Photography drizzle, roses and noise

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The discussion centers on the impact of drizzle on roses and the subsequent photographic techniques used to enhance images taken in dull conditions. A participant shares their experience of adjusting contrast to improve exposure dynamics and delves into the topic of photographic noise, particularly in darker areas at higher ISO settings. They explain that camera sensors have fixed sensitivity, and post-processing determines ISO sensitivity, emphasizing that the amount of light reaching the sensor affects the signal-to-noise ratio. The participant advocates for overexposing images by one or two stops and then adjusting contrast during RAW processing to minimize noise without sacrificing detail. They provide examples comparing correctly exposed images with overexposed ones processed for better quality. Other members express admiration for the photography shared in the forum and acknowledge the tutorial on exposure and noise management, highlighting the benefits of overexposure when done correctly. Overall, the conversation reflects a shared enthusiasm for photography and the technical aspects of capturing beautiful images.
Andre
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This is what happens to roses after a night in the drizzle. I'm sure, Drizzle, that you'll think of a witty reaxion. :biggrin:

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Unfortunately, the day was still dull, so I had to tweak contrast to get some dynamics back in the exposure.

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and sure enough, -you know me- getting in a bit closer:

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I was also contemplating a bit about photographic noise, especially visible in the darker parts and at higher ISO sensitivities, which is subject of countless photographic discussions. The sensor of cameras has basically one sensitivity only. It's the post-picture-processing that manages ISO sensitivity. So, in the end it's the total amount of light that reaches the sensor, which determines the signal to noise ratio, apart from the quality of the sensor. Of course you can apply noise reduction, but at the cost of sharpness and fine details. So, if noise is a problem for real big poster size prints, it might be an idea to over expose and tweak back the contrast, while processing the RAW picture.

So I did that with the last picture, which is basically over exposed two stops and then processed back using the RAW editor of DPP. Here you can see the difference between a correct exposure to the left and to the right, the over exposed version, processed back with contrast and exposure adjustment during RAW processing:

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On top thumbnails of the original unprocessed JPG output at 7% size and below that, a life size crop of a part of the lower right corner (out of focus)of the processed RAW output. Both frames have been sharpened and tweaked a bit or a lot for the right hand one, but no noise reduction was applied. Finally on the bottom, extreme blow ups to show the favorable effect of overexposure on the signal to noise.

So, if noise is to be reduced as much as possible without sacrificing details and sharpness, use RAW, over expose one or two stops, and tweak back.
 
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I want your camera!

now seriously, you guys are driving me to master in photography…..
I like to meditate nature, this would help. but giving it a second thought… man this is so hard. anyhow, I’ll still enjoy your photos you post here :smile:.

nice pics.
 
Nice tutorial on exposure and noise, Andre. You're right - it's easier to tweak and dial back information that you have, as opposed to trying to revive information that was not strong in the raw image. As long as the over-exposed image is not burned-out in the bright spots, you can do a lot with it.
 
Gorgeous Andre!

I'm just amazed by the photos members take.
 
Your photos are fantastic.
 
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