After the Shot: Producing the final Image

Post production of photos is, and has been, a key part of a photographers work.  In the past photographers often spent hours in the dark room developing film, and they often employed techniques that would effect the final image.  Today the same holds true, except most photographers use digital post processing software.

Photoshop is a powerful tool and can be used to help create amazing images; however, it can also be overused and caused photos to look unrealistic.  Some photographers will take post production of photos to the extreme removing every blemish, recoloring hair, smoothing facial wrinkles, replacing missing, and so much more; it's actually a very unfortunate.  These things make us who we are, and while we may not like the wrinkles or graying hair they are part of us.

When I post process photos, I like to have a vision for the final image I want to achieve.  Often I'll clean up a person's skin by cleaning up acne or sunburn, and in some cases I may smooth some facial wrinkles, but I'll never remove them entirely.  As a dad, I can tell you that when my son loses his baby teeth, I won't be replacing those teeth in Photoshop!  That's a memory I want to keep!

So, I thought I'd share some of my post processed photos.  Some have people, some don't, but I want to give you all an idea of how my vision creates and develops photos.

This photo of Chad was taking during his senior photo session not too long ago.  During our walk into the park, I noticed this copse of trees covered in ivy and thought it would be an amazing backdrop for some photos.  So, I went into it with a clear idea of the final images I wanted to produce.

Post processing of the photo included some minor cleanup of the face, as well as some adjustments to the light and dark areas, and finally some color toning.

One of my favorite things to photograph is nature.  Its beauty is abundant and ever changing, and often it is only for an instant, like lightning.  This was one of my first attempts at capturing lightning, and I definitely learned a lot from the experience.

Post production of this lightning photo included brightening the image, color toning, increasing the contrast to bring out the lightning, and reducing the noise from the rain and the long exposure needed to capture the image.

Dandelions have become a go to subject when I am feeling the itch to be a creative.  Since moving back to Virginia Beach, I've enjoyed their abundance in my yard and it has made it easy to photograph them.

Creating the photo, I knew I wanted a close up shot with a dark background to help the seeds pop in the image.  In post production, I also knew that I wanted to have a little fun with the coloring, so I increased the blues and subdued the greens a bit, while adding a little yellow to the highlights in the image.  While I love the original photo, I enjoy the creativeness and coloring the in the final image as well.

This final set of photos is perhaps my favorite.  I am proud and honored to say the before/after photos were featured by @the_aftershot on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_aftershot/).

Rain in Southern California is rare, and having moved home to Virginia Beach my son takes every opportunity possible to play in the rain, and wear his raincoat and boots.  Going out to take photos of him playing I knew I wanted the final image to be black and white, and I knew I wanted a the rain fall to show through as well.

For post processing I converted the image to black and white, increase the contrast and sharpened it up.  Through some adjustments to the color tone I was also able to bring the rain fall out a little bit more.  The final image is exactly what I had in my mind!

Photography is more than just "snapping a picture", it's about creating art and preserving memories.  As a photographer, the photographs I create are special to me, and I hope my clients see them as special as well.  Whatever the subject, be it people, nature, still life, or a entirely creative piece of work, I put the same passion and effort forth to create the best possible final image I can.

So, how can I help your family or small business?

I would be honored to create photos for you that preserve your memories, help you connect with your customers, or are simply artwork to hung and enjoyed in your home or office.

Connect with me today, and let me know how I can help.