DPM newsletter - The Photo Muse Week 11 - March 15th, 2024
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Hi Reader, Welcome to week 11, I can't believe we're already this far into 2024! Do you like the new banner at the top of the email? I thought the old camera and typewriter in the image just screamed "photography newsletter" and fit with the name. I designed the banner, and am pretty proud of it, if I do say so myself. ;-) FAQs AnsweredThe following are some questions that have come in from new subscribers to this newsletter. Here is a short answer for each and some additional resources to help:
"Knowing how to asses good shadow and contrast amounts and what balance of these two will improve my photos. What specifically should I look for in the photos that will tell me I got it right? Thanks." - Don
That's a great question, Don! One thing that I teach my beginner students is not to be afraid of shadows. So my tip for you in that regard is to lift them enough to show a bit of detail but don't go overboard. Shadows should be dark. If you lighten them too much you'll not only lose contrast and depth in the image, but you'll also gain digital noise. Contrast really depends on the image and how much drama you want it to portray. Less contrast equals less drama, and a softer look and feel. More contrast is more dramatic, stronger, and a bit harsher. Read or watch these to help:
Next, Anni asked for help with layers and maskingI've written a few articles about this topic and have a few videos on it as well, including a full 2-hour livestream on YouTube. Check out some of these links, I think many of your questions about layers will be answered.
This topic is also covered in-depth in my Luminar Neo course. If you aren't already enrolled in the course you can preview the first two lessons at no charge.
Marin and Michael also had questions about processing raw files and getting started using Luminar Neo. If you have already done so, I recommend you check out the sample lessons in Luminar Neo: The Complete Course. If you have already purchased the course CLICK HERE to log in and continue where you left off. Accessing your DPM CoursesWe often get asked how to find the courses you have bought from us so I thought I'd mention it here. If you own one or more of our DPM courses just bookmark this page, or click Login in the upper right corner of the website. After you log in you'll be on your profile page where you'll find links to all your courses.
Watch These!Want to pick up some editing tips? Here are some videos for you to watch. First, in our livestream last weekend we discussed the topic of photo restoration. In this recording, you'll learn how to add contrast to a faded photo, fix color issues, extend the edges, and more. The next livestream will be Sunday, March 17th and the topic will be MOUNTAINS. You can submit your mountain photos here, and then join in to watch using the link below. Just click the video image. Finally, watch this video to learn how to use layers to assemble a silhouette composite image. It's not as hard as you think, I promise. In the NewsRecently in the news, a photo of Kate Middleton (the Princess of Wales) and her children has created a huge controversy. The issue was about photo manipulation. This is the image in question: It looks innocent enough, right? A quick snapshot on your patio, a little editing to enhance it, and share it on social media. What could go wrong? Well, apparently a lot! The short version of the story goes like this. Kate Middleton had surgery recently and hasn't been seen in public or photos since December. So when the photo was posted, internet critics quickly found several flaws with the editing. Then the rumor mill and conspiracy theories really started spinning. A Spanish journalist speculated that Kate was actually in an induced coma and that her life was "in great danger". Memes and jokes circulated online. The Princess herself posted this in response on their X (Twitter) account, "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused." But the repercussions of this are huge and important. Associated Press issued a Kill Notice, meaning they recommend that no news agencies use or publish the image. In the UK, other press agencies have said that Kensington Palace is no longer a trustworthy source. The video below shows some of the issues and why experts flagged it as edited. What does all that mean for us regular folks and those of us who like to do photography? Well, it's complicated. The short answer is that public trust is at an all-time low and it's only going to get worse from here - and we aren't even factoring in the use of Generative AI yet! Personally, I dislike that I've become a cynic. I question almost every image I see online now, and even videos can be altered or even created using AI technology. So when you create your next photography masterpiece will your friends and family believe it's real? Can you enter it into your local camera club's photography competition? Many are now limiting or prohibiting the use of certain editing techniques and AI. It's tricky! What are your thoughts about all this? Should we be concerned that the Princess edited a photo? Is it a big deal? Honestly, I've done dozens of head swaps in group photos that I've taken and it's a real possibility here that they just used Kate's head from a different fame and combined two or more images. It just wasn't done seamlessly and it was flagged as manipulated. Perhaps there is a lesson in there somewhere for all photographers. If you're going to edit your photos - make sure you do a good job! How about this question - when is it okay to edit photos? And how much is too much (can we talk about the fashion industry and IG filters)? Here are a few of the articles I found on this controversy if you want to read more about it and see the details of the edited photo.
Feature of the WeekSince there were quite a few questions and discussions about photo editing this week in the Photo Muse if you want to continue that and do a deep dive into using Luminar Neo - then our complete course is just what you need! You get over 18 hours of video tutorials with step-by-step lessons that teach you how to use each tool. The raw files used in the demonstrations are also included so you can follow along and practice exactly what is in each video.
With all this talk and controversy around photo editing - where do you stand on the matter of how much is too much? Sure we've all been guilty of overdoing it sometimes, but is that the same as using your skills and knowingly going too far? Do you agree with me about fashion retouching and models? It sets an unrealistic standard for young girls especially to try and live up to. It was getting better, but Instagram filters can touch up your appearance in a live video and AI can completely alter one's face. So again I'll ask you, how much is too much? Hit reply and drop me a note with your thoughts. Cheers, |