Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Importance of Post Production


Before Post Production
In the digital world of photography post production can be just as important as getting the shot in the first place.

When shooting JPEG, the camera's image processor will provide you an output that may look good, but alas it may not be exactly what you were hoping to achieve.

In the case of shooting Raw, which is strongly recommended, you will end up with a fairly flat image, like the one on the right. This photograph isn't a bad photograph, but it wasn't what I was hoping to get.

It isn't the fault of the camera, this is because of the way Raw files are built by the camera. Unlike their JPEG output alternatives, RAW files don't have any saturation, contrast or sharpening applied. They are Flat.

After Post Production
Using a little post processing, this image can really become what was envisioned.

Using a little contrast boosting, darkening, sharpening and dodge 'n burn, the real image can come out.

This doesn't take an expensive piece of software like Photoshop or Lightroom. You can do this with Gimp or even Microsoft's free photo editor.

Give it a try and see what you can come up with.