The difference between my SOOC and my PP

O.k. Here is an example of one SOOC and my post processing. This was from the same session that I posted from earlier. One small east facing window, on camera flash,
50mm lens, and a trigger to avoid camera shake. This is why I rely so much on Photoshop. Very rarely do I get a really nice sharp image with great color from my camera alone.

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I dont mean to be harsh when I say this. But the reason you see such a difference is that your SOOC shot is pretty underexposed. If you improve your technique you can be less reliant on photoshop for fixes and more for the kind of minor adjustments that make shots pop

Hey Teresa, What a doll baby!!!!!
Would you mind posting your settings?

Teresa, I agree with gonzogolf about the exposure. Are you shooting in green mode and jpeg or are you shooting raw and in one of the other modes? Also, are you selecting focus or is the camera? In your SOOC shot, the focus seems to be on the top of his head.

Chris

Yup, I agree with the above as well... I would work on getting it right in the camera first and not using photoshop as a crutch. Photoshop isn't a fix all, magic program. Start with learning proper exposure and lighting techniques. A LOT can be learned about both of those topics on these boards.


The composition is great...It does look like you missed focus. Focus on the eyes and with a fast enough shutter speed there's no reason you should have to use a tripod with a shutter release for baby photography...

Thanks every one. I posted this one because it had been pointed out to me that my PP is a little overdone (or a lot, in some cases). I just decided on a whim one day to spend an enormous amount of money on a dslr and am very intimidated by it and have no clue about the technicalities of photography. I just pick up the camera and start shooting (the whole time telling myself "I can fix it in Photoshop") My knack for composition is saving my butt right now, cause I told my husband that I can make the money back by doing baby and family pictures for others. And I have done quite a few, for my own family and friends. I have earned the money back. But what I would not give to be able to open up the pictures I have taken on to my computer and be crazily "wow"ed by what I see. I shoot everything in automatic mode, let the camera decide the focus point, and cry because it's never what I want. But I think I am getting better. That's why I love posting here. I really am learning a lot. I've checked out other forums and wouldn't go anywhere else!

P.S. I know there is a dramatic difference in the before and the after here, but is the PP overdone here as well? Tried to really tone it down on this one, but did i tone it down enough?

I find it to be overdone. But to be more accurate its unnatural, You've over sharpened the eyes and you've added so much contrast to make up for being underexposed that the skin has an eerie pallor. I just noticed that you are in central Illinois. I live in springfield. I'd like to help you learn your camera better if you are interested. PM me and we can talk about it.

Start shooting in manual ASAP. That was the hardest and quickest way to learn (at least it was for me). From day one I shot in M and it's given me the knowledge to see what works and what doesn't and adjusting after if it doesn't. I'm to the point now where I couldn't imagine shooting in full auto and the only time I don't shoot in M is when I do rolling shots of cars where I need a shutter priority to match the speed. Trust me, you will be overwhelmed at first but you'll soon learn what f/ to shoot at and how to properly expose something.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10704076
I find it to be overdone. But to be more accurate its unnatural, You've over sharpened the eyes and you've added so much contrast to make up for being underexposed that the skin has an eerie pallor. I just noticed that you are in central Illinois. I live in springfield. I'd like to help you learn your camera better if you are interested. PM me and we can talk about it.

Do not pass this up. Gonzo's work speaks for it's self.

Chris

ckale1 wrote in post #10704472
Do not pass this up. Gonzo's work speaks for it's self.

Chris

Nah, I'm a hack, but one with some experience.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10704580
Nah, I'm a hack, but one with some experience.

HaHa, Well keep hacking

if you are unsure about using manual, try Av mode at the least. Work on figuring out what aperture you want to shoot at.. and making sure you are on the proper ISO with regards to your available light.

Other than that just keep practicing, it is digital so you dont have to worry about wasting film.

So you suggest working in aperature priority mode as opposed to shutter speed priority mode? Actually, I get it now, I think. Adjusting shutter speed to allow more light would probably cause more blurriness but a larger aperature with a faster shutter speed would allow more light with out the motion blur...... am I on the right track? LOL! I need to find a different subject to practice with. I don't think Keagan would be patient enough to wait on me while I went through this whole reaoning process before snapping the picture.

What lens are you using?

Chris