One question we’re frequently asked is “how do you guys get your photos to look that way?!?” Well the secret is in post-processing. I figured I’d write up a quick post detailing our processing workflow from getting images out of the camera, to the images you guys see up on our blog. Hopefully this will also shed some light as to why our print prices are slightly higher than what you would expect from printing the “straight out of camera” (SOOC) images at a place like Costco. All images that we print, and all images used in our custom album design work receive our very special “TLC” re-touching that is explained in this post.
First off, as many people wonder, the camera gear itself does lend a hand to getting great images. Canon’s “L” class lenses are top notch ensuring the sharpest possible quality images. The 50mm f1.2 lens allows us to get that “magical” blurred background very easily! These top quality lenses coupled with a professional grade body such as the Canon 5D Mark II allow us to capture clean and relatively noise free images.
We shoot all our images in RAW format. This essentially stores all the “raw” data that the camera’s sensor captures into a file. The reason for shooting RAW is that it allows us a lot more flexibility when working with the image afterwards compared to if we were shooting JPG (which is a compressed format and as such loses some quality due to the compression).
So here are some “before” and “after” shots showing what we get “straight out of camera” compared to the processed image after receiving some very special tender loving care!
Here we have an image “straight out of the camera”. You will notice it looks somewhat flat, and slightly underexposed.
The image then receives some adjustments to correct the white balance, and exposure levels. All proof images that we provide in our client proofing gallery receive these adjustments in order to ensure a consistency for our clients.
Finally, once a proof image is selected to be printed or used for an album or other product (ie canvas gallery wrap!) it then goes under the full knife of photoshop to soften skin, remove minor blemishes, selective sharpen (to really make the eyes pop!), and additional dodging and burning. This is where the bulk of our time goes into with regards to processing and is where we really put our “TLC” into each and every image that we produce.
I’m curious, do you use any of OnOne’s tools to speed-up enhancements?
Heya Mike
Nope, I’ve heard of them a lot, and probably should look at some of the “pre packaged” actions out there, but at this point, I’m mostly using a bunch of layer masks, etc. I still find photoshop does a better job than lightroom for things like skin softening, etc when you look closely. Perhaps lightroom 3 might change things but who knows
Great way to show how a great image turns into a magnificent one.
I love seeing posts like this, haha. Thanks for sharing!!
Hey Sherry,
I’m trying to make Jason post an updated one of these. They’re fun to look at, aren’t they?
~L