Looking West over the Columbia

[Titus213]

I took the advice from these forums and started shooting raw a while ago and just recently discovered DPP. I only wish I had shot raw from the get-go. This is a shot I took this past March from atop Larch Mountain in Oregon looking west at sunset. The river is the Columbia and we are looking toward Portland. Comments and suggestions appreciated. Reprocessing is perfectly acceptable too!

[sparker1]

It's a pretty scene, but I'd try to darken the top area just a bit. I'm sure some of it's blown, which you could have saved if shot in RAW. I'm ready to start using RAW now.

[Titus213]

Thanks sparker1. The image was actually shot it raw but you are correct that it is blown out in the upper left. Unfortunately there isn't much left there to restore. But since I definitely need the PS practice I am going to work on it.

Hmmm, any better?

[djonto]

I already shoot in RAW all the time, but what is DPP? Im I missing something here?

[djonto]

I already shoot in RAW all the time, but what is DPP? Am I missing something here?

EDIT: Oops, sorry about the duplicate post :o

[kenyc]

DPP is the software that came with the camera for manipulating RAW files - Digital Photo Professional.

KAC

[Titus213]

I'm not sure it came with the 300D, but it works with it and is free for download from the Canon software site.

[cfcRebel]

That's a beautiful shot Dave!
I've been using jpeg since i started digital. I started looking into DPP recommended by another fellow member here not too long ago because i was thinking to shoot RAW. Now you have convinced me RAW is the way. Thanks. ;)

[Titus213]

Thanks cfcRebel - I am in the process of going back over a thousand or so pictures I took in RAW before I even had DPP. I don't believe it comes with the 300D. I just knew I would kick myself if I didn't start using RAW and when you think about it all it costs is a little space and time to get you to the jpg even if you don't want to process the raw image. My next step is to figure out how to afford CS so I can process directly in Photoshop.

[sparker1]

I think the revised version is much better. The sky color is better and there is detail in the upper clouds. All in all, a really good shot. BTW, Photoshop Elements 3 processes raw, although I'm a novice in its use. I recently bought PSE-3 for $40, saw it even cheaper in other sites.

[Titus213]

Thanks sparker1. It took some doing to get it that far. I'm not sure I'm all that thrilled with it but will keep working on it. I created two versions, a dark and a light, out of DPP and worked them together in Photoshop.

You got a good deal on PSE-3, best I've seen is about $80. I have two copies of PSE-2 and a copy of Photoshop 7.01. I really like the Photoshop but can't come up with the $300 for the upgrade to CS (and then another $150 to upgrade to CS 2).

Nice gallery you have. Looks like you do some traveling. I love the southwest and you have some great photos from that area.

[sparker1]

Thanks, Dave. I once had Photoshop 6, but felt a little overwhelmed by it without training. Went to PSE 2 and liked it better. So far, I'm very happy with PSE 3. Yes, we do lots of travel, and will be starting again real soon. In addition to the southwest, I also enjoy your area a lot.

[2goldens]

I think that your photograph is great.

[TWM]

Titus213,
I don't think you have to go to all that expense to upgrade to Photshop CS2. I believe if you have any version 5.5 or higher you can upgrade directly to cs2. I don't know where you live but if you are in the US you can buy the upgrade version for $150.00

[kenyc]

Titus213,
I don't think you have to go to all that expense to upgrade to Photshop CS2. I believe if you have any version 5.5 or higher you can upgrade directly to cs2. I don't know where you live but if you are in the US you can buy the upgrade version for $150.00

True, I did just that a couple of weeks ago Photoshop 5.5 to Photoshop CS2.
(via amazon)
KAC