Monday, January 28, 2008

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Updates From BetterPhoto

Photo Q&A

1: Macro Photography: Lens?

I am looking to buy a macro lens, but I only want to spend about $300. I shoot a Nikon D80 and was wondering if anyone had some advice? Should I go with a Tamron, Sigma, or should I just stick with Nikon? Thanks!

ANSWER 1:

Be careful, Sarah, when buying optics. If you buy cheap, you get cheap. That being said, the Sigma DG series are very good.

ANSWER 2:

Another potential option (and I am not a Nikon user, so I don't know about availability/utility) is using extension tubes*. Kenko makes a lot of these, and there is one that you can get to turn any of your existing lenses into a macro without actually buying new glass. The clear advantage is that ALL of your current lenses become macro, and the cost is around $170 - well below your budget.
Take care that the model you get doesn't truncate features that you like to use (autofocus, etc.).
I hope that helps!

*Editor's Note: Extension tubes are hollow cylinders that fit between SLR camera and lens, and allow you to focus a lot closer.

2: Fixing a Picture with Photoshop

How can I fix this picture? In the left hand corner, there are about 4-5 little dots that stand out in the picture. Thanks!

ANSWER 1:

Clone/stamp tool. There are some of those spots at the right side too. Looks like dried-up water drops on your lens. You may want to clean your lens.

ANSWER 2:

In Photoshop, it is probably best to use the Healing tool to make this change. The Clone stamp can work, but it will take a little more care and skill.
To use the Healing tool, choose the tool and pick a hard brush (100% hardness) that is large enough to cover the area in one stroke. Sample from a clean area of the sky and clean up by applying short bursts with the tool to cover individual spots.
Healing works to blend the sampled area with the surroundings of the existing area you are correcting, and the result will leave you with smooth transitions. I discuss techniques for healing and using the clone stamp in more depth in several of my courses, though discussion is probably most involved in Correct and Enhance Your Images.

ANSWER 3:

You need to clean your sensor too.

ANSWER 4:

Dennis,
Agreed ... as well as any other surface that comes between subject and sensor. It will cut down on the need to make such repairs.

3: Photoshop Action Modification

I have a Photoshop action that I bought that I love to use ... but I want to modify parts of it because the image is too saturated. I've tried duplicating the action and then going through it to change little pieces of it, but those changes never save so I can apply it to a batch of photos. Does anyone know how to modify an already existing action and have it save so you can batch apply that action?
Thanks!

ANSWER 1:

Robin,
I've done a lot with actions, and it seems you are suggesting the right things - so long as you know how the action works, you can modify and re-save.
You may just want to be sure that the dialogs for the action open so you can adjust saturation ... check through the action to be sure the dialog toggle (the box immediately to the left of the action step - a box with three dots) is on. It is off if the box is not there; to turn it on, just click.
To save, choose Save from the Actions menu. To run it in batch, you need to choose Batch from the automate menu (CS2) and then select your action.
If part of this is a problem or unclear, feel free to ask!

1: Wedding Photography: What Camera?

I am curious! What kind of camera do wedding photographers use when shooting on location?

2: Batch Naming in Photoshop

I took about 60 photos, and used the Automate Rename batch. At first, it looked like it worked greatd. Later, I tried to open a photo from the viewfinder, and it turned into a file that Photoshop does not recognize. I hope somebody has an answer. Thanks!