Photoshop & Image Editing

There comes a time when everyone needs a helping hand. Luckily for photographers that much needed help can be summoned by the click of a mouse. Image editing software can be the photographers best friend, as long as you are willing to put the effort in and spend some time together (just like real friends actually).

You will notice that I am referring to it as “image editing software” instead of Photoshop and it’s not because of copyright issues. The fact is there are so many different programs out there to use and I don’t want you to think Photoshop is the be all and end all however I will run you through a few short editing tips and I will be using Photoshop CS4. If you don’t have Photoshop CS4 there is no need to panic as many of the techniques I will show you will be possible in other programs. Make sure you use the help feature of whatever program you are using and search the words that I have put in italics. Here are four things that might help you in your new friendship.

Correct Me If I’m Wrong

The most useful tools in Photoshop are the ones that help make you look like a pro who gets it right in camera every time (of course this isn’t always the case). Here is a photo that was submitted by Madeleine from Overnewton Anglican Community College. It’s an impressive photo that definitely represents the theme of unity but the photo is a little washed due to the direct sunlight and being surrounded by reflective water and sand on a sunny day.

All you have to do is adjust the levels. The ‘levels’ of a photo tell you which pixels are of what shade of grey and effectively changes the exposure of the photo (how bright or dark it is). Once you find how to adjust levels its pretty simple. For Madeleine’s photo all I needed to do was adjust the greys to correct the photo. Then to boost the colours I bumped the saturation of the colours up a little. Then all that was needed was a bit of a crop and it was all done. These are really basic tools and most software should have them, so once you find them you can easily adjust your photos.

Lose the Colour

Converting your images to black and white is a great way to create really dynamic photos. Black and white doesn’t work for all photos so put a bit of thought into the photos you want black and white. Black and white is great for photos with high contrast in darks and lights but remember most colours come out in greys so if the colour contrasts well that doesn’t always mean it will be the same in black and white. Black and white is great for focusing on the composition of the photo (like patterns and shapes) instead of colour. Another great thing about black and white is that it can hide noise in your photos (those colour speckles) from high ISO (light sensitivity) or lower quality cameras. Here’s an example of a great photo from Amy at St Joseph’s College, Mildura which could also work well as black and white.

Converting to black and white isn’t always, well, black and white. Many programs will have preset black and white filters that will draw out different shades in different colours and create higher contrast photos.

Dodge, Dodge, Burn!

Dodging and burning is an advanced Photoshop technique and essentially involves darkening or brightening shadows, highlights and midtones by using a kind of ‘paint-brush’. I won’t go into too much detail on this one but will show you some great effects you can master. This photo submitted by Sarah from Wynnum North State High School was really impressive but using the dodge tool on the eyes allowed for an interesting focus on colour. Playing with similar colours in your photos is a great way to emphasise particular colours, in this case the eyes with the shirt.

This technique is difficult to demonstrate but the best way you can learn is by finding the dodge and burn tools in your program and having a bit of fun with your photos. The best way to learn I think.

Put It Together

Keep having fun with your photos by using these techniques and then start putting them all together. Lucille from Kirwan State High School submitted this great photo which had some really interesting elements. By using a number of Photoshop techniques, including the ones mentioned previously as well as some newies you can really increase the 'drama' in your photos.

‘Playing’ with your images can be a lot of fun and also make your photos look fantastic. Like all good things, the only way you will get better is practicing so read the help pages in your program and use that help search function and read about the different techniques I have mentioned. Now you can go and have some fun with your new best friend.

Composition - Frame Your Photos

Composition is one of the most important factors between an ok photo and a fantastic one. Before we get into too much detail you actually need to know what composition means. Composition is ‘putting together’ all the different elements of your photos. This includes where to place your subject, your horizons, your subject in relation to other objects, what to focus on or crop out to make for the most interesting photos.

Composition is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways of vastly improving your photos. All it requires is a bit of thought BEFORE you press the shutter button, you don’t need expensive equipment just a bit of insight, planning and a great eye for detail. Here are some tips to get you on your way to framing some great photos.


Want Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds (ROT) is a great ‘rule’ (note the inverted commas around ‘rule’, you will see why later) to follow for great composition. The ROT involves drawing imaginary lines (please don’t draw on your camera) that divide the frame up into thirds (both vertically and horizontally) and then paying close attention to where these lines lie and intersect. Focal points should be placed where these lines intersect and horizons should lie on one of the lines, not in the middle of the frame. Here are a few examples:

Line ‘Em Up

Look for lines, patterns and repetition. Position these elements to draw the viewer’s eye to a particular focal point in the shot. Notice how in the shot below, the lights (and the light on the path) take the eye from the outside of the frame all the way to the end of the path into the distance. The repetition of lines and symmetry of shapes is what makes this second photo that little more interesting.

Frame It
Framing your photos using elements within the shot is also a great composition technique. Usually by using something located in the foreground of the shot you can create some really interesting compositions. Trees can be your best friend when using this technique. Use your tripod whenever you can, you will always spend more time framing your shot when you use a tripod. After all, no one wants to carry around a cumbersome piece of equipment and spend time setting it up for a dodgy snapshot.

Crop in Tight
Don’t forget the art of cropping. If you don’t manage to get the perfect composition in camera you can always do a bit of re-aligning later in your image editing software. Take a look at this example, cropping in tight can make for a far more interesting photo. Convert to black and white for an extra focus on contrast, lines and composition.

‘Rules’ Were Made to be Broken
To be able to break rules you first need to actually know them. So now that you know the rules of simple composition don’t hesitate in breaking them for some really creative shots. But don’t forget, breaking the rules still requires a lot of thought and planning (so you can get away with it) so don’t think that rushing your set-up and accidentally breaking the rules means your composition is great.

Hopefully this helped to give you a bit of direction when it comes framing a great shot. That little bit of technique and forethought when it comes to composition is very noticeable when it comes sorting out the great photos from the not so great

Unity - ACU Shot of the Week

This was taken in a science laboratory on the North Sydney Campus

Unity?

UPDATE - 17 June 2009

So far, there has been a very positive response, with people wanting to know more about the competition as well as plenty of people already submitting some really impressive photos.

Here are three things that might come in handy:

1. This year’s theme is Unity so make sure that you can tell me exactly how you think your photo visually represents Unity. Remember that no matter how good your photo is, if it doesn’t represent unity, it can’t be used in the exhibition.

2. You can submit a maximum of two photos. If you have already submitted two photos into the competition and you manage to get a photo of three shooting stars across a beautifully lit sky with rolling hills and a misty lake, don’t panic. If you want to re-submit photos you can email thepixelprize@acu.edu.au, attach the new photo you would like to submit and nominate which photo (if you have submitted 2) you would like it to replace.
If you have only submitted one photo, don’t forget that entering another photo is only going to improve your chances of success in the competition.

3. Make sure you keep an eye on this blog. There will be regular posts which will include tips, hints and ideas for photos. There will also be image editing software tutorials as well as photography techniques. You can also comment on any topic, ask questions or share your insight or ideas by commenting on posts.Good luck in the competition and happy snapping.

Unity - ACU Shot of the Week

Each week a photo taken on an Australian Catholic University Campus that represents unity will be added. This week's photo was taken on the Brisbane Campus of an international student in traditional Indian dress and body art.

How do you think it represents Unity?

A Bit About Me

Before we start talking about photography and the competition I thought I would just let you know a little bit about myself.

My name's Alex and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts at Australian Catholic University. I have been a keen photographer for around five years and worked as a sports photographer while I was in high school.

I have been using the arts side of my double degree at the University as a creative outlet to complement my business degree. In arts I am majoring in Drama and Visual Arts. I was given an opportunity by the University to introduce a photography competition to high school students, one which not only provides prizes but, more importantly, gives those successful entrants the opportunity to be part of a public exhibition in a gallery at a university. Getting your work seen by other photographers, the public and other people in the industry is a very important step in pursuing photography as a career or as a serious hobby.

Over the years I have continued to add to my equipment. I currently shoot with a Canon 40D and predominantly use two lenses: a 17-40mm f/4 L series, ultra-wide zoom lens and a 70-200mm f/2.8 L series, telephoto zoom lens. Although good equipment is great to have, I am firm believer that expensive equipment doesn’t make you a good photographer; a good photographer will get a better photo on a mobile phone than a bad photographer will get on an expensive Digital SLR camera.

I am interested in a number of different styles of photography as well as post production and image editing software (such as Photoshop). You can have a look at some of my work by clicking here.

If you have any questions or want to know anything else about me feel free to ask. I will be continuing to post some of the things I have learnt over the years on this Blog and so will others. So stay tuned.

Alex

Welcome to The Pixel Prize

The Pixel Prize is a photography competition open to high school students. Australian Catholic University is hosting the competition for the first time in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Its your opportunity to improve your skills as a photographer, meet other young photographers, have your work exhibited in a public gallery, attend an awards night and win some fantastic prizes.

This year's theme is Unity and those entries that can represent this theme effectively and creatively will have the best chance of success in the competition.

My name is Alex and I, as well as others, will be using this Blog to provide insight into the competition as well as photography. Including tips on technique, inspiration as well as how you can address the theme of Unity. Make sure you keep an eye on the Blog as you might come across that little something that will give you what you need to capture that winning shot.

I welcome your comments on anything I might mention, if you have any questions, need any help or want to share some of your ideas or tips please feel free to do so.

For those of you who enter, good-luck in the competition and I hope to see you at an awards night on an Australian Catholic University Campus very soon.

Alex