Recent content by Undercrank

Are you planning on printing at home? If you want to use a lab to machine print your work, and you want to preserve much of the quality of your original image, you'll need roughly 250 ppi. You can get really acceptable images at less than that. The D40's images are 3000x2000 pixels. 12x18...

It's good to hear how pros work especially when they're using some of these compact mirrorless system cameras, like the X-E1. Thanks for sharing.

Setting the sharpening values in your camera only affects JPEGS, as you probably know. Keep JPEG in-camera sharpening to a minimum. In-camera software sharpening is always superior to anything we can do to a JPEG in computer software because it is applied before compression. So, if we sharpen...

Get as much info as you can from professional sources online or in a few really good books. Good advice above, to which I'd add -- practice, practice, practice! Had a look at your pics. Well exposed. I like the water droplets on the leaves. Just take time to think about all that's in the frame...

Lewis, part of the problem here is your original exposures which are under where they might be. Just check your histogram at the time -- if you've time! Underexposure has a significant effect on colour strength. In software use your Mask Tool, or whatever Adobe calls it, and draw a box or any...

:) Go for it Vicktor! The more practising you can do the better. That's a very good self-portrait in my opinion. Sam

Robbo, see if this helps too: http://slashedcanvas.info/photography/interpolation.htm

Hello Ed Yeah, Minolta did give up! I've a promotional booklet that came with my 1st Minolta back in '76 and the gear range was phenomenal. Sam

Hello Pamela It can be quite a steep learning curve for sure! Working it into your lifestyle is a challenge for many too, but it's very rewarding. If you haven't already, look out for a few really good books on the subject written by digital experts. Worth the investment and you can be...

The second shot is very good indeed, David. A real winner.

Yes, I like this. The DoF is just right, in focus, probably no camera-shake. Maybe if the baby had been on a soft plain rug or blanket? Just a small detail I suppose. I would favour a straight B&W conversion myself with no sepia effect. Not sure it really suits the subject. Maybe slight toning...

Next week too...

I'm a Scirocco bloke myself, though it's been under snow for so long I'm starting to forget what it looks like. Wonder if it's still there...

Hello Hayley I can tell you what has worked for me over the years. Essentially it comes down to a few really good books and lots and lots and lots of practice! After a few decades at it (as a total amateur!) here is the absolute bottom line, IMHO: 1) SLR enthusiasts must know their equipment...

Well, colour doesn't add anything to the shot really, so using the channels you could tone the freckles down a wee bit, add a bit of creative toning too? Just a thought... Good shot!