My fiance - fall photos!

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

Now that I see the second photo large, I notice it's a bit grainy. This disappoints me because I love the photo! Any suggestions on that?

1.

2.

Chellie · Nov 3, 2010

I love the colors. Beautiful.

In pic 1 the horizon is not straight and it has the feeling that he is tipping backward.

I like the 2nd pic, the reflection is really cool. I would have probably bumped up the contrast a bit to get more vivid colors. It could also look good in b & w.

On what ISO did you shoot and with what camera?

I'm not a big photoshop expert and don't know if the graininess could be fixed in PS. Sorry not much help ...

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

Thanks so much for the comments. I know the horizon is not straight, that is something I struggle with a lot. I need to actually get a tripod!
When I bumped up the contrast in photo 2, the figure became too dark and the focus became the trees in the background. Will have to find a happy medium there.

davisphotos · Nov 3, 2010

Noise Ninja or a similar plugin may be able to reduce some of the graininess. There is also a reduce noise filter under the filters menu in CS5.

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

It may be slightly out of focus too. But I think grain is the issue, especially in the water. I didn't notice it when the photo was small, it looks clear then. But as soon as I posted on here and saw it large, definitely needs fixed.

ghache · Nov 3, 2010

ayeelkay said:
It may be slightly out of focus too. But I think grain is the issue, especially in the water. I didn't notice it when the photo was small, it looks clear then. But as soon as I posted on here and saw it large, definitely needs fixed.

out of focus is alway THE issue.

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

out of focus is alway THE issue.[/QUOTE]

Okay? I don't get it? Even if I had softened the photo on purpose..which I didn't..it would still look grainy.
Both are issues. IMO, graininess is the main one.

ghache · Nov 3, 2010

ayeelkay said:
out of focus is alway THE issue.

Okay? I don't get it? Even if I had softened the photo on purpose..which I didn't..it would still look grainy.
Both are issues. IMO, graininess is the main one.[/QUOTE]

A pass of any good noise reduction pluggins should get rid of that noise.

However, there is pretty much nothing you can do about the out of focus.

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

Thanks. The out of focus doesn't really bother me as much. I can try to soften the image and make that work I guess.
I'll have to figure out the noise reduction programs.

Sisco · Nov 3, 2010

The first one is part of what I mentioned earlier about your horizons. Simple fix, level it in edit. Crop out the lower rock as well.

Second, focus is the issue. You didn't answer as to what ISO you shot in? EXIF data is really important when you are looking for areas you want to fix, from there others can start to find a solution.

Second one is not going to improve with edits.it will only bring out the flaws big time.
The first, frame it , AFTER the levels are in

Sisco · Nov 3, 2010

ayeelkay said:
Thanks. The out of focus doesn't really bother me as much. I can try to soften the image and make that work I guess.
I'll have to figure out the noise reduction programs.

Really??? The OOF does not bother you? THat is the strangest thing I have heard about one's photo.Thats the MAIN aspect of most all photos, unless you are doing experimental or watercolors...

It is already soft! Why soften it more.lol.....sorry, it just seems a waste of time for a non repairable photo.

As an aside, I think that in your web site, doing weddings best wait for a while if OOF doesn't bother you, your portfolio won't be very large.

Start small....you need way more experience with your gear. Best be patient, learn, read, take a course etc.....

Weddings are NOT for a beginner, they are tough.You are entrusted to give them lifetime memories, everything Perfect ....you have a few more photos to take before you are there. Have fun, relax, and enjoy the experience of learning.

ayeelkay · Nov 3, 2010

Haha yeah, I guess that is weird, reading what I wrote. I just love the picture so it's a shame. I do have another, similar from a different angle. I'll have to see if that one is blurry too.