Page is a not externally linkable
- Code, Content, and Presentation
-- Site Graphics and Multimedia Design
---- Order of Photo Retouching

limbo - 5:07 pm on Jan 13, 2010 (gmt 0)


Good topic Eelixduppy.

I think a fair bit comes down to personal preference.

For basic 'out of the Nikon' shots I usually start by running an action (working in Photoshop) - it does the following:

  • Creates copy of the image layer and locks the original layer in a set and forgets about it (for posterity/comparison)
  • Creates a layer set of 4 adjustment layers - Colour balance, Brightness/Contrast, Levels and Hue/Saturation and places the image copy under them.

    From here I can edit the layer copy for any discrepancies - removing blemishes and relics where necessary using the clone stamp.

    Then I use the adjustment layers to correct exposure, colour and depth.

    If I need to do more, like painting out backgrounds, then I try to use masks, channels and adjustment layers as much as possible to maintain the integrity of the source image.

    Course, none of this comes from a proper post-production knowledge, just what I've worked out for a quick-fix on my own shots.

    Would be great to get artworker's/post pro's advice here. I'm sure there's some great tricks for quick and clean working.

    Thread source:: http://www.webmasterworld.com/graphics_multimedia/4059962.htm
    Brought to you by WebmasterWorld: http://www.webmasterworld.com