I have recently just started using these old photographic darkroom techniques in my digital darkroom. I would suggest that everyone read all you can about them. I personally feel that these techniques (used by all the pros) is what can make an good shot, a great shot...
Before:
This was an OK shot before I went in and corrected it. It almost ads a 3D look to it that is usually only present in Medium format. I am real excited about it. Maybe when I get better I will write a little piece about it... Do a search on the net for it and play. It is great stuff...
OK, put up the before shot. Overall moves were originally made to it though. Due to a complete loss of old data a while ago, I am missing the untouched RAWS. This should be good enough to see the process...
Dave, these are both excellent. I love the post processing enhancements as well... i wish we had such liberties on this site :) This is a perfect example of how post processing can turn a good photo into a really great photo...
John, the bad thing about banning editing like this is that it will make some think it is a bad thing to do. Spot editing has been going on in film dark rooms for ever. If it weren't for spot editing Ansels work would have been snap shots... LOL.
The digital era is here. The digital darkroom is no different than the film darkroom. IMO it should be embraced.
Dave,These are great shots, Any chance on you writing a "how did they do that" tutorial. Ive never done spot editing. I can do editing with the whole image. There is so much that i need to learn. Thanks Kevin
Amazing differences, but every time I have ever tried using the burn tool it creates a black area, I use Paint Shop Pro 7, is there something I am doing incorectly? If you know of a good tutorial site for this technique I would love to read it.
I'd never thought about using the dodge and burn tool in Photoshop before. This thread inspired me to actually try the thing out. I took a photo I recently submitted to photosig, which had some comments about the trees being too dark, and brightened just those areas up. It really does make a nice difference. I'll post some samples once I get a chance to play with the tool some more, and find out how to use my ISP's webspace ;)
edit: Now that I've played with it some more, I agree with Setzler... they should allow dodging and burning in the Challenges... after all, it is a technique that is used in film photo printing, so I dont see why it shouldnt be allowed here. I mention this because I think it would have helped my current signs submission a bit :)
I have been experimenting with the dodge tool in Photoshop 6 and am delighted with the results. I haven't really gotten a good grip on the burn tool though....not yet!
In my local photography club, digital images can be submitted to the same categories as film pictures, and dodging and burning are permitted, since that is also permitted in film photography. Other digital tools are not allowed, unless the pics are submitted to the "digital" category.
