I'm up processing pictures right now and thought I'd share a couple of my studio shots before and after processing. I've gotten a few emails recently about my post processing and how I make skin nice and the eyes pop. The truth is- I'm not a huge photoshop girl. My husband is very good at it and has taught me what I know... and I am proud to say that I have learned a few tricks over the years but he's still much better at it than I . In emergencies I can ask him for help and he always is more than willing to but..... I try not to.
I think that a huge factor to good skin and good eyes is great light. So I rely on my photography skills more than my software knowledge. Granted this is a baby and babies usually do have nice skin BUT.. it's even nicer when the light is right, and your focus is tack sharp.
Here's my straight out of the camera shot.... remember that I shoot in RAW so they come out of the camera as unprocessed as they can be- a little dull with less contrast than what is usually seen in photos. When you shoot JPEGS - the camera processes them and adds all of the colors/contrasts for you.
I took some of the pink out of the image, warmed it up a tad, added some black- retouched his skin just a bit, sharpened the eyes just a tiny bit and darkened the edges just enough that you can barely tell.
Here's another set:
Before processing, again in RAW, some of the blue from the backdrop was picked up in his skin and cooled it down too much so I warmed him up and did the same thing as the previous set of images-
after processing
I do think that post processing is necessary but I think that good out of the camera is key. Use photoshop to fix as your backup plan.
That's all from me this fine evening... morning.... weekend...
Have a great weekend!