I'm processing quilt images today.
Here's how:
I do a few easy steps in LightRoom, like color correction (using a white card).
Then I load the file into PhotoShop.
The main problem is that the quilt is not square. Since I couldn't get the camera perfectly centered, the quilts edges are distorted.
Adding reference lines helps show the distortion.
I use the PhotoShop tool Filter-Distort-Lens Correction. Correct for perspective, distortion, rotation.
Here's the corrected image, with reference lines.
The next problem is the ugly background. The background sheet (plan ahead!) makes this easy to remove though. Select the quilt and add a mask.
Add a new white background layer.
Crop it to a pleasant size, check the details and send it to the editor.
Brace yourself for something new.
I'm usually runnin' around with a 40lb pack, skiing/biking/etc, to get my photos.
This week, I shot some family portraits.
We went to Antelope Island near SLC to find some nice background scenery.
Later, when patience was running low, and the bugs were devouring us all, the composition broke down.
Notice that the baby's parents (far left) are the only ones not paying attention to the baby. Although, I expect they probably deserve a little break.
Before that happened though, we shot this headshot for the man of the hour, before he leaves for 2 years.
And one of his sister, (a friend of mine).
And brother, sis-in-law, & niece.
And, of course, the proud parents.
I used artificial lighting (mixed with sunlight) in all of the above images. The cloud cover made it difficult to get the light balance correct, as some images were in bright sun (ex: sister) and others were soft shade.
For most shots, only fill was needed. In some, like his headshot, I used the strobe as the key light.
Now, let's do some photoshop work.
In this image, mom looks good, but the cloud reflection ruins the other half of photo (and dad isn't looking).
Then, in another image, dad looks good, but mom is buried in clouds.
It proved too difficult to get this shot done right in camera. (If I had remembered my polarizer, it would have been simple. Oops.)
So, I wanted to combine the good halves of the two photos into one composite image.
I shot a few images for Paul Mitchell The School, in SLC.
The images went out in emails to their clients.
The School wanted an image to showcase the professional products,
an image showing the new pedicure tubs,
and an image showing the facial room,
And I created this one to capture the mood.
End notes:
Good PhotoShop work should be undetectable.
I'm pretty happy the the clever lighting in the 3rd image. I used a speedlight on each individual table, then merged them into the darker (but warmer) background image. Without this composite lighting, the room is very flat.
The 4th image is also a composite. I won't give away as many details, but the candles, flowers, background, and bed are 4 individual shots, pulled together in the computer.
Take a photo of a candle using your flash and you'll see why the composite is necessary.
