For quite sometime now, I have always wanted to post some of my images, that shows the “Before or SOOC” Straight Out of the Camera, and “After”. By all means, I am NOT an expert on post-processing NOR do I claim I am good at it. I learned so much just by experimenting, and picking up tidbits from other photographers. Every photographer has their own style and a certain visual look that they are trying to attain for their images.
I am also not going into great detail how I perform my post-processing. However, my goal for each photo that I capture, is that I nail its exposure spot on, right in camera! No amount of Photoshop can save a BADLY expose shot. So I do my best to expose each shot in-camera. So it is less post-processing work for me. If I don’t have to open Photoshop to “clean up” an image, then I will be very very happy. You may notice that some of the images, you can hardly tell the difference. Mostly because I just apply a little bit of contrast and vibrancy, and that is it! I am happy! =)
A few things to keep in mind:
- I am CONSTANTLY learning, experimenting, and tweaking my workflow.
- I shoot RAW. Please do not turn this into a RAW vs JPEG Topic.
- I shoot in Manual mode 100% of the time.
- I use Professional Canon “L” series Lenses only.
- I shoot 100% Prime (or Fixed) lenses, except for my beloved Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM.
- I shoot Wide Open to achieve that very shallow depth of field, separating my subject(s) distinctively from the background. In other words, the subject(s) is tact sharp while the background is out of focus.
- I use Adobe Lightroom 2.0 for 98% of all my post-processing work, including downloading, culling, tagging, and keywording. Roughly 2% for Photoshop CS4
- I will not use a flash, unless I have to. What I always say to all the very nice Catholic church coordinators – “No flash, no problem”.
- I always strive for accurate skin tones.
- If the image is cool, I warm it up slightly.
- I DIG vignettes a lot.
- I always bump up the contrast and its vibrancy.
- Yes, I do run actions from Kevin Kubota’s often, especially B&Ws and Sepias on a few chosen images below.
- For Facebook and my blog: I downsize each image to 1028pixel on the longest side, and I run Kevin Kubota’s Magic Sharp action before I save for the web.
- Portrait Orientation: The “Before, or SOOC” Images are on the left side.
- For Landscape, “Before” is Top section.
Any Questions, please contact me. joel at jllacarphotography dot com. I welcome all your comments and feedback!
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This is extremely helpful! Thanks for sharing.
IMHO,most pics need retouching and you did a beautiful job! It really shows when a photograhper takes the time to make images pop and look their very best. You have achieved that. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for posting this! I am not a photographer but have wondered why I can’t get photos that really pop. Looks like a lot of that pop comes from post processing. Any chance you will expound on how you nail exposure in camera? Your tips?
Great Post Joel. I like what you did to the first 2 images. What’s your post method?
Nice! My husband’s a model!
Great examples of what a professional photographer can do with the right tools before and after the shoot.
Awesome Joel. I really enjoy seeing before and afters; it really showcases the photog’s point of view. Love the one w/ the bride facing the window. Radiant!
Good stuff dude, it’s amazing how one program makes post processing go from excruciating to no-brainers! You gotta have the awesome images to show night and day, and you got ‘em man!
wow! i love seeing your before and afters…the “afters” look fantastic!!