I was looking at photos in the gallery, the colors are excellant. The colors in my photos aren't as brilliant. Can someone tell me how to improve the colors in my photos. Thanks
This is a pretty general question, so I think the best way to get feedback on your images is to post them in the appropriate critique gallery and ask how the color can be improved. You should also include tech info about your image, and your post-processing workflow. This will make it much easier for us to guide you.
Cheers,
-P
Posted by James Hersey on November 1, 2008 at 10:48 AM
George,
I can't really give you a simple anwser because I don't know how you process your digital files for final output. If you could give us at least what editing or connversion software you are using to work with images it would help in offering suggestions.
The colors in your portfolio images look fine as always curves adjustment or saturation adjustments can give them a different look.
Posted by Jim Salge on November 1, 2008 at 6:08 PM
So much of getting great color isn't in the post processing, but in the process of shooting. Knowing the light, shooting in the best light for the scene, using a polarizer, and controlling the exposure with filters will have far more of an impact than anything you do post process, and it will look more natural.
You will notice that most of the images on this site are shot during the magic hours, or in moody or atmospheric conditions that will naturally bring out strong color. I would focus on time of day and technique in camera...and please post some examples for us to discuss!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on November 2, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Another thing, which may or may not apply to your workflow.
Are you using a digital camera? If so, are you using RAW or jpegs?
Most digital slr's, from the Canon Rebel series and the Nikon equivalent on up, are designed to maximize the information contained in the RAW file, *not* the appearance of the RAW files. At an absolute minimum, you'll almost always need a little bit of tweaking for sharpening, contrast and possibly saturation. Usually not much. but a little.
Tanks for the information, it's been helpful. The pictures are from both film and digital. I don't have an expensive digital camera yet. I usually tke most pictutres with film and scan them. I take most pictures in the morning or on cloudy days. The light is better.
Discussion
5 repliesThis is a pretty general question, so I think the best way to get feedback on your images is to post them in the appropriate critique gallery and ask how the color can be improved. You should also include tech info about your image, and your post-processing workflow. This will make it much easier for us to guide you.
Cheers,
-P
I can't really give you a simple anwser because I don't know how you process your digital files for final output. If you could give us at least what editing or connversion software you are using to work with images it would help in offering suggestions.
The colors in your portfolio images look fine as always curves adjustment or saturation adjustments can give them a different look.
You will notice that most of the images on this site are shot during the magic hours, or in moody or atmospheric conditions that will naturally bring out strong color. I would focus on time of day and technique in camera...and please post some examples for us to discuss!
Are you using a digital camera? If so, are you using RAW or jpegs?
Most digital slr's, from the Canon Rebel series and the Nikon equivalent on up, are designed to maximize the information contained in the RAW file, *not* the appearance of the RAW files. At an absolute minimum, you'll almost always need a little bit of tweaking for sharpening, contrast and possibly saturation. Usually not much. but a little.