I need to devise a themed assignment on a topic that interests me and in a field of photography with which I feel comfortable. Then applying what I have learnt so far with regards to workflow I should produce final images that can either be printed or displayed in a web gallery.
Listing all the steps in my work flow comments need to be made against each step. How do I think my own work flow may differ to others and did I make any adaptations. The aim is to produce between 6 and 12 final images.
Showing posts with label workflow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label workflow. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Exercise 1: Your own Workflow - 1 Reflection
Here is the review of my portrait photoshoot.....
[Choose model and arrange a mutually convenient time for the session
Decision was made; my son would be the model, I'd go to watch him play rugby on Saturday morning so he would be in his kit, in his environment, following his hobby, so the portrait give some information with regards to the person in the shot. First fly in the ointment was rugby was cancelled this week, second was (and I was expecting this, the reluctance on the part of my model to be a willing guinea pig, pah 13 year old boys!)
Decision was made; my son would be the model, I'd go to watch him play rugby on Saturday morning so he would be in his kit, in his environment, following his hobby, so the portrait give some information with regards to the person in the shot. First fly in the ointment was rugby was cancelled this week, second was (and I was expecting this, the reluctance on the part of my model to be a willing guinea pig, pah 13 year old boys!)
[Choose a suitable location
Location was altered to the local heath where I know they have some goal posts that I could use as background if I wanted to, also good for background shots of others in sports gear if so needed. I also thought if my son felt self conscious in his kit he could wear his new winter coat and do some "male model" shots....apart from he had left it at school so a quick improvisation with my flying jacket seemed to solve that one...sadly he has now decided he wants to steal it from me.....
Location was altered to the local heath where I know they have some goal posts that I could use as background if I wanted to, also good for background shots of others in sports gear if so needed. I also thought if my son felt self conscious in his kit he could wear his new winter coat and do some "male model" shots....apart from he had left it at school so a quick improvisation with my flying jacket seemed to solve that one...sadly he has now decided he wants to steal it from me.....
[Choose suitable equipment according to what you personally own or can be made available
Equipment was straight forward, camera and kit lens. I wanted to use available natural light so didn't bother with taking a flash gun. If needed I decided I would use the fill in flash, but I do like natural light.
Equipment was straight forward, camera and kit lens. I wanted to use available natural light so didn't bother with taking a flash gun. If needed I decided I would use the fill in flash, but I do like natural light.
[Prepare equipment. Ensure battery and spare are fully charged. Batteries in flash charged. Memory cards formatted and spare cards available. Lens and sensor are clean.
I put a fully charged battery in my camera and put the spare one on charge. I formatted my card after making sure the images had been backed up on my harddrive. Lens was clean...I know I need to clean my sensor as on smaller apertures I get lots of dust and I think a small fibre. This will be done asap.
I put a fully charged battery in my camera and put the spare one on charge. I formatted my card after making sure the images had been backed up on my harddrive. Lens was clean...I know I need to clean my sensor as on smaller apertures I get lots of dust and I think a small fibre. This will be done asap.
[Set up session ensuring health and safety are taken into consideration
Made sure I was not causing any problems to the members of the public, no trip hazards or getting in the way. I didn't place my model in any dangerous places/situations. Camera was set at ISO 400 as it was a grey overcast day but this gave good difused lighting with no harsh shadows. I didn't know whether to set the WB to cloudy or auto as the sun at times was trying to break out. I left it on auto as it was a short session with a reluctant model.
Made sure I was not causing any problems to the members of the public, no trip hazards or getting in the way. I didn't place my model in any dangerous places/situations. Camera was set at ISO 400 as it was a grey overcast day but this gave good difused lighting with no harsh shadows. I didn't know whether to set the WB to cloudy or auto as the sun at times was trying to break out. I left it on auto as it was a short session with a reluctant model.
[Ensure model is comfortable
Hmmmmmmmm as comfortable as I could make him! I didn't make him pose in anyway he felt embarressed by, but trying to get different expressions was difficult. Not smiling and sulk mode seemed to be the only ones on offer ;o) When I got him to laugh I wasn't quick enough with catching just the smile and all the images resulted in him having a scrunched up laughing face. Great snaps not so good portaits!
Hmmmmmmmm as comfortable as I could make him! I didn't make him pose in anyway he felt embarressed by, but trying to get different expressions was difficult. Not smiling and sulk mode seemed to be the only ones on offer ;o) When I got him to laugh I wasn't quick enough with catching just the smile and all the images resulted in him having a scrunched up laughing face. Great snaps not so good portaits!
[Undertake photo session varying expressions and poses altering focal length and camera position throughout the session
Different poses wasn't so bad. I had some close up, sitting down, standing up. I didn't vary my focal length keeping it at 45-55mm as 50mm is the standard lens closest to what the human eye sees. I moved, I didn't zoom.Wide angle close up would distort features too much.
Different poses wasn't so bad. I had some close up, sitting down, standing up. I didn't vary my focal length keeping it at 45-55mm as 50mm is the standard lens closest to what the human eye sees. I moved, I didn't zoom.Wide angle close up would distort features too much.
[Take photograph using jpeg+RAW
I always do this.
I always do this.
[Upload to PC using Adobe Bridge
[Use Template to embed metadata and apply custom name
As part of my workflow I am now saving images to my OCA folder as well as the My Pictures folder there is an option in bridge to save copies to 2 destinations.
As part of my workflow I am now saving images to my OCA folder as well as the My Pictures folder there is an option in bridge to save copies to 2 destinations.
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| Upload to two folders using Adobe Bridge |
[View images, complete technical check deleting outright mistakes
Once uploaded I used Bridge to review the shots I had taken.
Once uploaded I used Bridge to review the shots I had taken.
[Choose final images for processing
Experimented for the first time using the star ratings to help me edit. Was Helpful :o)
Experimented for the first time using the star ratings to help me edit. Was Helpful :o)
[Open in Camera Raw
[Use Workspace ProPhoto 16bit 300dpi
[Adjust if necessary. Exposure reading first, temperature, tint and anything else as required
I usually amend as little as possible in RAW, it is a very powerful tool and there is a lot I need to learn about it. http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html has some very good online tutorials.
I usually amend as little as possible in RAW, it is a very powerful tool and there is a lot I need to learn about it. http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html has some very good online tutorials.
[Open in Photoshop
[Crop if required
I did crop just slightly as I felt it gave a more balanced result.
[Create curves layer rename C&D (Colour and Density)
[Crop if required
I did crop just slightly as I felt it gave a more balanced result.
[Create curves layer rename C&D (Colour and Density)
[Create other adjustment layers as required. Fine tune adjustment layers using black and white paintbrushes to remove/reapply layer mask. Adjust opacity, size hardness of brush to obtain required effect.
I applied a curves layer to lighten areas of the hair and eye. Using an adjustment layer I made some small tweaks to my sons complexion. The model should be pleased with the end result so I had no worries about using the healing brush to remove the odd spot.
I applied a curves layer to lighten areas of the hair and eye. Using an adjustment layer I made some small tweaks to my sons complexion. The model should be pleased with the end result so I had no worries about using the healing brush to remove the odd spot.
[Save Master file with layers intact. Save As Tiff file, LZW, ZIP compression then flatten Image, Save As TiffV2 for conversion to other file/image sizes.
Master file was saved and then saved as a jpeg.
Master file was saved and then saved as a jpeg.
[Sharpen at last stage before printing or final use in Books or Web. For internet use colour profile SRGB.Adobe Photoshop CS4 has a useful "save for web" option. For personal printing use ProPhoto. If using printers establish which colour profiles they work with.
I sharpened the jpeg using unsharp mask as it offers more control. At present I have no plans to print the image but if I do I shall follow the workflow as laid out in my other post.
On reflection I think my workflow for this assignment worked. It would have been much easier if I had a model who actually wanted to be part of the experience so next time I could possibly ask a few more people if they would like to participate, or alternately offer a monetary bribe or reward to my son ;o)
I sharpened the jpeg using unsharp mask as it offers more control. At present I have no plans to print the image but if I do I shall follow the workflow as laid out in my other post.
On reflection I think my workflow for this assignment worked. It would have been much easier if I had a model who actually wanted to be part of the experience so next time I could possibly ask a few more people if they would like to participate, or alternately offer a monetary bribe or reward to my son ;o)
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| Do I have to be Doing This? |
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| Finished |
Thinking back to the article I read on Portrait Photography guide and tips from Photo.net
I tried to make sure I followed some of the ideas, control of background and light, a flattering lens and an environmental outdoor shot (although I eventually settled on a close facial portrait) Capturing the spirit of a sulking 13 year old worked ;o) And I also was happy wth not showing all of his face and the space around him.
I tried to make sure I followed some of the ideas, control of background and light, a flattering lens and an environmental outdoor shot (although I eventually settled on a close facial portrait) Capturing the spirit of a sulking 13 year old worked ;o) And I also was happy wth not showing all of his face and the space around him.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Notes on Areas of Workflow
equipment and location....
Not all of us can have a studio and a lot of equipment at our finger tips, if you don't have a studio think of taking shots of people in their natural environment or take advantage of the great outdoors or large open public venues with good light.
This page had some useful tips
Portrait Photography guide and tips from Photo.net
I particularly liked the idea of environmental portraiture - showing the subject in their surroundings. Concentrate on controlling the background amd focus the attention on the subject. Also control the lighting. If you don't have a studio or a vast array of background material, steal a location, use large picture windows or shopping mall lights to good effect. Make sure you flatter your subject by choosing the correct lens, a typical portrait lens is between 90-135mm. Having said that if taking environmental portraits you don't have to stick with this length of lens. Don't be afraid to use a fill in flash. Try to capture the spirit of the person and remember you don't always have to show the whole of the face. Last point....giving your subject space can sometimes give an image more impact.
All pointers to take on board.
Not all of us can have a studio and a lot of equipment at our finger tips, if you don't have a studio think of taking shots of people in their natural environment or take advantage of the great outdoors or large open public venues with good light.
This page had some useful tips
Portrait Photography guide and tips from Photo.net
I particularly liked the idea of environmental portraiture - showing the subject in their surroundings. Concentrate on controlling the background amd focus the attention on the subject. Also control the lighting. If you don't have a studio or a vast array of background material, steal a location, use large picture windows or shopping mall lights to good effect. Make sure you flatter your subject by choosing the correct lens, a typical portrait lens is between 90-135mm. Having said that if taking environmental portraits you don't have to stick with this length of lens. Don't be afraid to use a fill in flash. Try to capture the spirit of the person and remember you don't always have to show the whole of the face. Last point....giving your subject space can sometimes give an image more impact.
All pointers to take on board.
Project 1 Exercise 1: Your Own Workflow - 1
For this first exercise I have to devise and put into practice a workflow which suits me for a specific short assignment. It is recommended that this assignment is a portrait session with a limited time frame. I need to arrange models, a suitable location and equipment. consider the poses and angles of my model. A number of images should be taken which will then need to be edited in order to select one or two. The assignment must contain
- Time limit
- On the spot development and improvement of composition
- A sequence of images, possibly 20 or more
- A session of picture selection
- Processing the final image
[Choose model and arrange a mutually convenient time for the session
[Choose a suitable location
[Choose suitable equipment according to what you personally own or can be made available
[Prepare equipment. Ensure battery and spare are fully charged. Batteries in flash charged. Memory cards formatted and spare cards available. Lens and sensor are clean
[Set up session ensuring health and safety are taken into consideration
[Ensure model is comfortable
[Undertake photo session varying expressions and poses altering focal length and camera position throughout the session
[Take photograph using jpeg+RAW
[Upload to PC using Adobe Bridge
[Use Template to embed metadata and apply custom name
[View images, complete technical check deleting outright mistakes
[Choose final images for processing
[Open in Camera Raw
[Use Workspace ProPhoto 16bit 300dpi
[Adjust if necessary. Exposure reading first, temperature, tint and anything else as required
[Open in Photoshop
[Crop if required
[Create curves layer rename C&D (Colour and Density)
[Crop if required
[Create curves layer rename C&D (Colour and Density)
[Create other adjustment layers as required. Fine tune adjustment layers using black and white paintbrushes to remove/reapply layer mask. Adjust opacity, size hardness of brush to obtain required effect.
[Save Master file with layers intact. Save As Tiff file, LZW, ZIP compression then flatten Image, Save As TiffV2 for conversion to other file/image sizes.
[Sharpen at last stage before printing or final use in Books or Web. For internet use colour profile SRGB.Adobe Photoshop CS4 has a useful "save for web" option. For personal printing use ProPhoto. If using printers establish which colour profiles they work with.
[ Set correct printer [ Paper Orientation [ Colour Management [Photoshop Manages Colour
[Printer/paper profile [Perceptual [ Black Point Compensation.
[Page Set Up [Best Photo [Advanced Tab
[Source Sheet [ Paper Type [ Photo RPM [ Paper Size [ Untick High Speed [ ICM [ OK [ Print
Batman Begins...
Well I don't know about Batman...but I begin....
I have my coursework folder and a letter from my tutor, the deadline for my first assignment is 30th November.
Project 1: Workflow
Exercise 1: Your own workflow -1
Exercise 2: Your own workflow -2
Exercise 3: Histogram
Exercise 4: Editing
Assignment 1 : Workflow
Having previously completed a photography course the importance of workflow was drummed into me and I am looking forward to researching more and discovering the different ways others may implement theirs. Obviously different genres and situations require different overall workflow but most of the basic points remain the same. Workflow is the word used for the processes, the sequence of actions, used to move from capture to print/publication. With the onset on digital photography working out and establishing a coherent and consistent approach is imperative. A brief summary would be
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/develop-an-efficient-photography-workflow/
http://photo.net/learn/digital-photography-workflow/overview/fine-art-photography/
I have my coursework folder and a letter from my tutor, the deadline for my first assignment is 30th November.
Project 1: Workflow
Exercise 1: Your own workflow -1
Exercise 2: Your own workflow -2
Exercise 3: Histogram
Exercise 4: Editing
Assignment 1 : Workflow
Having previously completed a photography course the importance of workflow was drummed into me and I am looking forward to researching more and discovering the different ways others may implement theirs. Obviously different genres and situations require different overall workflow but most of the basic points remain the same. Workflow is the word used for the processes, the sequence of actions, used to move from capture to print/publication. With the onset on digital photography working out and establishing a coherent and consistent approach is imperative. A brief summary would be
- preparation
- check camera settings
- location
- equipment required
- shooting
- transfer of images
- examination of images
- select, process and caption
- save and archive
- print/upload
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/develop-an-efficient-photography-workflow/
http://photo.net/learn/digital-photography-workflow/overview/fine-art-photography/
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