Adventures in Photoshop: My First Curve Edit!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of Photoshop's curves and levels tools for photo editing, particularly in the context of personal experimentation and improvement of images. Participants share their experiences, challenges, and preferences regarding image manipulation techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses excitement about their first photo edit using curves, noting difficulty in assessing improvements after prolonged editing.
  • Another participant seeks to understand levels and curves better, sharing a bookmarked resource for reference.
  • Questions arise about reading histograms and understanding key points such as black, white, and middle-gray.
  • Some participants prefer the original image, citing its natural appearance, while others appreciate the edited versions.
  • One participant mentions needing to enhance their astrophotos, which often appear dim, and considers whether learning should be through reading or hands-on experimentation.
  • Another participant acknowledges the difference between the original and edited images, indicating progress in using curves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which version of the edited photo is preferable, with some favoring the original for its natural look, while others appreciate the edits. There is no consensus on the best approach to learning curves and levels, as participants share varied experiences and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention challenges in understanding histograms and the specific adjustments needed for their images, indicating a range of familiarity with the tools discussed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in photo editing, particularly those new to using Photoshop's curves and levels tools, may find the shared experiences and resources helpful.

honestrosewater
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I'm playing in Photoshop with some pictures that I just took. I'm pretty comfortable manipulating histograms with the levels tool, but I couldn't figure out how to fix this one (I was experimenting with spot metering in the photo). So I finally just edited my first photo using http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/photoshop-curves.htm" ! W00t! What do you think? Improvement or no? I can't tell now. My judgement gets warped after messing with a picture for too long.

Does anyone else play with curves? I read a little about it when learning levels, but I don't remember how it works. I'm mostly experimenting for fun now. (I'm making a slideshow for a friend. I'm so excited! :biggrin:)

Edit: Hm, side-by-side comparison is better, methinks.

Original:
http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07245/partly-cloudy-0.jpg

Edit:
http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07245/partly-cloudy-1.jpg

Okay, I did a couple more and think I'm starting to get the hang of it.
http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07245/partly-cloudy-4-500.jpg

Curves is awesome. :smile:
 

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What is giving you problems? I like http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm" are gorgeous too.) Can you read the histogram and understand the black, white, and middle-gray points?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
To be honest, I like the first one best. It looks the most natural. Cute, btw...

I need to do a lot with levels and curves with my astrophotos. They come out very dim.
 
honestrosewater said:
What is giving you problems? I like http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm" are gorgeous too.) Can you read the histogram and understand the black, white, and middle-gray points?
Thanks for the link -bookmarked- lots of useful stuff in there! I'm not finding anything difficult per se, I've just begun to work with digital images and image manipulation programs, but I have a rough idea of what the histogram represents.
 
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thats a scary picture, it's like she's staring into my soul.
 
russ_watters said:
I need to do a lot with levels and curves with my astrophotos. They come out very dim.
Did you learn by reading or doing? I was hoping that I could pick it up fast enough with some careful playing, but I think I'll have to stop and read after all.

Smurf said:
thats a scary picture, it's like she's staring into my soul.
Haha, when did you get a soul?
 
I agree with Russ - I like the first one which seems most natural and softer.
 
Sorry, russ, I forgot to say thanks for the input. Thanks. :smile: I took you guys' advice and just tried to correct the greenish tint thing. This is the one I ended up with. Haha, this is a lot of my face for one thread.

Original:
http://xs116.xs.to/xs116/07245/partly-cloudy-0.jpg

Edit:
partly-cloudy-1-500.jpg


Haha, there's a difference between them, really. At least I started using curves, so it wasn't a total loss.
 
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