Before & After

Great photographs start with great subject matter, good light, a good sharp lens and a photographer who knows how to put it all together. What most people, including photographers don’t know, is that post processing is just as important as all the hardware and conditions. It takes years to master just a portion of what graphics software can do. I thought I’d give you a glimpse of what I regularly do with a snapshot quality image taken with a great camera & lens. For the techies out there I shot this with a Nikon D800 with a Nikkor 24-70mm F/2.8 lens aboard. ISO 3200, F/5.6, 1/250″. It was handheld and no flash was used.

Re: Before & After

Stunning pictures, Bob.

Re: Before & After

I too use the editing facilities of Picasa. I suppose you consider that program to be quite elementary but.................. I am only a beginner.

Re: Before & After

Elementary graphic editors are better for starting photographers. You would probably be totally intimidated by Photoshop and the 8 plug-in software packages I use daily.

I deliberately didn't mention my software because my point was that editing software is remarkable when used on a fundamentally good starting photo.

I've grown with my software updates as I have with my camera gear. It doesn't happen overnight and it takes a lot of dedicated time. I am self-taught.

Re: Before & After

You've certainly got great skill Bob. I enjoyed photography as a hobby years ago but haven't done much since digital cameras arrived on the scene. I used to cringe when people who liked my work would say "you must have a really good camera". (Would they assume Rodin had really good chisels or Rembrandt really good brushes?)

Always happy to see your photos here - thanks.