Here is the technique I use when I want my pictures to really jump out with detail and boldness. It requires Photoshop but only 2 really easy steps. I’ve used on Photoshop CS4 but I’m relatively sure these are common abilities for most of the recent releases. I’ve found that it works well on architectural pictures as well as some portraits if you’re going for a bit more of a gritty detailed look. With minor tweaks it can even start to look like some of the High Dynamic Range photography that’s out there.
Original Image
My example is a picture that I posted previously and one that suited this technique well. The photos that I shared are from an old sawmill here in Boise and can be seen here.
- Step 1
Step 1:
Open the picture in photoshop.
Duplicate the layer and change the new layers’ transfer mode to “Hard Light”.
This alone adds some great contrast to the image and if it is too much you can always play with the layer opacity to get the right amount for your picture.
- Step 2
Step 2:
Duplicate your new layer and select Filters > Other > High Pass.
This is where all the detail comes shining through.
As I mentioned, playing with the layer opacity can ease up some of the detail or contrast effects if it seems too much. Experimentation is where all the fun is at so run wild and see what comes of it.
Screenshot of Olive Tree Website
Nearing completion on another website project. I was anxious to see this one completed, mostly so I could see some of the beautiful pictures from these talented photographers. Victoria and Joyce are friends of mine and asked if I would design and build them something simple that they could use to share their photos.
Check it out and let me know what you think olivetreephotocompany.com
I used a zenPhoto backend for cataloging the photos and allowing the photographers to manage some of the details of the site. I’ve really come to like the way that zenPhoto handles images and the many advanced features that are buried in the PHP. I like it so much that I’ve decided to use it to host my own photos. The drawback is that it doesn’t play nicely with my wordpress based website. Not being one to give up too easily though, I’ve made a way to make zenPhoto and wordpress work together. So if you visit the photos here on my site, you’re seeing the photos within my wordpress site but managed by the zenPhoto backend.
I added a set of photos to my Flickr account.
I thought I’d share a wallpaper I made for the desktop of our Service Department manager at Tri-State Electric.
These are a few photos of some random things around the sawmill I’m working on in Boise. The steel has such wonderful worn and weathered textures and the gears, motors, and chains make for some interesting images. These are taken with my Canon A640 and altered slightly in Photoshop.
