Where does blurring the line between straight photography and digital art happen? Is it in the styling, the shoot or the edit? I often teach creative techniques which can lend a painterly effect to photos, without the need to edit them in Photoshop; light painting or shooting through a piece fabric (like chiffon or cheesecloth) just to mention two. Is there a need to even add creative textures to still life photos? I feel that there is room for something a little more creative in today’s still life and even with food photography — not … [Read more...] about Using creative textures with still life photography
post-processing
How to stitch cityscape panoramas with Lightroom Classic
In my last article, I shared five tips to photograph cityscape panoramas. It's now time to talk about the post-processing part! Fortunately, if you're using Lightroom Classic, the process is very easy. No need to use dedicated software. First, when you are in the Library module, select your images. You don't need to do any post-processing first, as the resulting panorama will be a RAW file (DNG). The panorama I'm doing today will be made of the five images below (you can have as little as two images and many more than five), of the view from … [Read more...] about How to stitch cityscape panoramas with Lightroom Classic
Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Skylum Software’s latest update to Luminar 3 includes an all-new “human aware” Accent AI 2.0. The previous version did a great job automatically improving color, detail, tone and depth of an image but now, the new version pushes its artificial intelligence further by recognizing people in the photo and providing skin tone adjustments selectively for a more natural look. Here’s why the new Accent AI 2.0 is great for portraits. Quickly developing a portrait As a member of Skylum’s Education Development team, I received an early look at Accent … [Read more...] about Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Saturation vs. vibrance
(Editor’s note: This is a guest article by Jeremy Chan, a Master Photographer/artist who is based in San Francisco, CA. Jeremy’s passion about fine art and creative has helped him refine a unique vision which embraces the timeless artistry. By mixing fine art and graphic design in his image making, he helps his clients create one of a kind timeless images. Learn more about Jeremy on his Facebook page.) Most people have confusion about the difference between the Vibrance and Saturation sliders found in post-processing tools like Lightroom and … [Read more...] about Saturation vs. vibrance
NSFW: Ethics of removing tattoos in post-processing
At one time the idea of a tattooed model gracing the pages of any mainstream magazine, ad campaign, etc. was unheard of. While tattooed models still are not commonly seen in some genres, tattoos and other body art have become much more accepted and popular throughout the photographic world. People get inked for many reasons. The stereotype that they were all drunken bad decisions is rare today. Every tattoo has a story behind it. As a photographer, I see myself as a storyteller first. The story of this person includes their body art, and in my … [Read more...] about NSFW: Ethics of removing tattoos in post-processing
A glimpse into ACDSee’s new Color EQ Contrast tool
I recently got the chance to check out the new ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2019, which features a wide array of upgrades over the previous version. One of those is with the program's Color EQ pane. Being used to Adobe Lightroom, adjusting things like Saturation, Brightness and Hue were all familiar to me. But adjusting the color contrast? That's something that sets ACDSee apart. Edit the contrast of specific colors with Color EQ Color EQ is familiar if you're coming from a program like Lightroom. But the ability to increase and decrease … [Read more...] about A glimpse into ACDSee’s new Color EQ Contrast tool
How to become more efficient at creative editing
I set aside a few hours each day to get lost in creative editing. A common problem I face is forgetting the steps it took to achieve the final look. Here’s how to solve this problem and become better at creative editing. Label each layer with a descriptive name If your image editing program includes layers as a feature, take advantage of this by labeling each layer with a descriptive name. This will enable you to see at a glance how each layer adds to the final look. Sometimes, I like to create different versions of an image. By putting the … [Read more...] about How to become more efficient at creative editing
Photolemur — your 1, 2, 3 step guide for editing images quickly
If you take pictures mostly with your phone and don’t want to mess around with the photo editing software side of things, Photolemur 3 is the tool for you. Photolemur adjusts the bright area and the dark areas of your photos and helps remove poor color from your various colors of light source. Plus, it’s got some great presets that are quick and easy to apply. I don’t have time between work and kids to edit the hundreds of images I have on my phone and Photolemur has helped tremendously with that. It is easy to get wrapped up in editing your … [Read more...] about Photolemur — your 1, 2, 3 step guide for editing images quickly
Aurora HDR 2019 available now… Yes, it’s shipping
Aurora HDR 2019, Skylum's latest update to its venerable HDR software, has officially been released. The update lets you easily apply and customize HDR looks to both bracketed sets and single images. New to the 2019 update are several features, including a new tone-mapping technology powered by Skylum's Quantum HDR Engine, a new HDR Smart Structure, a new LUT Mapping filter as well as 11 new integrated color grading sets to use with the LUT Mapping Filter. It also features improvements to the HDR Details Boost filter, Adjustable Gradient … [Read more...] about Aurora HDR 2019 available now… Yes, it’s shipping
Discovering Luminar’s workspace
(Editor's note: Aurora HDR 2019 is now available. Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too!) It has taken me a while to figure out how, when and why to use Luminar to make fantastic images. Mostly this is due to my adverse reaction to change. I figure, if I like what I am using, why change it? Well, you just don’t know what you are missing until you’ve tried. So, I am giving Skylum’s Luminar a go and am enjoying the results I’m getting so … [Read more...] about Discovering Luminar’s workspace
Quick Tip: Reset Lightroom Classic sliders
Sure, there's a big "Reset" button in Lightroom Classic, putting your edited photo back to its original state. But what if you need to reset just some of the adjustments you've made? Simply double click on the slider text (Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, etc.) and watch the slider move back to zero. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Reset Lightroom Classic sliders
How To: Use Colored Filters in Luminar 2018 for Black and White Portraits
There's a simple tool for making your black and white portraits look great with little or no retouching. It's called a color filter. We often retouch things like pimples and redness or uneven skin tones, and these things can take a lot of time on each portrait. But when you make black and whites, you can use a color filter tool to remove uneven skin tones and sculpt beautifully contrasty portraits at the same time. What's more, you can do it in the camera and with software like Luminar. In-Camera Black and White I often recommend setting your … [Read more...] about How To: Use Colored Filters in Luminar 2018 for Black and White Portraits
Quick Tip: Saturation vs. Vibrance
There are two sliders in Lightroom and most other post-processors that can be handy for adjusting the intensity of your colors. Think of saturation like ISO, but for color — it bumps up the intensity of all of the colors in your photograph. On the other hand, vibrance is more selective, adjusting only the more muted colors in your photograph. This can help lead to a more evenly-saturated image. Both tools definitely have their usage — check out the three photos below to see how they can affect an image. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Saturation vs. Vibrance
Tips and Tricks for Using Layers
What is a Layer? Layers are a powerful way to “build up” your images. They allow you to add filters--or stack several filters together--to apply corrections or enhancements. Changing blending modes, adding a layer mask and adjusting the overall opacity (revealing or hiding the layer below) will give you the freedom to experiment until you achieve exactly the look you’d like for your image. Base Layer Luminar creates a base layer when an image is first opened. Think of this as the background layer. Since there isn’t a layer beneath it, you … [Read more...] about Tips and Tricks for Using Layers
Photography Marketing: Developing a Style
I've written in the past about why you should have a photographic specialty. Simply put, you want to be known for being an expert in that particular type of photography. The same can be said for your photographic style. Having a consistent look and feel to your photos will make you stand out and become known for the way your images are delivered. It isn't just about post-processing — it starts when you first begin your photoshoot. But why is it important to have a consistent look and feel? Simply put, I want someone viewing my photos to know … [Read more...] about Photography Marketing: Developing a Style
Luminar 2018 First Look: Accent AI and Sun Rays Filters
I'm always looking for ways to more easily enhance the photographs I take. With Luminar 2018, you can use the Accent AI and Polarizing Filters to further boost your image quality. Boosting Skies I started off by testing this on a shot I took at the Out of Chicago Conference this June, from a rooftop bar I visited before the conference began. The rooftop overlooked Millennium Park, and had the lake visible in the distance, with a few buildings on the left side. You can see the image is grey, without a lot of colors. But it has potential, as … [Read more...] about Luminar 2018 First Look: Accent AI and Sun Rays Filters
How to Finish Your Wild Animal Photos With Tone Mapping
Funny thing about animals is they move around, a lot. So a technique like HDR, which requires several images that are nearly identical in everything but exposure values, is usually not an option for wildlife photographers. Often thought of as mainly a tool for landscape and architecture photography, High Dynamic Range photography captures a series of shots at multiple exposures to provide detail in both highlights and shadows which a camera cannot capture in one frame. But, in the case of a running horse or flying bird, even at high shutter … [Read more...] about How to Finish Your Wild Animal Photos With Tone Mapping
How to Remove Noise with a Luminosity Layer in Aurora HDR 2018
HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing of your photos by its nature can result in a lot of noise or graininess in your final image. While Macphun's new Aurora HDR 2018 for PC's does a great job overall reducing noise, there are still times when noisy areas appear in your processed HDR. This can be caused by many reasons, but most commonly it's due to your settings in camera (such as shooting at too high of an ISO) or any image processing you have done to your images before merging them in Aurora (such as exposure adjustments). Regardless of the … [Read more...] about How to Remove Noise with a Luminosity Layer in Aurora HDR 2018
First Impressions of the New Aurora HDR 2018 for Windows
Until recently, I’ve felt a little left out when it comes to the Macphun line of photo editing and effects software. I’m a Windows guy, a sometimes lonely place to be in the oft Apple dominated world of graphic design and photography. Until this year Macphun software wasn’t available for us PC’s. I figured Macphun’s software would always remain out of reach until Macphun released Luminar for Windows earlier this year. So, I tried it. And liked it. A lot! Getting a chance to take the new Beta version of Aurora HDR for a spin, I was cautiously … [Read more...] about First Impressions of the New Aurora HDR 2018 for Windows
ACDSee Ultimate 10 – How To Get Your Photos Organized With Categories
How would you describe the subject in this photo? As a Fox, a Red Fox, or Vulpes vulpes? Baby, pup, or kit? Animal, mammal, canine, vulpine? The answer is all of them, and more! With wildlife photography there are many ways to classify and describe an animal. As your image portfolio grows, it becomes more and more important to have a good system for categorizing and keywording your photos so that once you have found a home on your hard drive for them you can find them again. This way you can find your images and get the right ones to those who … [Read more...] about ACDSee Ultimate 10 – How To Get Your Photos Organized With Categories
Bringing Back the Depth of Grey Skies
I just got back from an amazing trip to Ireland! We went everywhere from the Ring of Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher, capturing the beautiful landscapes. Along with foggy, grey skies. I'm used to crazy Michigan weather, but Ireland seems to not want to make up its mind on the weather! But I couldn't let that hold me back. Don't Forget to Bracket If there was one thing I learned during the trip, it was the importance of bracketing. At the Cliffs of Moher, we had foggy, grey skies to deal with, but I was determined to capture an iconic … [Read more...] about Bringing Back the Depth of Grey Skies
Create Your Own Fireworks Grand Finale
Last weekend I spent time in Chicago for the Out of Chicago Conference. On my last night there, fellow author Levi Sim and myself hosted a photowalk for attendees. Our small group was able to check out the University Club, which overlooks Millennium Park, on Saturday night. And it was just in time for the Saturday night fireworks. With my new Vanguard Veo 2 tripod in tow, we made our way up to the balcony. Instead of focusing distinctly on the fireworks, I wanted to capture the environment around them. It was Pride Weekend in Chicago, and … [Read more...] about Create Your Own Fireworks Grand Finale
Fixing HDR Ghosting with Photomatix Pro
It's a sunny, windy day. You're shooting architecture and using bracketing to ultimately capture an image that's exposed perfectly. But you forget about the flag on the building, and how it's waving in the wind. Putting your three or five bracketed shots together will create a blurry flag. All hope is lost, right? Wrong. Earlier this year I highlighted some of my New York photos from last fall, in showing how to use Photomatix Pro to create realistic HDR images. One of the photos I stumbled upon had an American flag front and center. … [Read more...] about Fixing HDR Ghosting with Photomatix Pro
