Lion

[Felix0890]

 

[Overread]

I like it - nice pose, composition and a good exposure.

It looks like the bridge of the nose, chin and a small part of the mane might be overexposed, or very close to it. It's hard to tell at present as I'm currently using a cheap, uncalibrated laptop screen so it might be showing brighter than it is. I think it might only have just clipped and that with some burn tool or double RAW processing (if you shot in RAW) mightwell take the edge of the "sun burn" and in RAW even show some of the hidden details up if its only just clipped.

 

[unpopular]

I agree that this is a great, great image - was it sharpened though? there seems to be some odd artifacts.

 

[Felix0890]

Yes, I always shoot RAW. Can you explain what double RAW processing is? I agree that there seems to be certain areas that are blown out. I'll try burning those areas like you said.

This was a 100% crop so yes I ran my sharpening Lightroom preset on it. It seems to add those little artifacts that I rarely catch the first go around. It took 3 re-edits for me to get rid of all of the artifacts in my other picture. Are the artifacts from running some sharpening or do you think there might be some dust on my sensor? I have a Canon body that cleans the sensor automatically but I'm not sure if that alone is enough for sensor cleaning.

Thanks to you both for your input.

 

[Overread]

Double processing is where one takes the RAW and processes it twice. First time is done normally, whereby you set the values to what you normally would choose for the photo as a whole. Then the second time you process the RAW you keep all the values the same, but you lower the exposure slider so that the overexposed areas are pulled back out of the limit (and if they only clipped hopefully also restores the lost detail - something that the burn tool can't do).

You then just take each version of the RAWs in the editing software and paste the latter over the former, using a layermask so that only the areas that you want are shown (note you might also want to lower the opacity of the brush whend doing this, around 10 is good as you can then build up the revelation of the key areas in slow steps, letting you choose just how much you want to show).

Not if you are using photoshop (or elements) you will have to save the first version of the processed RAW under a different name as it originally was called before you open the RAW again, otherwise it won't work correctly (as it will detect that you've already got that photo open and thus won't be allowed to work on it).


Artifacts won't be caused by dust on the sensor, but they are a common byproduct of oversharpening a photo. I'd pull back on the sharpening to reduce how many artifacts it generates; if you want more sharpening you'll have to work harder with layermasks and selective application with sharpening. Dust on the sensor typicallly creates what are known as dust spots, these are blurry black/dark spots that will appear dotted over the photo.

 

[Felix0890]

Ok that sounds like a good way to do it. I already tried the burn tool and it did OK for now. I also stamped out artifacts that were obvious to my eye. I've yet to develop a good eye like both of you have, unfortunately. Things like blown out areas and artifacts usually take someone else noticing before I realize there's something that needs fixing.

Would the double RAW method give more detail to the overexposed areas in this particular picture?

Here's what I have so far.

 

[Overread]

When the camera fully over or under exposes a shot all it records is white or black colour - no details are recorded to be restored. However when you have a RAW it has a small extra leeway at either end (when compared to a processed out of camera JPEG). It is not always a garantee and only able to restore data if the clip is very slight, however it can help many times and can also help take the edge off a blown section. I prefer it to the burn tool since, whilst it takes longer it gives a cleaner result (burn can often just turn areas more grey).

As for exposure problems with regard to overexposing I'd recommend reading about the histogram; its a really simple tool that really helps with exposure both when taking photos in camera and also when editing. There are more details here:
Understanding the Camera Histogram
Also note that there are a few more pages, when you reach the bottom click for part two. Also there are more tutorials on the site that are well worth reading.

edit - other link http://ronbigelow.com/articles/histograms-1/histograms-1.htm

 

[Frequency]

A thoughtful lion, rather?...or listening to your violin?

Really liked it

 

[unpopular]

^^^^ I heard one person talking about how Lions love "violence". I am thinking I misheard her.

I know now that lions are just misunderstood lovers of classical music.

 

[Frequency]

^^^^ Please respect my Gender

Regards

 

[Joel_W]

A really strong composition of a majestic Lion. Shooting in bright direct sunlight usually causes some sort of over exposure,somewhere in the photograph. Your photo came out remarkably well.

Presently I shoot only in JPEG, so I'm handicapped compared to your RAW image processing photographers.

 

[kearypik]

I love your photo, very nicely done. I don't have a great eye for things that are under or overexposed. I just know what I like! What setting did you use and where did you shot this photo?

 

[Dominantly]

What software do you use?
I think with this type of image (especially with all that hair at that crop), I'd stay away from general sharpening, and do some selective sharpening. I'd run high pass filter then do a hide all mask, then paint the areas I wanted the sharpening to show through on. This would probably be just the short fur and eye/mouth/nose zone. Everything else could be soft and it would be ok/dreamy.

Make sense?

 

[unpopular]

honestly, the modest and primitive highpass filter is the only thing I use and trust.

 

[Felix0890]

Sorry toreply so late - holiday rush!

Im not on my computer and I dont remember the exact settings, but i can tell you i was shooting in aperture priority with the white balance set to shady. This was shot at the Miami Metro Zoo. I used lightroom's sharpening preset.