Nikon User Thread

I see a lot of reds in the skin tones of your photos Matt, most likely because of your flash arrangement. Maybe try adding some warmth to your sons skin, a little yellow/orange hue. See what you think.
 
Andrew Brinkhaus said:
I see a lot of reds in the skin tones of your photos Matt, most likely because of your flash arrangement. Maybe try adding some warmth to your sons skin, a little yellow/orange hue. See what you think.
Click to expand...

That would be because there is no flash arrangement!

Just the flash that comes on the camera. It is usually the Curves adjustment layer that really brings them out and makes them so dominant. I even used the Highs-Mids-Lows Color Correction technique with multiple Curves layers to get the colors right, as done by Mark Cristianson in After Effects, and my book "Adobe Photoshop for VFX Artists" which uses the same technique. And that is just for correction, not the "S" shaped Curves for contrast.

For a screaming example, look at my self portrait a few pages back. My skin in NOT that color, but even after color correction where all tones of all channels are exactly where they should be, I still look like I ate a bunch of carrots. I also do a lot of selective desaturation, which may make them pop a little more as well.

EDIT: I don't even use my monitor and do it by eye. I use numerical values only.
 
Yeah, I'd say to mess around a little bit, even if it is just to do it by eye, I guarantee you will be much happier with the way your colors and skin tones are being reproduced.

Think of it this way- The process is there to help you enhance your vision. Is the process you are doing delivering your vision of the way you wanted the photo to look? If not, CHANGE IT! I have never color corrected by the numbers, it's all by eye. If nothing else, try it on a few photos and report back!
 
But to me, the pictures look ok, and print very well also. I don't see that much overpowering red in the flesh tones. Maybe my monitor or color profile settings need adjusted.

What kind of monitor are you using Andrew?
 
Nothing is overly red, they look great just how they are, I personally would add a little warmth to the skin tones though, more of an artistic decision but still makes the photos a little more comforting.
 
Example-

Matt Grunau said:
1208920341.jpg
Click to expand...

Quick Color Balance and HLS adjustment in PS.

1208920341.jpg
 
Ahh, I see what you mean. The second one looks warmer, if a little to the yellow.

If you look at the values of the first pic's background/sheets, you will see almost no color value. I desaturate background almost entirely sometimes to make the subject pop. But, it does end up making the overall photo look, or rather "feel" a bit cold.

Definately something for me to keep in mind. A picture's color feel needs to reflect the subject material. I think that was your main point. I should have thought of that.

Thanks for the heads up.
 
Some photos from a recent trip out to the desert.
1209892484.jpg
1209892514.jpg

1209892545.jpg

1209892570.jpg

1209892598.jpg
1209892620.jpg

The last two are my definite favorites. I love the look of the rusted lock. Even more I love my fiancee, dancing in the middle of the desert completely unaware of me photographing her, and what is she holding? In the left hand a polarized filter, and in the right, a 28mm lens. THAT girl is a keeper. :)
 
Armisiano, VERY nice photos. Very nice indeed. I don't think I 've ever commented on someone's tagline before, but even that hit me just right this morning; "Today is a good day to build something."

I was in the desert (SW of Tucson) two years ago a week after I got my first digital camera (a Sony H2 sort of point n' shoot). Maybe I'll dig up a couple pics to post.

Larry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top