photo effect question

[morficus]

Hi fellow Neowin photography fans :-)

I'm pretty new to the world of photography (got a used Canon S3 IS from a friend about 2 weeks ago) and I've been trying different things and trying to figure out how certain effects are achieved, what works best, etc...

One thing I'm kind of stumped on is how are these pictures done?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35272048@N04/4214081224/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/banani_qtr/4215479029/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elegant-n/4225282223/

I know they are using some type of filter to get those faded-like colors... but what type of filter is it??

Thanks in advance :-)

[HawkMan]

desaturize + tint and possibly some glow if it didn't occur naturally

[SirEvan]

There is a photoshop plugin called "Film Tools" or something like that, that allows you to simulate differnt film emulsions...this effect looks similar to what that can do, but yes, using a desaturation layer and tinting (hue) can do this as well.

[MR_Candyman]

or for those of us who prefer not butchering our photos with photoshop, you can get a yellow CC (color compensating) filter and lightly coat it with vaseline

[Draconian Guppy]

or for those of us who prefer not butchering our photos with photoshop, you can get a yellow CC (color compensating) filter and lightly coat it with vaseline

Hey not fair, photoshop does help with sharpening, curves, etc! Although I myself have produced photoshop nightmares :p

[Bassem]

Anybody mind sharing any techniques? I tried messing around with levels/curves, added layers, messed around with blending options but I still can't get it right.

[IMPSBL]

Anybody mind sharing any techniques? I tried messing around with levels/curves, added layers, messed around with blending options but I still can't get it right.

Most simple way is to just use some photoshop "actions" (which is probably what those photographers used since the color levels are basically the same in all photos you posted).

there are plenty of them here: http://www.deviantart.com/#order=9&q=photoshop+actions

Browse for some similar looking actions, download and apply them. If you don't know how, then you have some guidelines here http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/actions/actions.htm .

Or just google it :)

[Bassem]

Most simple way is to just use some photoshop "actions" (which is probably what those photographers used since the color levels are basically the same in all photos you posted).

there are plenty of them here: http://www.deviantart.com/#order=9&q=photoshop+actions

Browse for some similar looking actions, download and apply them. If you don't know how, then you have some guidelines here http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/actions/actions.htm .

Or just google it :)

I was actually trying to do it on my own but I could definitely use those too, thank you. :)

[cacoe]

This provides a more genuine vintage look:

http://veerle.duoh.com/blog/comments/photo...vintage_effect/

To add the glows and stuff, just use a few gradient layers with screen/overlay effects

For the lazy ones:

http://creativenerds.co.uk/freebies/70-of-..._medium=twitter

Edited January 6, 2010 by Chonson

[HawkMan]

or for those of us who prefer not butchering our photos with photoshop, you can get a yellow CC (color compensating) filter and lightly coat it with vaseline

So instead of doing a fully controlled effect that accomplishes the same result in photoshop, your suggestion is to butcher the raw photo before it is even take with aniquated physical filters and also bring in PQ reduction from the filter and vaseline...

Why on earth would you do that in this day and age, when we have tools like photoshop and raw files.

[~WinGz~]

So instead of doing a fully controlled effect that accomplishes the same result in photoshop, your suggestion is to butcher the raw photo before it is even take with aniquated physical filters and also bring in PQ reduction from the filter and vaseline...

Why on earth would you do that in this day and age, when we have tools like photoshop and raw files.

Well to stick up with candyman, Some photographers and myself included prefer to do things with our camera gear rather then use photoshop effects that seems everyone wants to use. I'm not saying things like sharpening and some curve fixes aren't used occasionally. But overall some photographers enjoy the natural effects straight from the camera. If I can't do it with my hands and creativity with what I have, then I feel i've accomplished nothing.

[SirEvan]

Well to stick up with candyman, Some photographers and myself included prefer to do things with our camera gear rather then use photoshop effects that seems everyone wants to use. I'm not saying things like sharpening and some curve fixes aren't used occasionally. But overall some photographers enjoy the natural effects straight from the camera. If I can't do it with my hands and creativity with what I have, then I feel i've accomplished nothing.

This may be true, as it's always best to get the shot right in the camera, but you have much more creative power using photoshop to adjust and change things. Shoot RAW, edit later. I'd rather take a "natural" photo, in case i end up not wanting that effect, and being able to apply it later, than using a filter on the camera, seeing the shot, and wishing i could've had a regular image.