Looking for some very basic tips to get started.
Till date I have been shooting directly using the JPEG format. I am told that RAW is a good format to work with. Fortunately, my Canon 50D comes with a RAW processing software. I see that there are only a few tools that can be worked on like WB, Hue, Saturation, etc. I will be delighted if I know what are the typical / standard numbers that work across pictures?
Reply to this Prakash,
Unfortunately there's no such thing as typical numbers. Every picture will need a different bit of correction across a wide spectrum of the categories you've listed above. EB in particular can vary between two images taken of the exact same situation.
In my case, I correct white balance first (find something white and change it till it looks white....that simple).
Then I tend to work on contrast and saturation. Cameras, in my opinion, under saturate so I will pick it up by a few notches. Too many and it looks crazy but just a touch can make a huge difference.
Then, finally I'll work on sharpening if your RAW converter allows that.
I use Adobe Lightroom for conversion before I import into Photoshop. I tend to do the serious work in Photoshop (e.g. touch up, lightening darkening (called dodging and burning) and conversion to black and white.
Sorry that there's no straight forward answer to your question. Hope this helps.
Mike T.
Reply to this Mike,
You couldn't have explained it better. Your tips will come in handy. I do have the sharpner tool. What I definitely lack is the knowledge to work with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I guess I will have to live without the crucial knowledge.
If possible, pick some pictures from my blog and use your magic wand. I will be happy to receive your comments... before & after kind of thing!
Thanks a ton.
Prakash
Reply to this Sure, I'm heading out of town over the weekend but I'll see what I can do next week. The one's on the blog have been shrunk by Travelblog, so if you really want me to work on something send me a copy. Let me know if that's what you'd like me to do. Send me a message and I'll reply with my email address...or you can look me up throught my photography website. Just check my Travelblog page and the URL is listed under the description section.
Mike T
Reply to this Mike,
Sounds great. I am on the move too and will send you some pics in due course. Thanks.
Prakash
Reply to this Mike,
Just back from Bali. Guess what, the entire trip was shot in RAW. Boy, your tips helped me a great deal. I couldn't see much happening with the sharpening tool though. Thanks buddy.
Prakash
Reply to this Mike,
You have a wonderful web site. Keep up the good work.
Prakash
Reply to this Thanks man! I just made a sale to the NFL (National Football League in the USA) for a movie they are doing. Pretty cool!
Reply to this So now, I should address you as Dear Rich Mike! Congrats.
Request your visit to my profile page. I offer my pictures to support charities that work for orphans & the mentally challenged. Hobby for a cause. Gives me immense satisfaction.
Reply to this 
