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Digital Post Processing - Step By Step Instructions
The Digital Owl
Original Photo - as you can see the first photo is in need of a trash bin OR a lot of work. Because this was an exceptional opportunity for me, I opted to put this image to the test on the old post-processing drawing board. Here is a step-by-step process that took me from the 'before' to the 'after' image. Is it perfect? By no means. Did I achieve the end result utilizing the easiest route possible? Probably not. But I did achieve a photo worth keeping in about 30 minutes.
It's important to keep in mind that the first rule of post processing is that there are no rules - nothing is set in stone.
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Another example of an effect that can be applied to the finished photo:
Other examples appear at the bottom of this page - but for now, let's get to the post processing steps. Here is my short list of particulars that I use when attempting to post process any image:
1. Use a copy of the original image for all changes.
2. When using the cloning tool I find it most beneficial to magnify the image to 200 - 300%.
3. When cloning around a particular subject - such as the owls, I tend to grab the areas that best match the color tones surrounding the subject. I may clone from side to side but when I get to the touch-ups in the final image, I always use movements which sweep in the direction that best flatters the image. For me, a pulling movement works best rather than a 'drop and splotch'.
4. When I am totally satisfied (this is a rarity) with my results, I resample the photo at this time.
5. It's important to pay close attention to shadows and light whenever cloning.
Let the cloning begin. For this photo I enlarged my clone tool substantially for the initial grooming. Because the original photo contained too many spots, scratches and flaws I decided to create a tin-type background. This was accomplished by grabbing onto a section of the background, then pulling that section with the clone tool. If your photo isn't as botched as my original, your healing brush will go a long way - as well as spot cloning. And don't worry that some areas of the background look duplicated. We'll correct that in a bit.
Notice that the first photo below has been flipped sideways. Yes - it's a flip flopper. See the wheel that the top owl is perched upon? It needs a huge upgrade - so by flipping the photo, I can catch the end of the wheel and match it to the opposite edge which will allow me to repair the wheel. I also added a small shadow above the bolt that connects to the wheel to set it apart. Also did a bit more cloning with a small brush to remove these poopified areas.
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The healing brush allows me to continue to clean up little dots and specks that I find distracting to the eye. And the more that one looks at a photo - the more flaws and inconsistencies they tend to see. However, there is a level when one must stop - or trust me, it can drive a totally sane woman insane.
Let's remove some noise.
Let's do a bit of blending on the background - taking care to avoid areas of the wheel as well as our owl friends. Note the heads of the owls. In the photo above, they appear unclear and a bit fuzzy. Therefore, I opened the original photo and cloned in the areas that appeared flawed to create a defined look. In order to accomplish this - both photos much be the same size. More of the healing brush was applied to the wing areas to remove unwanted spots.
Now let's sharpen just a bit more.
The handle requires a bit of the healing brush - so let's do that. Let's also brighten the owl's eyes by using a small-size cloning brush and following the lighter circles of the eyes. Next, brighten the eyes just a bit - then sharpen just the eyes. Next, areas of the owl's bodies get a bit of sharpening.
Photo gets resampled - but of course, this is not necessary - particularly if you plan on printing out your photo. I only did such so that I could share my photos with others in this format.
I feel the photo requires just a tab more sharpening - so such is applied. If you find that your photo starts falling apart and contains white specks, that may be a sign that you've taken your sharpening a tab too far.
Apply your favorite frame treatment:
More examples of the various post processing techniques that can be applied to your end result - from black and white to water color.
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Well, that about wraps things up. I hope that you've had fun and although I'm not perfect when it comes to post processing, if you're just starting out then I hope that I've helped you a bit.
