Very rich image

[dezmund]

Ok, so heres my question. I have been doing this for a while, I have a great camera, I use PE5 to touch up images. You see the images of some photographers and they have that very rich deap warm color. How do they get that. Almost like a painting. Is it camera, lens or photoshop? This is my million dollar question.

[deedeeO]

welcome to the forum Desmond....that look is usually achieved by all three combinations....do you have an example image?

[baycruisers]

My DSLR (D70S) always seems to produce images that need a levels adjustment to make them pop. After that it's usually a saturation tweak and sharpening.

[dezmund]

take a look at my website if you would, be gentle, haha. i am thinking it is a balance of levels, sharp, and contrast, I do all this now, maybe it takes time to find the balance. Any suggestions
www.desikurkowskistudio.com

[deedeeO]

take a look at my website if you would, be gentle, haha. i am thinking it is a balance of levels, sharp, and contrast, I do all this now, maybe it takes time to find the balance. Any suggestions
www.desikurkowskistudio.com (http://www.desikurkowskistudio.com)

Just Love your website and photography!!!!

Ok, I think I know what you are talking about.....Not only the three photoshop elements above, but adding some saturation as well. Regarding the lens, a low aperature lens of f/2.8 or lower (I tend to use my 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8). Playing around with the white balance during a shoot helps as well. It can make a huge difference to get that warm rich look (this may be the key to SOOC pics). The camera, any....however, SOOC don't always work (bummer, because I would like to have more SOOC pics..less work for me:)) I also like to add a warming filter as a layer in photoshop...anything from a chocolate (my favorite color), to sepia, panteone coloring, and the basic warm filters found in the palette of PSE. Check out my gallery of "kids and families" on my website. I think I have almost achieved this rich looking look. but still a work in progress.

I also cheat by buying actions like Nichole Van, Photoblast (EZ Actions) and Classic Mystique. Hope this helps!!

[dezmund]

OK, Denise, can I pick your brain about something else. i think I have the rich pictures, or am getting very close but I ran into a problem last night, my studio lights i have now just are not the best. Do you have any suggestions or is there another forum where I can ask the question about buying new lights? Thanks so much for your help

[kimi_boo]

I also cheat by buying actions like Nichole Van, Photoblast (EZ Actions) and Classic Mystique.

Denise! You Cheat?!!
That is it... I have lost all respect for you. :eek: :rolleyes: :D

[Diana]

Do you have any suggestions or is there another forum where I can ask the question about buying new lights? Thanks so much for your help

A great lighting site:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Diana

[deedeeO]

Denise! You Cheat?!!
That is it... I have lost all respect for you. :eek: :rolleyes: :D

Ohhh Kim...time management, babe!!!!! But I will also add, that I use actions as a secondary base to photo editing (primary being noiseware, levels, blemish removal and such), and then add my third elements at the end.:D And I like to share good things...

[deedeeO]

OK, Denise, can I pick your brain about something else. i think I have the rich pictures, or am getting very close but I ran into a problem last night, my studio lights i have now just are not the best. Do you have any suggestions or is there another forum where I can ask the question about buying new lights? Thanks so much for your help


Thanks Diana for the light link. I hang out at the forums on mpix.com. The photogs there are always talking about lighting issues and what to get... Not in the lighting scene yet...still going natural.