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I want better pictures on our web site...We often get emails from people asking for clarification or more details about the articles and reviews on the site. One simple question that got Keith thinking was:
Northlight Images prides itself on its independence when giving advice. We do not sell hardware or software and have no direct commercial links with any of the software or hardware vendors that may be mentioned here. See our Review Policy for more information.
Pictures on the webIt sounds a simple question, but the comprehensive answer easily fills a days training -- and yes, Keith does offer photography training ;-) You should consider the whole process from start to finish. The ten steps below are not an exhaustive guide but will help if you take them into account (and you do not need to do them all). There are more links to further information on this site If you are going for top quality then...
There are lots of other details I could add, but they all really fit into the categories above. What's the real key to giving pictures on the web a bit more 'oompf'? -- sharpening -- by just the right amount that it doesn't detract from the image. For example, I often use Focus Magic with a 'remove focus blur' setting of 1 to sharpen images before putting them on the web, rather than fiddle around with USM settings. You use it on the image at the size it is going to be on the web, i.e. for an image and thumbnail you sharpen each at their final sizes. One adjustment you might like to try on your original size images (i.e. from the camera) is to run Unsharp Mask at around 5-15% intensity, with a radius of 70-200 (threshold = 0) This does not sharpen in the way you might ordinarily do with USM, it provides a subtle contrast enhancement and for some images it is very effective, particularly where you have a big dynamic range in the picture. Oh, and don't forget to check out what the picture looks like on other peoples' computers...
However, consider whether the picture might have looked better from a different angle, or later/earlier in the day when the lighting would be different. That shadow of a lamp post would not be in the same place... Where next? -- Other info and stuff on this site
Contact details :Northlight Images, 86 Harrow Road Leicester, Leicestershire, UK. LE3 0JW (Maps) Telephone +44 116 291 9092 You can e-mail us:Other areas of our site that may be of interest... NEW -- Create your own customised A3 size wall calendar from a choice of 90 of Keith's images. Choose your own images for your own custom printed calendar - 12 months starting any month of the year - many all new images not yet in our main gallery. Digital Black and White. Keith was recently interviewed about digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white. As well as our Commercial Photography services and Training there is a growing collection of photography Articles and Reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography. We also have a growing collection of Photography related information and links that we hope you find useful. New site features and some of Keith Cooper's latest work are always covered in the What's New page. Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras. |
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