Beginner PP help please

Dr Wu

Dr Wu

Messages
73
Name
Steve
Edit My Images
Yes
I have taken a number of low key portraits using a black cloth background but the creases in the cloth are showing and spoiling the look.
Can anyone advise the best way to deal with this or guide me to a tutorial?

TIA
 
The best way to deal with this is not in post process at all, but to ensure that the models are not close to the backdrop. If you light a model when close to the backdrop, then the light that is lighting the model is also lighting the backdrop. Separate the model from the backdrop and make sure the lighting on the model is not hitting the backdrop... and use a room/studio that can have the daylight shut off with blinds, curtains etc.

How are you lighting the model?


Good photography is not done on a computer... it's done with lighting and cameras.
 
Yes, would be great to see the image so we could offer some advice :)
 
Pookeyhead said:
Good photography is not done on a computer... it's done with lighting and cameras.
Click to expand...

Sorry , but at the risk of sounding snarky, you haven't answered my question.

I cocked up here and having previously done similar portraits successfully I fully agree with your shooting advice but I posted here ( on the Post Processing Forum) in the hope of getting some practical advice on how to fix the problem now that the damage is done.
 
Steve, I just gave the Exposure a tweak and that alone helped the subject and pretty much sorted the background in one go. If you shot this in RAW you maybe able to recover more of the blown areas, too. You can easily re-recover the dark areas this first edit will render upon the collar etc..

Family-Portraits-6__For-TP_zpsav1nrofr.jpg
 
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Cheers, thats a lot better.
Certainly helped the background , but subject needs a lot more help than that!
I will have another go.
 
WingTsun said:
OK, the background should be possible to save. Id lower the curves or levels on the entire image first, then use the lasso tool in PS to trace around the subject and then use the lens blur tool in filters.
Click to expand...

I've never used the lens blur tool, but just wondering do you need to feather the selection to avoid a sharp contrasting edge, or does that blur automatically avoid that happening? Could try for myself but my PC isn't on at the moment haha.
 
Here's my take on it, open in photoshop and then duplicate the layer click filter>noise>median. Set radius to 20 pixels (dependant on image size) until the background is smoothed out to taste. Select the bottom layer and using the Quick selection tool drag around the background. Now reselect the top layer and Add layer Mask. Now just using the brush tool at 100% opacity and 25% flow paint on the mask to reveal the hair strands that have been hidden in the mask.

It took longer to type the method than it did to execute it. (y)


Family-Portraits-6__edit.jpg
 
•


The key is not in PP
but a better understanding
of the inverse square law.
 
htid said:
I've never used the lens blur tool, but just wondering do you need to feather the selection to avoid a sharp contrasting edge, or does that blur automatically avoid that happening? Could try for myself but my PC isn't on at the moment haha.
Click to expand...

Once you select it you have a box with various sliders for choosing exactly how you want it. If the background is already fairly singular in colour you can get the edges you're talking about but you just reduce some of the values. It's a useful filter.
 
Graham W said:
Am I the only one that prefers it with the creases, I think it adds an air of authenticity.
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Not for me. If it was slightly lesser and it wasn't as obvious what it is, then maybe. I know what you mean, though. A singular flat black background can feel a bit synthetic.
 
Retaining the texture of the background

Open in PS, copy layer.

Pick up the healing brush, sample, and paint away the creases.

Flatten and save.


15193-1462203935-db404cf1de94df90c0bd8eacc278f7c0.jpg


Rhodese.
 
Lots to try folks , thanks for the input.
I have the RAW file so will experiment until I get it "right"

Kodiak Qc said:
•


The key is not in PP
but a better understanding
of the inverse square law.
Click to expand...


I do know the technique for shooting this properly and have done it previously ... I just didn't execute it very well this time and was too late to reshoot. We all make mistakes.
 
Just set the burn tool brush to shadows, and to 15% and simply brush it out.


Perfect black.

Family-Portraits-6__For-TP_zpsav1nrofr.jpg
 
Dr Wu said:
I just didn't execute it very well this time and was too late to reshoot. We all make mistakes.
Click to expand...
•


…as long as you don't believe
you have a monopole on goofing! :)
 
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