Cant this photo be saved?

[mamarazzi_squared]

I am currently using photoshop elements, I would love instructions on how to save several photos from this series. Plus, any tips on what I could have done differenly to get the photo "right" in the camera. The in-camera flash washed out the test shot, so I shot without flash. Thank you!

[CallMeAl]

I like the photo. My issues are more with the background than with the lighting on the subject. As for getting it right in the camera...depends on what you think is wrong with the photo. If you wanted more light, you could have used a reflector to reflect the light coming in the window back onto your subject.

[KdLaneJr]

Your exif has some non-typical numbers in it. ISO 250, f/2.5, -2 EV. That said, I don't see anything necessarily wrong with the image the way it is. You can add fill light to it in LR or CS3 without too much trouble.

As far as tips; If you plan on continuing to use the on camera flash you need to shoot more with it and understand how it functions in P, M, Tv and Av modes. Believe it or not, you are probably best served by Program mode when using the built-in flash, but that does not mean you cannot overcome built-in flash limitations in the other modes.

If you have specific questions; Post them and I will see if I can answer them in a manner that benefits you and those that are looking for answers and not asking.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Anne,

I guess it depends on what YOU consider "saved". There are a couple of problems that don't have anything to do with the dark exposure... which is easily fixable. The other two problems are the the pole coming out of the top of Tyler's head and the slant of the angle of the building corner outside the window.

These problems are easily fixable in Photoshop but it will probably take considerable effort depending on how good your PS skills are.

Good luck!

- Wil

[mamarazzi_squared]

The photo is just a bit dark for my taste. I can't seem to lighten it without distorting the color, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much for checking the EXIF data - I did not intend to underexpose, that was a fat finger mistake in the camera. I hate it when I do that! Urrghhh.

[mamarazzi_squared]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

Anne,

I guess it depends on what YOU consider "saved". There are a couple of problems that don't have anything to do with the dark exposure... which is easily fixable. The other two problems are the the pole coming out of the top of Tyler's head and the slant of the angle of the building corner outside the window.

These problems are easily fixable in Photoshop but it will probably take considerable effort depending on how good your PS skills are.

Good luck!

- Wil

These are just snap shots of my son, so I don't need a "perfect" photo, just a recipe to fix the lighting. That "pole" is just a section of the window, there are several other shots that I really like, some with better composition than others.

[KdLaneJr]

Here is the image adjusted in LR. Fill light taken to 50, exposure +1.00

Were you looking for changes similiar to this?

[mamarazzi_squared]

I like those changes, and I was able to do something similar in elements, but it seems to make his face more orange than I like. I guess I am looking for something between the original and the changes above.

[KdLaneJr]

Then I'd recommend you get to know curves in CS2/CS3. Curves will let you isolate a particular tone and control/remove any color cast you don't want present.

I have never worked with elements so I don't know what limitations it has although I have heard that Elements 5.0 is quite functional.

Curves will let you select the RGB channels individually and work from there. I find that turning the red down to remove the orange starts to make the image green.

[ramblinray]

How does this version look to you. In levels adjust, I just adjusted the right side slider a little and took the midpoint slider to the left until I liked the lighting in the darker areas. Then I adjust the color balance by take the top two sliders to -6 and the bottom slider to +6. I'm not sure if Elements has both of these adjustments or not.

[jesswhs1323]

here is my try

[mamarazzi_squared]

Originally Posted by ramblinray

How does this version look to you. In levels adjust, I just adjusted the right side slider a little and took the midpoint slider to the left until I liked the lighting in the darker areas. Then I adjust the color balance by take the top two sliders to -6 and the bottom slider to +6. I'm not sure if Elements has both of these adjustments or not.

That is exactly what I was trying to do! I am not familiar with the adjustments that you are referring to so, but I will hunt around in Elements to see what I can find. I am getting CS3 for Christmas, so I will be able to do so much more soon!