Suggested exposure settings

jayw

Senior Member
Some time ago, I think I saw a posting, article or something that gave suggested exposure setting other than default. I'd like to try those as my pictures are starting to come out dull.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

jayw

Senior Member
In the past, my colors had some "punch" to them. Now, my reds are not bright or "true". Not sure how else to explain this change. maybe upping Vibrance and/or Saturation? If so, by how much as a starting point?
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
In the past, my colors had some "punch" to them. Now, my reds are not bright or "true". Not sure how else to explain this change. maybe upping Vibrance and/or Saturation? If so, by how much as a starting point?
Well if you shoot .jpg you could try using a different Picture Control Profile, or adjusting one of the default Profiles; but if your issue is exposure-related then I'll refer you back to using ETTR.

When I shoot .jpg I use the "Standard" Picture Control with the Sharpening adjustment at +6 and Saturation at +1. You might want to try that and see if it gets you what you want. There's also the "Vivid" Picture Control but it's a bit much for my tastes.

I would suggest you try some of those adjustments first; you can always go back to the factory defaults if you don't like what you're seeing.
 

jayw

Senior Member
That's what I was looking for.

I'll try it and see what happens. FYIW - I shoot NEF + JPG.

Again thanks and have a wonderful Holiday!
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
That's what I was looking for.

I'll try it and see what happens. FYIW - I shoot NEF + JPG.

Again thanks and have a wonderful Holiday!

You're welcome.

Now, that being said, and in the interest of clarity, raw files (.NEF) will *always* look a bit dull and flat because raw files have not been processed. If the issue you're having is in regards to how your raw files are looking, straight of the camera, that's an ENTIRELY different subject. Also, modifying the Picture Control will have zero effect on raw files, which is why I said, "If you shoot .jpg ..."

Anyway, hope this sorts out your issue.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
If you are editing your NEF's in either Lightroom or Adobe Camera RAW, then you should choose a Profile from the options given. This is an old screen shot from a previous version of ACR, but the principle is the same. You should find choices such as Adobe Landscape, Adobe Color, Camera Standard, etc. I *think* it is now listed on the main tab in ACR. It's not a separate tab as is shown here. They will make your images look closer to the jpegs you see on the back of your camera.

camera profile.jpg
 

jayw

Senior Member
Again thanks for the suggestion, however, was wondering what you thoughts are if I were to switch the Picture Control to Auto (push the slider to the extreme left or right <forgot> and chose "Auto"?

Well if you shoot .jpg you could try using a different Picture Control Profile, or adjusting one of the default Profiles; but if your issue is exposure-related then I'll refer you back to using ETTR.

When I shoot .jpg I use the "Standard" Picture Control with the Sharpening adjustment at +6 and Saturation at +1. You might want to try that and see if it gets you what you want. There's also the "Vivid" Picture Control but it's a bit much for my tastes.

I would suggest you try some of those adjustments first; you can always go back to the factory defaults if you don't like what you're seeing.
 

jayw

Senior Member
The images I was reviewing were JPEGs, not NEF.

I'm still using PSE 14 to do my edits and still trying to wrap my head around LR 6.X (at this time, not interested in "renting" the Adobe Suite although I do know the advantages, but have not progressed enough to take advantage of them). I'll see if PSE 14 has this option.

Thanks for suggestion.

Happy Holiday's to all!

You're welcome.

Now, that being said, and in the interest of clarity, raw files (.NEF) will *always* look a bit dull and flat because raw files have not been processed. If the issue you're having is in regards to how your raw files are looking, straight of the camera, that's an ENTIRELY different subject. Also, modifying the Picture Control will have zero effect on raw files, which is why I said, "If you shoot .jpg ..."

Anyway, hope this sorts out your issue.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Again thanks for the suggestion, however, was wondering what you thoughts are if I were to switch the Picture Control to Auto (push the slider to the extreme left or right <forgot> and chose "Auto"?
I can't really say I have an opinion on using the Auto option under the Picture Control menus because I've never used it. The manual states using this option, "makes adjustments automatically to match shooting conditions.
" All I can suggest is you try it and see if you like what you see. Nikon's official explanation of the Picture Control function is explained in detail here: Picture Controls Step by Step.

If you want to get fancy you can install your own Picture Controls by visiting this website and downloading them (they're free). I don't shoot .JPG very often but I do have a couple of these Profiles on my D750. Once installed they're just as customizable as the ones installed on your camera by default. I don't use them a lot but I have used them.

...
The images I was reviewing were JPEGs, not NEF.

I'm still using PSE 14 to do my edits and still trying to wrap my head around LR 6.X (at this time, not interested in "renting" the Adobe Suite although I do know the advantages, but have not progressed enough to take advantage of them). I'll see if PSE 14 has this option.
Editing your photos is another topic entirely whether you're editing a .JPG or a .NEF (raw file). Photoshop Elements is good software -- kind of a mashup between stripped-down versions of both Lightroom and Photoshop -- and arguably better for those who work with JPG more than raw (since it offers only 8-bit image support) though it can handle both. By using 'Elements you give up some of the more sophisticated, more powerful tools of Lightroom but that's because it was designed to put user-friendliness ahead of advanced functionality. In exchange you get an interface geared more toward the casual shooter than the true professional. Lightroom, on the other hand, was not designed to be "user friendly". That doesn't mean it's hard to learn (it's not!) but it certainly makes no such claim. Lightroom's targeted demographic is far more professional and its interface and functionality reflect that. If you're wanting to delve into the world of processing your photos Lightroom would be a good, logical step in that direction.

Which application you decide to work with over the long-haul should decided by figuring out how deeply you see yourself wanting to get into processing your photos. If the idea of working up really artistic photos or getting the absolute best quality you can out of your shots appeals to you, I might suggest you start learning Lightroom. If you see yourself being happy doing more routine corrections and not wanting to dive down the "rabbit hole" of full blown post-processing, then I can't see why you wouldn't get along quite well with 'Elements.
 
Top