Technique
Advanced Photography Techniques
Photo pros rely on our magazine to cover the most advanced digital photography techniques in-depth. From color calibration to file formats and everything in between, you can count on the technique advice from our digital photo experts.
Thursday, June 28, 2007Masking Essentials IMastering the art of the mask will empower you to control your images with precision The ability to work in specific areas of an image with unparalleled precision and repeatable results, along with the ability to combine multiple exposures seamlessly and flexibly, are two key advances that are propelling the current revolution in photographic practice. Still, selection and masking are topics that plague many longtime Photoshop users. This whirlwind tour will demystify the process and set you well on your way to mastering these essential skills. |
Wednesday, June 27, 2007Masking Essentials IIA number of key concepts and strategies make selection and masking more efficient and precise The ability to work in specific areas of an image with unparalleled precision and repeatable results, along with the ability to combine multiple exposures seamlessly and flexibly, are two key advances that are propelling the current (R)evolution in photographic practice. |
Wednesday, June 27, 2007Double-Processing White BalanceWhether your goal is perfect neutrality or creating an effect, you can use this technique to refine the colors in your images Not all white lights are the same. Differences in white light are commonly described by their color temperatures (rated in Kelvin). The lower the number, the warmer the light; the higher the number, the cooler the light. Light temperature has a significant effect on exposure, calibration, printing and display. |
Wednesday, June 27, 2007Digital Autopilot - How To Use Photoshop ActionsUse Photoshop Actions to delegate the drudgery I'm a digital photographer, not so much because of the digital part, more for the photography. I prefer shooting, but I don't mind the challenges of digital imaging that can take a photograph from good to great. The problem is that shooting and retouching are only part of the equation. So much time is spent managing files—downloading, archiving, proofing, processing—that repeating these tasks on a daily basis is bound to drive any photographer to a realization: automation is essential. |
Tuesday, June 26, 2007Extending Depth Of FieldUsing multiple exposures and sound camera and software technique, you can defy the laws of physics The ability to reproduce detail is one of the essential characteristics that defines the photographic medium. While there are many similarities between the camera eye and the human eye, there are also significant differences between the two. One of the most significant differences is that the camera eye can achieve a much greater area of focus than the human eye can at one time. This has never been more true than today. |
Tuesday, June 19, 2007The Enemy Within - Defeating DustDust is a serious issue for digital shooters. If you have persistent dust spots on your image sensor, it might be time to consider that your gear bag could be the culprit. Most photographers have never cleaned a camera bag. Basically, you're looking to get rid of dust and other small contaminants. A quick once-over with a vacuum, taking special care to get into cracks and corners, will do a good job of eradicating most of the problem. |
Tuesday, June 19, 2007Processing The RAWPhotographers in the digital age are inundated with software so Digital Photo Pro talked to the experts to get the ins and outs on two of the most popular RAW processing packages on the market We discuss RAW workflow a lot in the pages of Digital Photo Pro. Having the ability to work smoothly and quickly with RAW files is key to getting the most out of them. It's a simple fact—if you can't make RAW files work efficiently, you'll end up wasting a lot of time or just switch back to JPEG. If we assume you want the power of the RAW file, then JPEGs simply aren't acceptable. |
Tuesday, June 19, 2007Mysteries Of (Color) SpaceWe've covered it before and we'll cover it again because the ins and outs of color management begin with a firm grasp of how devices handle color space Technical terms are frequently tossed around like a Frisbee in a park on Sunday. In digital imaging, three such terms are color space, color gamut and profiles. “Use this color space—you'll get better results.” “Is this color within the color gamut?” “What profile are you using?” All are valid questions, but what do they actually mean? |
Tuesday, June 19, 2007Large-Format ScanningDiscover the alternatives for producing your own scans in-house If you shoot or have an extensive archive of large-format negatives or transparencies, the process of converting them into digital files can be costly. When done at a service bureau, each drum scan can run from $30 to $400. Depending on the number of scans you need, this can become prohibitively expensive, which is why many photographers consider the use of scanners to produce digital files in-house. |
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Contender: Nicholas Mele
It can happen in an instant -
Contender: Cindy McDaniel
Going underwater for an unpredictable look -
Contender: Martin Christopher
“Angel Face” was photographed for a local hair salon’s ad campaign -
Contender: Bruce Roscoe
Meticulous attention to the lighting creates strong chiaroscuro and a dramatic effect -
Contender: Kevin Ziechmann
Reality and photography collide in this self-portrait -
Contender: David Miller
Rendering a split look in a “Frankenstein” photo -
Contender: Jeff Nadler
Black and white film and natural light gave this image its distinctive look -
Contender: Jessica Christie
Capturing emotions and creating a retro look -
Contender: Laura Bello
A little bling and vibrant color demand a viewer’s attention -
Contender: Dhrumil S. Desai
Style and substance came into play in making this warm-toned black and white portrait
