Setting the Black Point

In the latest edition of Outdoor Photographer magazine, Rob Sheppard has an article on setting the 'black point' in images, and setting white-balance.

Here is my first attempt at using the techniques he describes, this using Canon DPP.

C&C welcome.

#1 shows the photo as I first processed it several days ago:

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Hmm, the WB did "cool" some of the warmness -- was this done at an afternoon time where the sunlight was "warm" color-wise? It looks like that kind of effect. I've played with some pretty late-afternoon shots that really had that warm tone -- some WB correction certainly got things looking more "correct", but then I had gotten kind of fond of the warm look! So, whatever comes across to you as more pleasing, go for it!

Now, as to the black point adjusting, I'm not so sure it works with this image -- it mainly affects the shadows on the ground and the fur, blotting out a lot of detail look, but at least to my eye doesn't seem to enhance the image as a whole, as in adding much contrast to the grassy surroundings. Do you see what I'm talking about? I do play with blacks some, but it can be tricky because of how those shadows can be blocked. I really love a shadow with some detail!

Anyway, they are tools, so do work with them and get a feel of what works for you!

I use photoshop curves to set black and white points. I only need to do this if there is any clipping of each point. If you have photoshop, go to image>adjustments>curves where you will see not only the eyedroppers for setting the points, but a check box to show any clipping.

By setting a black point, you are telling photoshop what you want to be black, whether it should be is another question...and the same for the white point. I saw no clipping in your first image that had any clipping so I don't think they need an adjustment.

However, the gray point needs to be set for white balance. Use the gray eyedropper and click on a gray area of fur and you will tone the warm tones down.

Here's an example. I also did a second curves adjustment by pulling down the curve line at the center to add a bit of contrast without clipping light or dark areas. Of course, only you can judge which edit gives the most natural look or the look you prefer.

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GJim wrote in post #11262168
In the latest edition of Outdoor Photographer magazine, Rob Sheppard has an article on setting the 'black point' in images, and setting white-balance.

Here is my first attempt at using the techniques he describes, this using Canon DPP.

C&C welcome.

#1 shows the photo as I first processed it several days ago:


#2 shows the photo after applying techniques as described in the article (may be slightly different cropping).

I downloaded #1 and opened in Photoshop - the histogram was hitting both the left and right edges of the levels adjustment, meaning that there were no "open" dark-side tones for a black point adjustment - in other words, if you moved the black point up from what it was in the original image you were losing details in the darker areas, which is why a little bit of grass visible by its left paw in the shadow in #1 is invisible in #2.

Another issue is your subjective memory of the color and quality of the light. "Correct" WB is not always how the scene looked, or, how YOU want the finished image to look. The photo is YOUR vision, not some histogram's.

I personally like the color quality of the first image. Just need some midtone and highlights adjusting.

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ChasP505 wrote in post #11267954
Another issue is your subjective memory of the color and quality of the light. "Correct" WB is not always how the scene looked, or, how YOU want the finished image to look. The photo is YOUR vision, not some histogram's.

I personally like the color quality of the first image.

Yeah, that's a point I was making earlier in the thread -- that late afternoon light does present a "cast" but is it really displeasing?

Here's an old favorite shot of mine that illustrated the cast in a similar way -- getting close to sunset I caught this fellow making a go of it (I was fairly close and was shooing with 600mm with a 5D Classic so I was actually fortunate to get him all in the frame):

GJim - first, cool shot. After inspecting your first image in PS (it was untagged color by the way), it appears that your black and white points are set pretty well, pretty much along the lines of what stsva said. I think this image could use some contrast, both global and local. I applied some of both and neutralized the golden tone a little. By reducing the golden tone, the animal's fur gets to be that nice white. I burned in the surrounding grass just a little, which focuses the eye back on the animal and also restores some golden toned saturation back to the grass.

By adding contrast instead of bumping the black point, you can spread the tones away from each other but not get the kind of plugging in the shadows that is most obvious in the grass that is in shadow under the animal, but also plugs up the beautiful dark fur on the animal's left side of the head, shoulder and also the tail.

Neat shot.

Kirk

PS - Tony, I saw one of those GBH today during my lunchtime ride - my shot taken with an iPhone is not so good.

Nice shot, Tony. His buddies are all in New Mexico now at Bosque del Apache!

Nice touches on the GBH, Kirk!

Heh! This was about like trying to shoot with a cell phone -- I had stopped my car in the middle of the gravel road and was having to shoot out an open window handheld trying to track this guy with the big 300 f/2.8 IS and a 2x TC on -- not an easy exercise!