 Lee |
Hollywood Style Portraits I want to get a computer and photo software to do Hollywood Style Portraits; the kind with dark blacks, great shadows, and near silver toned whites. This may be the only thing I use this PC for. Is anyone doing this out there? If so, what kind of software is working for you, do you have a scanner, and what kind of printer?
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Why do you need a computer to do these portraits? The portraits are not done with a computer they are done with lighting.
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Lee |
Hi Jeff, My thought is that although the lighting is essential, to get the traditional tones and the silvery whites you need to either do it in the darkroom by doing some minor trickery in the developing tray, plus the use of fibre based paper... or use a computer. I had a darkroom and it's sort of been there, done that. To have a commercial lab do it, I believe, would be extremely expensive.
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
I think you need to maybe find the right film. I've done these shots and used T400CN (C41 b&w) film oddly enough and got beautiful silvery tones. I used a red or orange filter and they came out beautiful. If this is the only use you would have for a computer I'm not sure it would be worth the expense unless you are planning on doing a high volume of work and/or you are just filthy rich with money to burn. But since you are worried about the expense of a commercial lab I doubt that is the case. I would suggest trying some of the C41 b&w films first to see if they give you the results you want. You may need to find the right lab as well. If they don't work out then experiment with traditional b&w films until you find the right one. To save money and give you more control over the outcome you could develop your own too.
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Lee |
Hi Jeff, Filthy minded at times, but never filthy rich. I will try the filter, red or orange, and see what results I get. I have used the Tiffen filters, Pro-mist and Warmsoft FX, with the C-41 process B&W, both Kodak and the other guy's. The portrait results were exciting and pleasing, although not what we are talking about here. Although the Hollywood thing would be the most enjoyable for me, I also want to be able to print negatives. I have perhaps 1000 frames from film which came from various auctions and estate sales, from the 1920-1950 era, which I want to print, and control the outcome. I had a commercial lab do 14 custom prints of them, as 8 x 10's, and it was $179. Ouch. Any way, I have that end of it too, not wanting to set up the chemicals again, but not happy with labs I've tried, and the cost of custom prints. Thank you for the tip as far as the red and orange filters. I really appreciate it.
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Dan Spencer |
I just read your question and it seems to me your interested in "digital" format. I use Adobe Photoshop6 (very expensive) so here's what you do. Shoot in color (either film or digital) then scan the image into the computer, then download and install the FREE program called "BWorks" That takes your photos and magically transforms them into a whole variety of different black & white styles. Pick the one you like, save it and print on photo paper. It's an amazing program thats very tiny and simple. You'll be amazed at the results. Get your FREE "BWorks" from MediaEnhance here: http://tinyurl.com/dc2b Good Luck. Dan www.DSPhoto.ca.tc
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