Dived into Photoshop head first. (I have pictures to prove it)

[Blacktop]

First I have a question. Is there a post processing section here? If there is ,I could not find it.

I have Photoshop CC sitting on my computer the last 2 weeks not being used. I decided 3 days ago, that I'm either going to have to learn it, or get rid of it before my 30 day trial is up.
So 3 days ago I dove into this thing . I realized that learning this software is only going to happen by taking it slow, and learning one thing at a time.

First I gained a basic, and I mean very basic understanding of how layers and layer masks work.
Then yesterday I started learning about sharpening, and selective adjustments. This part I really enjoy. Unfortunately to get good at this, I'm really going to have to get more understanding on how to work with layers.

I say unfortunately, because trying to wrap my head around masking and layers is really giving me a headache.
No matter, I'm going to have learn this thing if I want my photography to advance to next level. And I do.

If I don't post much anymore, it's because I'm either working, or having my head buried in you-tube tutorials.

I would just like to share a before and after image. The first image is one that I thought was pretty good (for my skill level) and thought to be a finished image.
I took it a few weeks ago, and was pretty satisfied with it.

Then this evening I was playing around with it in PS, and applying a few things that I have learned. What a difference unsharp mask makes. I haven't even scratched the surface yet.

 

[wev]

Sorry, but I kinda like the first one better. The second is too much too much to my eye; you gained nothing (to me) with the enhanced detail and sharpness. Another image might be, of course, another story.

 

[Blacktop]

The second is too much too much to my eye

Too much what? Are the rocks too sharp?

 

[Blacktop]

Never mind. I'm not putting up any more images on here for compassing purposes. It's useless . I'll just put up a Flickr link or something. You compare an image posted here versus the same image full rez on Flickr and you wanna cry.

 

[STM]

Photoshop is incredibly powerful but it is not exactly intuitive. I learned on Microsoft PhotoDraw, which actually does some things better than Photoshop and it is very easy to use compared to PS. Of course, it is quite limited compared to PS as well. I have been using PS since CS3 and I still don't know probably more than about 30% of what the program is capable of. But what I do know I have gotten very proficient at using.

 

[Lawrence]

First I have a question. Is there a post processing section here? If there is ,I could not find it.

I have Photoshop CC sitting on my computer the last 2 weeks not being used. I decided 3 days ago, that I'm either going to have to learn it, or get rid of it before my 30 day trial is up.
So 3 days ago I dove into this thing . I realized that learning this software is only going to happen by taking it slow, and learning one thing at a time.

First I gained a basic, and I mean very basic understanding of how layers and layer masks work.
Then yesterday I started learning about sharpening, and selective adjustments. This part I really enjoy. Unfortunately to get good at this, I'm really going to have to get more understanding on how to work with layers.

I say unfortunately, because trying to wrap my head around masking and layers is really giving me a headache.
No matter, I'm going to have learn this thing if I want my photography to advance to next level. And I do.

If I don't post much anymore, it's because I'm either working, or having my head buried in you-tube tutorials.

I would just like to share a before and after image. The first image is one that I thought was pretty good (for my skill level) and thought to be a finished image.
I took it a few weeks ago, and was pretty satisfied with it.

Then this evening I was playing around with it in PS, and applying a few things that I have learned. What a difference unsharp mask makes. I haven't even scratched the surface yet.

View attachment 118576

View attachment 118577

I have to agree with you Pete. Once you start discovering how amazing these adjustments are the potential for great photographs just seems endless.
I am looking back on old photos and remembering how pleased I was with them at the time. Its a forward motion and that is good.

 

[traceyjj]

Never mind. I'm not putting up any more images on here for compassing purposes. It's useless . I'll just put up a Flickr link or something. You compare an image posted here versus the same image full rez on Flickr and you wanna cry.

I agree with this. There must be something in the resizing that makes images lose a lot of detail /clarity or something as I am "satisfied" with some images I post here, but they dont look like the same image I have posted on flickr or 500px or even g+.

Layers are very powerful parts of the processing. I've used them since the Elements 5 I was given as part of my open university course. I am STILL getting to grips with the full power of them, 4 years later. (slow learner )

 

[Deleted]

You understand layers?

 

[SteveH]

When you upload picture here, do you allow the site to resize them during the upload process, or do you resize as part of the Photoshop export process? Great shots by the way Pete, I saw them on Flickr when you popped them up there... Nice deep colours.

 

[traceyjj]

You understand layers?

I understand the uses of, but then I work with computer aided design, so all that is done with layers too. (so I understand the principles of layers/how/why etc - just wish I was better at the application!)
However, I havent got too good with masking yet.

 

[wornish]

Layers are hard to get your head around and masking is a whole challenge of its own.

The best tool in PS to help with masking is the Refine Edge button it is just so good, but again it needs a lot of practice to get exactly what you want.
Good fun though.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Photoshop is a long journey with many quick peaks to climb and rejoice in, and many long slogs wondering when they hell you're going to get it. And even the stuff you think you've "got"? You don't really know it, because there's a video you'll see down the road that makes your head explode.

Know this about it - the tools are powerful, and like everyone before you the photos you produce will initially suffer from too much of a good thing. "OMG, unsharpen mask!!" will result in you looking back at these amazing images 6 months from now saying, "What the hell was I thinking?!" Initial forays in to layers will have you laughing at yourself for the fact that it took you hours to do something you can now do with a couple clicks and an adjustment. This is all speaking from experience.

If I have any real advice it's to try and not be enamored by the "magic" and "power" of Photoshop and to learn to do good, solid, basic editing with it first. And as tempting as it is, unless you're using the shake reduction to save a slightly blurry shot, do not go to the sharpening menu until you're done with your edits. Then resize for output and then do your real sharpening. Dig back into my Flickr feed and you can easily see the point where I discovered sharpening, and (hopefully) the point where I learned how to use it in a more proper manner (I'm still learning various techniques).

And hey, don't get discouraged if we don't see the amazing things you do. Some of us have been through it, and some of us need to see the tool in action to actually see what it is you're so excited about. Regardless, it's your adventure, so enjoy the ride.

 

[Just-Clayton]

I have the same quality problem when I show pictures here. I even got insulted by a person on here because of it. My pictures look great on my computers. But, flat and no clarity on here.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Big tip on posting pictures here? Export to 1000px, open in Photoshop, touch-up and sharpen, save, then upload.

Same tip applies everywhere where automatic resizing of uploads applies. I upload photos to up to 6 different places, all of which have their own Export setting in Lightroom, and all of which get touched up (except Instagram) before uploading.

Want us to see your picture the way you see it? Don't let software screw with it.

 

[Horoscope Fish]

I have the same quality problem when I show pictures here. I even got insulted by a person on here because of it. My pictures look great on my computers. But, flat and no clarity on here.

Pardon the momentary thread-jack...

I was having the exact same problem: Post processed shots on my computer looked great, post them on the forum and they looked flat and lacked contrast. It took me a while to figure out Adobe Camera RAW and Photoshop were conspiring to convert my photos from the embedded sRGB color profile my camera was set to use, to Adobe RGB by default. Since the 'web really isn't set up to use aRGB my shots went to s--t when I posted them. Once I changed some settings so that everything was sRGB from start to finish, problem solved!

The photo below should explain all. I also suggest you set "Depth" to 16-bit/Channel (why process your 14-bit RAW file in 8-bit mode?)





/Thread jack...

 

[Marcel]

Never mind. I'm not putting up any more images on here for compassing purposes. It's useless . I'll just put up a Flickr link or something. You compare an image posted here versus the same image full rez on Flickr and you wanna cry.

Just for you to know, if you want us to see the pic with better resolution, before you press the submit button, click on the "go advanced" button, in the bottom scrolling window double click on your images and another pop-up will open. In this pop-up, click "full size" AND then OK, then submit. Your photos will show larger and will have better resolution and color balance.

After making both images bigger by double clicking on them, I think you did a great job with the second picture.

 

[Krs_2007]

I'm with Marcel, I like the second one.

Now, @Marcel, I have tried every way I know to add a photo to Nikonites to get to this advanced mode. I dont see it, but have seen others mentioned. Could this be a browser option or setting.

 

[PapaST]

I have to echo some of what Jake is saying. Keep plugging away. Sometimes you'll feel like you're not making progress and then other times you'll pick up some stuff that gets you giddy and excited. It's a process and just know that it's a WORTHWHILE process.

I'm just a beginner and I've totally resigned myself to the fact that I will make all the beginner mistakes of over-doing edits. I look at it as the growing process. Much like a kid that just eats chicken fingers all day everyday. As I grow and mature my tastes will refine and my experience will be much more well-rounded. In short I feel that I will learn more from stumbling through the hurdles than just avoiding them all together. YMMV.

Keep up the good work!

 

[Marcel]

I'm with Marcel, I like the second one.

Now, @Marcel, I have tried every way I know to add a photo to Nikonites to get to this advanced mode. I dont see it, but have seen others mentioned. Could this be a browser option or setting.

I don't think so...

the "Go Advanced" button is located just to the right of the "Post Quick Reply" button that you click whenever you reply to a post.
After clicking on GA, you have to scroll to the bottom where another window is usually open. It's on your attachement in that window that you have to double click so the size options appear.

If you're not getting there, then maybe something with your Nikonites settings...?

 

[Horoscope Fish]

I don't think so...

the "Go Advanced" button is located just to the right of the "Post Quick Reply" button that you click whenever you reply to a post.
After clicking on GA, you have to scroll to the bottom where another window is usually open. It's on your attachement in that window that you have to double click so the size options appear.

If you're not getting there, then maybe something with your Nikonites settings...?

@Krs_2007: Double-clicking pulls up the menu for me using Firefox and Chrome but I hate Internet Exploder too much to find out if it works there as well.

Could it be something like an Ad-blocker or have you disabled JavaScript?

....