A question for Toogy

[CHPhoto]

Hi Jeff, The more I look at your website and your forum posted images, the more I want to ask you. So I'm gonna,

If you don't mind sharing......What post PS work do you do to your images to give them that polished look? I can't place the effects that you use.

I really admire your work.......Keep it up.

Thanks so much!

CHPhoto

[Toogy]

Well I use a combination of things. It really depends on the image but I will give you some methods I use.

1. First I shoot everything RAW in the camera.
2. Adjustments in Raw, usually boost shadow, contrast and saturation a touch, adjust white balance.
*3. Run Neat Image (even if there is no noise) - This gives the image a very smooth look. I don't do this for every image, but for a "smooth" looking portrait, I will run it.
*4. Duplicate the layer - Change the properties of the duplicated layer to overlay, adjust the opacity to about 30-40% depending on the photo.
*5. Run some Kubota Actions I purchased, including "Vibrant Glow" or "Fuji Snapit" and then adjust the opacity of the effect layer to taste.
*6. For B&W photos, I usually do the adjustment in Raw, I will desaturation, but not completely, and also bump the white balance WAY up to give me a sephia style look.
7. I run un-sharp mask on the full size image at 300, 0.3, 0 as per Canon's suggested settings.
8. Once I resize for the web I run un-sharp mask again, usually at 120, 0.3, 0

* - depends on the image, not done on every image.

Anyways, hope that answered your question.

[CHPhoto]

Whew! Glad I asked, but now I'm gonna have to study your proceedures. Thank you so much for sharing.

Now, if I may indulge with one more question????

What are your thoughts for shooting in bright sunlight? Do you always use flash? I shoot the 20D with the 580EX as fill. I am inclined from this forum advice to only use high sync when shooting in AV mode, would this be your thought too? and does this apply when using TV mode also, and then would you switch it off when shooting in Program? I have had good luck with this advice, but I would like to hear your thoughts. You seem to have mastered the high sun technique pictures I want to achieve.

Sorry that I have asked you to spill your guts, but again, I love your work!

Thank you!!!!!

CHPhoto

[Toogy]

I use the 580 on my 30D or 20D in AV mode for outdoor work. I pretty much have the flash in High Sync mode all the time. I see no reason (that I am aware of) to switch it off?
What I do usually is have the FEC on the camera dialed down about one full notch to -1.
Again these setting only apply to working outdoors.
Indoors I leave the camera in Manual mode and set my shutter anywhere from 1/30th - 1/80th and the F-stop to F4 to F5.6 or so. Leave the flash in ETTL mode and usually have pretty consitant exposures.

[kampphoto]

Well I use a combination of things. It really depends on the image but I will give you some methods I use.

1. First I shoot everything RAW in the camera.
2. Adjustments in Raw, usually boost shadow, contrast and saturation a touch, adjust white balance.
*3. Run Neat Image (even if there is no noise) - This gives the image a very smooth look. I don't do this for every image, but for a "smooth" looking portrait, I will run it.
*4. Duplicate the layer - Change the properties of the duplicated layer to overlay, adjust the opacity to about 30-40% depending on the photo.
*5. Run some Kubota Actions I purchased, including "Vibrant Glow" or "Fuji Snapit" and then adjust the opacity of the effect layer to taste.
*6. For B&W photos, I usually do the adjustment in Raw, I will desaturation, but not completely, and also bump the white balance WAY up to give me a sephia style look.
7. I run un-sharp mask on the full size image at 300, 0.3, 0 as per Canon's suggested settings.
8. Once I resize for the web I run un-sharp mask again, usually at 120, 0.3, 0

* - depends on the image, not done on every image.

Anyways, hope that answered your question.

Wowzers... I have pretty much the exact same workflow... like kinda creepy the same hehehe. Great Canadian minds think alike a suppose :D

[CHPhoto]

Thanks Jeff, It's great to see what you do instead of always just wondering!

I really appreciate your answers! You're great!

CHPhoto

[cyclone]

Jeff, what Neat Image settings do you use? Do you use different settings for different ISOs?

[krista]

Okay - this Canadian mind has to wrap itself around all those steps! Thank you for sharing all this in such detail - I love to hear what workflow people use.

[dsze]

I use the 580 on my 30D or 20D in AV mode for outdoor work. I pretty much have the flash in High Sync mode all the time. I see no reason (that I am aware of) to switch it off?


I'm not 100% about this, but doesn't hi-sync mode kill batteries faster? I used to leave my flash in highsync all the time too, but rarely use it any more. I can get through a whole wedding start to finish on one set of batteries usually (AA's, not battery packs). (makes me regret having 6 extra sets). I believe you also lose a bit of flash power in highsync. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd say if its working for you though and you aren't going through batteries excessively, then keep doin' it. It looks to me like you use alot of dialed down fill combined well with natural light. So, batteries probably aren't much of an issue for you either?