Post-Processing Inspiration

[thelegend1472]

Since there are quite a few "how'd they do this, look at these guys, and crazy post processing" threads floating around I thought I'd group em all together. These links have unique post work and lighting effects to them. Granted there are tons of great photographers out there, but these have been listed because of their process. I'm hoping a moderator can make this sticky because there is a lot of great inspiration here. If you have others you want to add post the link and I'll update the list.

http://www.amydresser.com/offtitles.html
http://www.manipulator.com/
http://jeshderoxweddings.blogspot.com/
http://www.davidlachapelle.com/home.html
http://www.patrickhoelck.com/
http://www.joeyl.com/Joey%20Lawrence%20Photography.html
http://www.davehillphoto.com/
www.valentineslane.com/
http://www.boutwellstudio.com/
http://www.altf.com/

[Allen]

Here's something for you experts to try.

End result:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=12149990

Technique?:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=12369718

1. make a duplicate layer and run a heavy denoiser and sharpen.
2. Use PWL (original) from http://www.atncentral.com to add light and shadows.

3. combine layers...hold the Alt key while clicking the right arrow in Layers palette and Merge Visible.

4. Play with USM (unsharp mask)...not to sharpen but to bring out heavy illustrated look.

5. Duplicate layer and open Shadow/Highlight...play with all sliders to add more to the illustrated look.
6. Use the Smudge tool for an even more painted effect.

That's it. The rest is editing to taste (more PWL, Hue/Sat. etc.).

[thelegend1472]

Wow...thanks Allen! I really like that. Gonna go try it out

[thelegend1472]

I've never used PWL. That technique will take some practice.

[AndrewCCM]

Cool stuff.. Gonna give it a try too..

[gpbusa316]

Saw that discussion on DPReview back in January and decided to try it out. Played around with the settings in Neat Image and CS2 until I got something I liked. Endless tweaking of the "Shadow/Highlight" tool depending on the image. Getting the PWL portion right takes the most work though.

Also tried it out in varying degrees on some of my own images... http://www.pbase.com/jaopictures/illustrated

[Allen]

Good job.

Does this only work with a subject with good lighting? Would this technique work on something with natural outdoor light?

[Daniel Bates]

Great list, Bryan. Thanks for compiling it!

It is now "sticky"...

[thelegend1472]

Thanks for "stickying?" it lol. The title works fine too. Not a prob.

[Janeen]

Originally Posted by Allen

2. Use PWL (original) from http://www.atncentral.com to add light and shadows.

Okay, it's official: I'm a dork. I"ve been to ATNcentral and am unable to locate an action called PWL.
Might someone be so kind as to point the way for me? I'd sure appreciate it!

Thanks!
Janeen

[Daniel Bates]

That would be the Paint With Light (I) action.

[Janeen]

Originally Posted by Daniel Bates

That would be the Paint With Light (I) action.

Ah! Thank you so much!
J.

[saber]

I gave the technique a try as well on a normal photo taken. Not a photoshoot.

What do you think? be honest!

I feel I haven't got the result of the technique, might be the low amount of light.

Kind regards,

Frank

[gpbusa316]

Originally Posted by saber

I gave the technique a try as well on a normal photo taken. Not a photoshoot.

What do you think? be honest!

I feel I haven't got the result of the technique, might be the low amount of light.

Kind regards,

Frank

At least with the photos I've played with, it seems to work better on a well-lit image with a good exposure... giving you more room to increase contrast thoughout the image. Although you've brightened up areas of your photo, to good effect. You can't go the other way and darken anything, because of the dark "starting point".

[chano]

here's my go....from the tdragan thread in people....i didnt realize this was here until now... comments?

original


what i got so far..