Keeping things simple, you could try in LR changing the Tonal Curve to Linear just to open the blacks up a tad more, as I don't want to get things complicated.
Hi Steve,
I've just been into LR to try the linear curve and it did lift the dark areas. However, I felt that the image then looked a touch flat.
Perhaps some info on what Post Processing I did do might help. From my original (which was a bit underexposed to start with) I increased exposure and then added a little fill light, clarity and vibrance. Finally I used the preset sharpening (narrow edges - scenic) before exporting.
All comments and advice appreciated.
P.S. I also exported into PS CS and added a key stroke around the edge.
Rob, it will do, just trying to think of simple adjustments based on your previous comments/feedback.Any additional increases in that use of black will begin to choke the black areas and in turn, lose detail & clarity.
Love the pose captured... I have spent ages trying for diving shots with many failures... I am assuming you are using LR 3? If I remember right you can target curves adjustments... i.e. select the targeted adjustment tool in the panel and then click on the area you want to adjust and drag up to 'lighten', down to 'darken'....
A linear curve will be 'flat' simply because there is no heel or shoulder to the curve... If you can an upgrade to 4 is highly recommended, the new process version is wonderful...
A linear curve will be 'flat' simply because there is no heel or shoulder to the curve... If you can an upgrade to 4 is highly recommended, the new process version is wonderful...
Very true Phil, just trying to keep steps simple and uncomplicated the Upgrade I believe was to be available on the 11th, however it seems to be delayed from what I can see?
Steve... I upgraded on the 12th March, its been available for a good month, although there are a couple of issues and at least one (for me) pointless module (but you can hide the modules you don't need/use) it is IMHO a worthwhile upgrade which means I can do almost everything within LR without round tripping... The new 2012 process version brings a huge amount of control and sensitivity you find yourself converting old images to the new process and getting a huge improvement in tonality... Oops sorry Robert... taking over your thread....
Posted by Nick Mckeown on April 9, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Great comp and image Robert. The tail really stands out.
Nick.
Posted by David Taylor on April 9, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Great capture, very satisfying when you succeed with a very difficult thing to do.
Phil, Steve,
I shall look into getting LR4. I have to say that version 3 was the first time I've bought a programme and have been very pleased with it for what I do. Anything that can help me process and manage my pictures in a single programme is great by me. Can you pay for an upgrade or does it have to be a full package?
Yep you can upgrade.... £60 from the Adobe store for a download... as I said well worth it, couple of modules you will probably want to hide but the new process version really does make a difference... I have found that I need to add a lot less clarity, it is much more sensitive... balancing whites and blacks and everything in between is much more controllable...
All the best
Phil
Posted by Paul Whippey on April 9, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Superb photo Robert. This is such a difficult photo to take, I tried and failed to get this behaviour when I last visited Gigrin. I like the photo as it is, except I would possibly add a wee bit more sharpening, but that's purely personal taste.
What a great and well composed action shot. Very well done.
Posted by Dave Bartlett on April 10, 2012 at 7:43 AM
A really different take on red kite flight - love it
Totally agree with Phil re LR4 - the sensitivity of the tone adjustments are great .. but be ready to sped lots of time reprocessing old images!!
Dave
Posted by David Sewell on April 10, 2012 at 8:08 AM
"a bit of luck and loads and loads and loads of binned images."
Anyone who does bird in flight images can relate to that
A fine image, that makes all the wasted ones worthwhile.
David
Posted by Neil Burton on April 10, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Excellent well done, you only need one after all (cos all the others just get boring ;) )
Posted by Bob Johnson on April 10, 2012 at 4:09 PM
As nature shooters we are looking for perfection, comp, exposure, processing etc. However if you put this shot in front of Mr Average he is just going to be blown away And so he should
Discussion
21 replies1/1600 F6.3 iso 200
500mm
tripod
a bit of luck and loads and loads and loads of binned images.
Rene de Heer
Bob
Keeping things simple, you could try in LR changing the Tonal Curve to Linear just to open the blacks up a tad more, as I don't want to get things complicated.
TFS
Steve
I've just been into LR to try the linear curve and it did lift the dark areas. However, I felt that the image then looked a touch flat.
Perhaps some info on what Post Processing I did do might help. From my original (which was a bit underexposed to start with) I increased exposure and then added a little fill light, clarity and vibrance. Finally I used the preset sharpening (narrow edges - scenic) before exporting.
All comments and advice appreciated.
P.S. I also exported into PS CS and added a key stroke around the edge.
Will PM some thoughts.
A linear curve will be 'flat' simply because there is no heel or shoulder to the curve... If you can an upgrade to 4 is highly recommended, the new process version is wonderful...
Keith
No nits from me, Robert. Love the dynamic pose of the Kite
Andy...
Very true Phil, just trying to keep steps simple and uncomplicated
Nick.
I shall look into getting LR4. I have to say that version 3 was the first time I've bought a programme and have been very pleased with it for what I do. Anything that can help me process and manage my pictures in a single programme is great by me. Can you pay for an upgrade or does it have to be a full package?
Yep you can upgrade.... £60 from the Adobe store for a download... as I said well worth it, couple of modules you will probably want to hide but the new process version really does make a difference... I have found that I need to add a lot less clarity, it is much more sensitive... balancing whites and blacks and everything in between is much more controllable...
All the best
Phil
Cracker!
I would be so pleased with such a result.
Totally agree with Phil re LR4 - the sensitivity of the tone adjustments are great .. but be ready to sped lots of time reprocessing old images!!
Dave
Anyone who does bird in flight images can relate to that
A fine image, that makes all the wasted ones worthwhile.
David
Bob