Is this any better?

I think so. It's not what I would have done, BUT if I hadn't seen the before, then I wouldn't have thought of making it lighter. Excellent.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by are0lies

Is this any better?

No. The car has no tints and it looks fake, the window needs reflections.

[infinitekidM2C]

Originally Posted by recycledAlva

I went out and bought my first camera yesterday. So my experience is 0. But it was fun taking a few photos and doing a bit of post. Any tips and tricks are welcome!

What color is that?

[are0lies]

Reflections.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by are0lies

Reflections.

As I said at first, you have to clone it out if you want to get a good result. No use in doing that as the image won’t be used for anything anymore. The easiest solution to cover it up a bit is just to use curves on it but as I do this for practice it makes no sense in doing that.

[are0lies]

What are you talking about. All I did was use a new layer with a somewhat matching windshield, then masked the layer to brush out what I did not want. Hell, unless I was doing this for a professional shoot, why waste so much time on it? Is the picture good enough? Ask anyone else if it is or not, but I certainly would not waste a lot of time on post-processing, when I should have done the shooting much more carefully.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by are0lies

What are you talking about.

I was just saying the edits you did were not good enough as you need to clone it out to make it look decent and I didn't bother doing it myself the quick way as it doesn't look good and the image won't be used anyway. I just shoot these to practice my post processing on stuff outside what I usually retouch but to remove the reflections in a good way takes too much work as I just posted it on Instagram. I also said I didn't have a polarizer on the lens I took this photo with - hence the reflection.

I didn't ask for anyone to fix it, I know how to fix it but had no reason or time to do it.

[are0lies]

I was only showing a method I would have used. But as I mentioned, it is best to be more careful with your shoot, instead of dedicating too much time in post-processing. And I'm sure you already use RAW, files for post-processing.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by are0lies

Reflections.

Best windshield, by far, so far.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by dcstep

Best windshield, by far, so far.

Well, since it is the only edit its not that hard...

Originally Posted by are0lies

I was only showing a method I would have used. But as I mentioned, it is best to be more careful with your shoot, instead of dedicating too much time in post-processing. And I'm sure you already use RAW, files for post-processing.

Not really the best way to insert another interior into the car. It is better to just clone it out. But for the 100th time, for real work we use polarizers so this won't be an issue, this was just a test for personal use.

[are0lies]

Please, show us your method...you know, put up or shut up!

[P1]

Are we really arguing about reflections in a windshield? My opinion: editing photos has gone too far. If the reflection was there in real life, then leave it there. If you don't want a reflection, then take the photograph in such a way that you wouldn't have a reflection in the first place.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by P1et

Are we really arguing about reflections in a windshield? My opinion: editing photos has gone too far. If the reflection was there in real life, then leave it there. If you don't want a reflection, then take the photograph in such a way that you wouldn't have a reflection in the first place.

LOL.

Maybe you've lost your way. This is a post-processing thread.

[P1]

Originally Posted by dcstep

LOL.

Maybe you've lost your way. This is a post-processing thread.

Oops. Missed that part.

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

One quick tip for any newer photographers. Shoot in RAW every opportunity you get and spend time getting to know Lightroom. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Those two tips should be prerequisites for anyone passionate about upping their photo game

Before (thanks SmugMug for low res versions):


After:

Any good tutorials/tips for adding the fake sun?

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

Any good tutorials/tips for adding the fake sun?

I like this method:

Which leaves you with a lot of flexibility in changing the color and effects. It's a good starting point. I also save the flare for use in other photos.

In use here:

Before:
Lunch Break - RAW by JMG, on Flickr


After:

Lunch Break V2 by JMG, on Flickr

and here:

Fall by JMG, on Flickr

[are0lies]

Wow! What you did with lunch break (middle picture), came out really well. It looks like golden hour. In the "fall" one, the background seems a little blown out, but I like your technique. Great job.

[Supra2k6]

Screen Shot 2017-08-02 at 7.32.54 PM by reynaldo reynaldo, on Flickr

DSC_1915 by reynaldo reynaldo, on Flickr

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by jmg

I like this method:

Which leaves you with a lot of flexibility in changing the color and effects. It's a good starting point. I also save the flare for use in other photos.

I prefer using a radial gradient instead if just a colored brush, you get a bit more control of the falloff and it is easier to mix in colors in it. Try it if you haven't already.

And also, the most important thing when adding a "new" sun is the make sure your shadows match the position of the sun. I've seen so many examples of shadows in the wrong direction and the eye picks up on that in an instant.

That wasn't a remark for your photo, just a general suggestion for everyone.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by metrickid

I prefer using a radial gradient instead if just a colored brush, you get a bit more control of the falloff and it is easier to mix in colors in it. Try it if you haven't already.

And also, the most important thing when adding a "new" sun is the make sure your shadows match the position of the sun. I've seen so many examples of shadows in the wrong direction and the eye picks up on that in an instant.

That wasn't a remark for your photo, just a general suggestion for everyone.

Yes, I've replaced the brush with a radial gradient, thanks for reminding me. I should also note that I made a master of this on a giant canvas so I can re-use it in other photos and scale down for the photo. That way, the gradient doesn't deteriorate.

[metrickid]

Originally Posted by Zing

Original

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4439/...176789fe_b.jpg



Edit

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/...367bdfcb_b.jpg



Final

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4383/...75fa81b0_b.jpg

Your two crops make the eye go to the black part of the image, and not the girl/headphones.
The final edit is waaaay to soft for my liking too, but that is just down to taste though...

[are0lies]

Just a suggestion, but regardless of what you do with your editing, always keep your eyes as sharp as possible. They are viewed as a window to the soul. Great job.