New with questions

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Permalink Reply by Edgar on January 17, 2010 at 11:47pm

Ok, i'll answer your first question. It's called ' Selective Coloring ', it's a technique that i've just learned myself only a few months ago but it's been around for years..:)...The best way to learn it is to find a tutorial video on YouTube so you can actually see how it's done rather than read a step-by-step instructions online. And you'll also need a Free photo software like GIMP that's capable of doing that . ~ ed

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Permalink Reply by Paul Berry Photography on January 18, 2010 at 12:24am

Answer to Q.2. A filter (is generally understood) to be a piece of gelatin film, plastic or glass which is placed in front of your camera lens to effect the final image in some way. They are used to alter the colour, strength or wavelength of light before it hit the film/sensor in the camera. In the days of black & white film colored filters were used to alter the light spectrum as it traveled through the lens which in turn allowed the photographer to alter how different colours were rendered (lighter or darker) on B/W film. These days in digital these effect can be replicated through photographic software, but in my opinion can never truly replicate the experimental process and the learning element of actual photography, as to replicate a filter's effects you first must know and understand how works in reality life, ie; a real filter, with real physical effects on film)

There are filters however that can be used with digital but unless you're after surreal effects, or they don't often work too well as digital sensors only take colour images and filter designed for black & white photography don't work as they should. However filters that can be used still have their desired purpose, to change light as it travels to the sensor.

For instance, you can buy filters that are grey at the top and clear at the bottom, these add a bit of life to dull skies and alter the contrast between sky and earth which enables you to balance out the contrast between the two, which is often too much (bright sky + dark landscape = over or under exposed images)

Here's an example: The first image is a digital image desaturated to remove its colour without any added filter effects:

The second image is another shot after reworking it to replicate closely the effects of a red filter over the lens:

These two shots were taken digitally, but the filter effect on shot two was added by knowing how a red filter would effect the light spectrum on black & white film. The effect was added digitally, but could not be replicated accurately without first knowing;

A. How the real effect looked like on film.
B. How to replicate that on a computer.

Other effects brought from the old dark room days like dodging & burning were also replicated to make the desired effects.

I hope all this helps? If not, I'll try to make it a bit easier. (if I was showing you, rather than simply trying to explain it it would be a lot easier.

Paul Berry Photography

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Permalink Reply by Paul Berry Photography on January 18, 2010 at 12:37am

In answer to Q.3. Good photography has nothing really to do with what camera you use. Good photography can be mastered with the most basic of cameras. First you must decide what you want to achieve, what sort of photography you want to do, and what will be the desired end purpose of the images. (ie: online web gallery, or poster size super prints) once you've decided this then you can check which camera have the desired qualities for your type of work.

Where I live I run workshops teaching basic photography and people bring some of the most basic cameras, but by a little thinking, a few basic lessons and a bit of work they can produce quite distinct images that're better photographically and technically, although the 'camera' hasn't changed, just how they've used it.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Perkes on January 18, 2010 at 4:36am

To do the part colour on a bw image I start with a colour image.
Make a copy layer in Photoshop.
Convert the copy layer to black and white.
use the erase tool to make a 'hole' in the top layer to show the coloured layer underneath
When I am happy with the result; I merge or flatten the layers.

When choosing a camera don't get too hung up on megapixels its not the number that is important. Anything more than 6 to 10 mp on a APS or full frame camera is enough for most purposes.
Your comparison between Nikon D5000 and Canon EOS 1D Mk IV is a strange one. you are comparing a good amateur camera with a semi pro one. For general use the D5000 is excellent for image quality . I personally prefer the colour from Nikon to Canon but that is a purely subjective opinion.

If you don't know what a filter is then to be brutally honest you would be far better off buying the D5000 and investing in photography tuition. A Canon 1DS Mk VI is no beginners camera and would be a waste of money investing in a camera like that until you have learnt how to use a camera properly.
Not withstanding that, I know many people who can take great shots with simple cameras. Subject, composition lighting and exposure are 90% of photography.
In my work I have come across many gear heads who mistakenly think that a new camera is going to make them a better photographer.
Don't fall into that trap!

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Permalink Reply by Mike W. on January 18, 2010 at 6:13am

I'm not familiar with with the D5000 but the EOS 1d mk IV should be an absolutely fabulous camera, one of the best out there! You would certainly have top equipment if you bought that one. Not necessary to spend that much, but that should be a great camera.

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Permalink Reply by debbie on January 18, 2010 at 7:54am

Thanks everyone for all the Great answers!!! I will consider all of these factors when I buy. Thanks for all the information on the questions. I have never learned sooooo much in such a short deal of time! Thanks again!!

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