Photography Software Techniques
Move beyond the basics with advanced photography software techniques from our experts. Covering much more than how to use photo software, topics include color choice, file formats and hundreds of other subjects.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009Aesthetics Of XDRUsing Extended Dynamic Range techniques judiciously will keep you from taking a good thing too far HDR imagery is expanding today’s photographic aesthetics. Identifying the characteristics of contemporary HDR images will help classicists and pioneers alike. The basic ingredients are desirable for both sensibilities, but in varying combinations and to different degrees. Read More... |
Tuesday, December 23, 2008XDR, Part VUsing Photomatix to enhance your extended dynamic range images Beyond Photoshop, there are a number of HDR software options, both plug-ins and stand-alones. Some of the better-known programs include Artizen HDR, easyHDR, FDRTools, pfstools and Photomatix.Read More... |
Tuesday, November 11, 2008Color TheoryTo master colors in your photographs, it helps to fully understand how technology represents those colors What is color theory? It’s not color management—a science of measuring color physically and describing it mathematically. It’s not color adjustment—techniques for changing a color’s appearance. It’s not color psychology—a social science of charting and describing human response to color. It’s impacted by all three above disciplines (it rests at their intersection), yet it constitutes a separate discipline in and of itself. Color theory is a language that conceptually and perceptually describes the elements of color and their interactions. Read More... |
Tuesday, October 14, 2008Stylize Your Images Using Digital FiltersThe difference between a technically solid photograph and a real winner that makes clients stop for a closer look is a matter of style What makes winning images win? Apart from the opportunities and advantages that are afforded by huge leaps in digital technology, one point stands out, as always—style! Today’s light-meter technology helps ensure technically correct exposure, but it’s personal insight and style that bring the exposure to a higher level—being aesthetically correct! The same can be said for the aesthetics of composition, color treatment, focus, contrast, balance and every other aspect of an image that strikes your eyes and grabs your mind. Aesthetics and style help make an image stand out. Read More... |
Tuesday, September 30, 2008XDR, Part VHDR with Photoshop HDR imaging represents a radical departure from traditional forms of photography. HDR (high dynamic range) images hold more luminosity than conventional cameras can record and potentially more than the human eye can see (at any one given time). Read More... |
Monday, September 29, 2008Pro Tips: ChromozonesGel your lights to create any colored background There seem to be two paths to becoming a rich and famous photographer: 1) Go to photo school; and 2) Assist for a great photographer. I chose the former route, and apparently I should have chosen the latter because I’m neither rich nor famous. But I’m a working photographer, and I did learn a lot of great things in school—not the least of which was how to create any color with strobes and gels. Read More... |
Monday, September 1, 2008XDR, Part IVHigh-dynamic-range imaging HDR imaging will change the way you make exposures. HDR imaging will change the way you process your exposures. HDR imaging is the future of photography—to a large extent, it’s here now, but it will advance rapidly. At a minimum, you need to know what HDR imaging is and get ready to practice it in the near future. You may want to start practicing it now. Read More... |
Tuesday, June 24, 2008XDR, Part IIIDouble exposure gives you two times the image information to use in a final image This is the third in a series of “R/Evolution” columns on Extended Dynamic Range (XDR). Extending dynamic range has become increasingly mainstream for professional photographers as software has become more powerful and new techniques have been unveiled. Read More... |
Tuesday, June 24, 2008Pro Tips: Going GrayA good/better/best look at converting color photos to great black-and-white imagesRemember when “black-and-white or color?” was a choice made before you took a picture? The awesome ability to convert a color image to black-and-white after shooting is only part of the story; the real trick is to do it well and to create black-and-white photographs that look every bit as beautiful as the old darkroom methods. |
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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
