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Forums · RMNP

Photoshop sticking points

Discussion

15 replies
Posted by Nat Coalson on December 2, 2009 at 5:54 PM
I'm planning a Photoshop workshop with Bret Edge next fall. We're very interested to learn the major topics, techniques, tricks etc. that nature and landscape photographers are most interested in, confused about, etc. Please reply here with your thoughts. Thanks!
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 2, 2009 at 6:15 PM
I would touch on the following

raw processing
exif data management
luminosity masking
sharpening
web preparation
Posted by Todd Caudle on December 2, 2009 at 6:32 PM
image blends (both for exposure and depth of focus)
blending modes
DNG
all the ones Mel listed
Posted by Phillip Noll on December 2, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Masks, masks and masks! Don't know why but I have trouble getting my brain around masks! :jump:

Also, how to use the "Blend if" functions.
Posted by Brian Jackson on December 2, 2009 at 7:10 PM
All the above I would agree
Plus
Color Management - sRGB, Adobe1998, Printer Profiles, etc...
Resizing for print - dpi, ppi, Bicubic Sharper, Bicubic Smoother, etc...
Smart Objects - These are cool.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on December 2, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Everything mentioned above rolled up into a recommended workflow.
Posted by Jared Atencio on December 2, 2009 at 7:38 PM
How about using the LAB colorspace and I'm also a big fan of your B&W treatment, so would be interested in your conversion technique as well
Posted by Stan Rose on December 2, 2009 at 10:41 PM
How can i make $2,000,000 using photoshop? :confused:
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 2, 2009 at 10:44 PM
How can i make $2,000,000 using photoshop?


Easy, Stan, just start with $4,000,000. :cool:
Posted by Jackson Frishman on December 2, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Yeah, anything to do with color management would be helpful. Masking is something I feel very happy to have a good grasp of. I also love Tony Kuyper's technique of a dodge/burn layer, especially when applied through a mask. I'd love to learn more about "Blend If" and smart objects.

More vaguely, I'd love more insight into how to look at a file and evaluate what it needs. There are always some PS techniques that would be interesting to play with in an image, but how do you spot when something needs fixing and decide when enough is enough?
Posted by Morris McClung on December 2, 2009 at 11:26 PM
All these guys are hitting the main points! Also, how to get rid of that pesky noise in long night shots.
Posted by Phillip Noll on December 2, 2009 at 11:34 PM
how to get rid of that pesky noise in long night shots
Use film!! :biggrin:
Posted by Phillip Noll on December 2, 2009 at 11:36 PM
how to look at a file and evaluate what it needs
I've found that it is a skill you develop with lots of practice! The more you use PS the more you will be able to judge what a shot needs. Or just click on Image > Adjustments > Auto.... :biggrin:
Posted by Bret Edge on December 3, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone!

Jackson: I really like the idea of talking about how to evaluate an image. Phillip is right that much of it comes w/ experience but I think we could also show a few sample images and have the class discuss them. Great idea!
Posted by Jackson Frishman on December 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Yeah, there's certainly no substitute for experience, but there's also no experience like working through a problem next to someone who knows more than you. Also, a lot of PS skills can be picked up from books, online tutorials, these forums, etc. I'd say that the more nebulous territory is where live instruction becomes truly invaluable.
Posted by Nat Coalson on December 6, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Great stuff, guys! This realyl helps put together the program. Look for a workshop announcement before the end of the year. Thanks for your input! :toast: