Squeezing Out More Detail – Above the Clouds

I like detail in my photography – good, sharp, clean detail. I don’t think I’m unique in that regard, in fact I would say the vast majority of photographers feel the same way. I like sharp lenses, high megapixels, low noise. Once again, I think most of us would agree with that. Of course, camera technology isn’t the only thing progressing. Adobe continually makes improvements to Photoshop. Filter manufacturers, both the physical and software continue to progress, and most importantly, I continue to learn and evolve my post-processing techniques.

Over three years ago, I photographed Rocky Mountain National Park with the best cameras I had at the time – An original Canon 5D and a Canon 20D. Very capable cameras, in fact I still use the 5D original flavor from time to time. On a quite evening I captured the above shot with my 5D, a 17-40 f/4l lens, and a Singh-Ray 3-stop soft grad. I processed the shot in Photoshop CS4, used Nik’s Viveza 1 for some of the color balancing and then passed Nik Color Efex’s Tonal Contrast Filter over it for a bit of sharpening. Remember, I said I like sharp, so I thought I was gleaning more detail out of it. After reviewing this image again, I now cringe at the result. Heavy hand, very heavy hand.

I’ve always thought this image had potential so I’m going to provide some insight into my new process of today. More – after the jump.

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Looking for Inspiration #1: Take a Hike!

Eighty Days of Sorrow

For me, physical exercise is one of the best ways to get my mind working. Although all exercise is great, I especially enjoy hiking. I love being outdoors and when I’m not encumbered by a camera, I’m able to really move and find things that I would like to photograph. I create a mental snapshot of a composition for later and continue on. By the end of the hike, I have a mind full of ideas which is beneficial for when I do have a camera.

Technical Details:
Canon 5D Mark II, 17-40 f/4l @ 40mm, f/9, 1/160 sec.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri

Looking for Inspiration #2: Do Something Creative – Other Than Photography!

Life My Wings

Listen to music, paint, draw, dance. Let it lead back to photography.

Technical Details:
Canon 50D, 300 f/4l + 1.4 tc, f/7.1, 1/5000 sec.
Bald Eagle, Squaw Creek NWR, Missouri

Looking For Inspiration #3: Relax Your Brain!

Any Way the Wind Blows

After brainstorming, one’s brain needs a little rest. Blank your mind, relax, and let it wander!

Technical Details:
Canon 50D, 300 f/4l + 1.4tc, f/5.6, 1/4000 sec.
Near the Buffalo River, Arkansas

Looking for Inspiration #4: Transcribe Your Ideas for Review!

Sunny Iris

I don’t know how many times I’ve thought of a bunch of artistic ideas at once and then forgot to write them down. These brainstorming sessions can be very productive in allowing one’s mind to jump from idea to idea, but one must make sure that they are not forgotten. Later, when the ideas are reviewed more ideas may be generated. One rule: Nothing is too absurd, nothing is too far-fetched.

Technical Details:
Canon 50D, 300 f/4l, f/4.5, 1/500 sec.
Yellow Iris, Schramm State Recreation Area, Nebraska

Using Photoshop to Lose Weight and Look Great!

Harvest Moon

Back on June 6th I wrote an article entitled Photoshop Ethics in Digital Nature Photography that posed the question, “Where do we draw the line in regard to photoshop usage in nature photography”. It seems that this is a question that is plaguing other industries as well and is even prompting governments to get involved. This is not a new issue, in fact, since the invention of the camera, there has been evidence of manipulation.  A recent set of articles have been written that focus on the extreme photoshopping that has been taking place in the fashion industry, one at the New York Times and one at the New York Daily Post.

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