I wanted to post some before and after images dealing with my image processing. Over the past decade, I’ve heard and witnessed many stories about how to make sure that the image is properly exposed. The secret is that EVERY image, yes every image needs to be corrected in post-processing (post). This is why those photographers who are simple “Burn and Shoot” types charging $600 for an eight hour wedding and then simply burning the DVD are providing inferior service. Incidentally, hopefully after I’ve described my workflow, you’ll understand why professional photographers charge $20 for an 8×10 image. Before I begin, you should realize that not every image can be changed into a glorious masterpiece no matter how much money you have. For example, I can’t sharpen an already blurry image. However, if you prefer blurry instead of sharp images, I have a perfect Photoshop action ready to go. Other than that, photographers have a myriad of applications to create a unique image based on client feedback as I’ll demonstrate.
To begin, when I photograph, I bring along a Whibal reference card. This an 18% reference card (not gray card) which allows me correct color abnormalitites. There are tricky lighting situations, when a simple switch to 2800K on Canon 580EX II won’t suffice. For example, any photographer can effectively identify the color temperature of a single light source such as flourescent bulbs and apply colored gels to the flash, but no photographer can effectively offset a mixed light situation of a church with both Natural light in the windows and tungsten bulbs and/or florescent tubes. Hence the need for the Whibal card. I began using the card when I started shooting with a great photographer Don Harper of The Edge Photography in Leesburg, VA. Don gave me my wedding photography start and had probably forgotten more about photography than I’ve learned over the past decade. Anyway here is the Whibal card held by my assistant Brian:
WhiBal card held by Brian Trester, Assistant Extraordinaire
Don used the WhiBal and I got into the habit of using it as well. I never appreciated it’s benefits, after all I was shooting RAW and could simply auto correct in post. I went away from the card for a couple of weddings, but found out that my images lacked the ‘punch’ to which I was used and quickly switched back. I’ll show you a little later what benefit it provides. I tend to use the Whibal when I have mixed light situations and whenever I change locations and the lighting changes. Many of the younger photographers, scoff at the idea or hastling with the WhiBal cards, but I guess I’ve learned the hard way.
After shooting, I collect the images from my second photographer and my assistant and upload and catalog them to Adobe Lightroom. I won’t go into much detail about cataloging the images and instead will do a weblog post later. For an average wedding we shoot 1500 – 2000 images. I do a quick run through the images and select those that I think represent the wedding in a storybook format. All of these images are calibrated against the WhiBal reference card. On the left is an example from Monica’s wedding as was taken by the camera under florescent lights. This image obviously doesn’t put her in the best light. I used my WhiBal card and saw a dramatic improvement. Looks better, but the image still lacks the additional punch. I then opened the image in Photoshop and ran Photo Tools 2 Professional from my OnOne Suite 4.5. Notice the improvement in the eyes and better contrast. The images looks good, but there is one more very important step.
To put my brides in the best possible light, i then run a OnOne batch action to smooth skin. Here is an example of a change that is very subtle and may not show up on your monitor, but the change is dramatic in the final print. Notice the skin improvement in the cheeks and forehead. Also, I make sure that the color on my monitor is accurate. I have a 30″ Apple Cinema Display which always renders perfect images and I am able to see how the images would be printed by my Custom Lab. Well that’s it in a nutshell. Of course those of you who are professional photographers realize that I left a very important step and than it is…
…having to repeat the process outlined above for all of the wedding images. This final process could take 6-8 hours depending on the numbers. and the number of corrections. I’ll add a post on some of my favorite actions in Photoshop to really polish off my wedding images.
This is the infrared image of the Polen Farm Barn. The key to IR imagery is the presence of the sun which makes all greenery (grass and trees) glow white and the blues of the sky to appear more vivid. Incidentally, in case anyone was going to try to shoot IR, IR is not good when used with people as the skin appears to be ghostly white and very unattractive. Ashley was a beautiful bride and I didn’t want to take away from that.
…to stick their heads into an empty fridge for additional coolness. 
by Max
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