There is so much software available now which makes alteration of images very easily. Even the basic Photoshop programme (I’m using CS6 extended) has a wealth of filters / bending modes / selection and masking tools etc. but when plugins are considered the world’s an oyster!
I use Nik, Topaz Labs, On-one, Alien Skin, Flaming Pear, Photomatix and Redfield plugins, so plenty of scope for amending images.
There are applications which, when used in moderation can really enhance an image, but overusing them can change them beyond recognition. They can be used with their presets or as customized settings and then blended together in all sorts of ways. It’s really a matter of what you would like to do and how far to take it. These are obviously the user’s personal preferences and may not be what a potential customer wants, so the options should be discussed with the client before the photograph is processed.
In the days of film, I always found my darkroom to be the most enjoyable part of photography. Having moved into the digital age I still enjoy this aspect of it, particularly the manipulation of images and have had some success in ‘creative’ exhibitions – here’s an example of what can be done with an image of Newcastle Railway Station (taken for assignment 3), a pair of Goths and some extreme processing:
It’s doing quite well for me, but this is not necessarily the requirement for all types of photography and I think this course needs a more restrained approach, which is how I’ll treat the next exercise.
No comments:
Post a Comment