P4 Edit Photographic Images

Below includes the various editing techniques used throughout this unit to achieve the final presented images, I have included four videos, one is the full process I went through from start to finish for an image, as well as one for blemish removal, below that is focused on simple airbrushing, and finally reveals a wider range of editing techniques I have used.

Fitness for Purpose

To achieve consistency within my final images, I opted to make similar adjustments and use the same editing techniques for all images. This allowed me to present images that would be fit for purpose. As well as this I included the brand's logo and trademark on every image, this was to assure it was clear what brand (magazine) the images were for. 

The video below shoes an edit for one of my final images, this includes change tones, saturations, highlights and curves, as well as simple airbrushing.



Below is a description of the video shown above. Although the video shows exactly what I have done in the editing process, the bullet points below explain what I am doing in more detail.

• Firstly I duplicated the background layer and converted this to a smart layer. This means that I can re-adjust the filters applied to this layer if i need to later on. 

• To ensure I wasn’t editing the original file, i created a new layer to retouch on. This meant that if i made any mistakes I was easily able to amend them.  I used a variety of tools on this layer to remove any blemishes from the skin. the tools included, Clone tool, Patch tool and Spot removal.

• I added a photofilter which is the colour red. This will simply increase the contrast of the image after the next step.

• I then added a black and white layer above the photofilter layer which changed the image to greyscale, but did not alter the background layer. By adding all of these as individual layers, meant I will always have the option to go back and change the file at any point. I could have converted the original image to black and white but I would not have been able to easily convert it back to colour should I need to.

• The next adjustment layer I created is a curve which increased the contrast to the whole image.

• This final curve I created is the final layer in the file. It created really strong contrast over the whole image, but this isn’t the desired look I was after. So I inverted the layer mask to black which blocks out the whole mask.This meant I could easily see exactly where I needed to use a feathered white brush to select in the area of her hair in which I want the contrast to be.

The editing techniques shown in the above video were used to enhance the high quality images that I was able to take, and this therefore allowed me to convey the meaning and theme of my photo shoot. This is presenting the model's beauty, as well as conveying her success, lifestyle and happiness from the various editing techniques. 

Removing Spots and Blemishes

This is a very simple process on photoshop. In fact installed within the programme is a 'spot remover tool'

I am simply placing my cursor over the spot or blemish, and selecting it. This then replaces the area with another section from the images that matches the skin tone, removing the imperfection completely. This editing technique was essential in reflecting the model's true beauty, and resulted in the ability to publish an image with no marks, blemishes or spots that unfortunately may not be attractive to many readers. Allowing me to keep the fitness for purpose, which is achieving images of high standards that convey beauty, fashion and success.

The video below shows the various editing techniques that I may use when editing my final images, this is focused on airbrushing. 

The image above shows the editing process for one of my final images. After completing the standard editing process already explained, I altered the curve of the image, which simply resulted in the alteration of tone and contrast, which allowed me to create a greater contrast, ensuring I had a distinctive image.

Placement of ELLE Logo - Superimposition of Text 

To achieve the highest quality image, I opted to find and produce the highest quality Elle logo possible. After sourcing the logo I then continued with a few simple editing techniques to look of professional standard.

Firstly I had to import and resize the logo, which using the 'cmd  T' shortcut enables me to complete very quickly. When resizing holding shift causes the form of the logo to stay the same, simply reducing the size of the logo, but not altering the shape. This process is shown below, the process of superimposition.

Next I had to remove the background. For this step I simply selected the 'Magic Eraser Tool', then highlighted the areas in which I wanted the background removed, resulting in an ELLE logo with no background, which increased the quality of my final images.

Furthermore, I erased parts of the ELLE logo that were placed in front of the initial image, a technique completed by most high quality fashion magazine, showing the highly recognised logo, however removing different parts of letters that fall in front of the model. Below shows the process of erasing the logo, using the Eraser tool.

By zooming in (spacebar + cmd shortcut) I was able to erase the logo to create an interesting effect, meaning I can cause the ELLE logo to look as though it is placed behind the model. This is due to a small shadow created by individual strands of hair.

Editing Practise

Above is a curve (photoshop) from one of my final images in P5. Curves affect tones and contrast, and therefore by editing the shape of the curve slightly can change an image dramatically. I have changed the curve for every individual final image, to be consistent and keep continuity for every image I had to bear in mind what I had done on previous images, however as lighting had been altered at different points within my photographic shoot, I had to edit curves to match tones and contrast for every image. 

Framing

Below shows an example of the alteration of frames.  One of the more simple editing processes included the alteration of framing. For this image I felt there was slightly too much space above the model's head, and there was a change in background at the top of the image. This was altered to keep a consistent background and improve the framing of the image, ensuring the photograph looked high quality. I selected the cropping tool (shown above on the left toolbar) which brought up a grid on my image, enabling me to frame my image with the finest precision. For all the images, especially due to the fact I was developing magazine covers, I had to take into great consideration the rule of thirds. In many cases, including the image below I did not exactly match the rule of thirds, which resulting the creating a more interesting, captivating image. Following techniques used by many photographers, I initially framed my images using the rule of thirds, then simply altered the framing slightly to capture images that would draw the attention of readers and audiences. 

As well as this, the curve has been altered on the image to achieve a more contrasting, sharp image. Below shows the change in curves, from the lighter curve (original) and the darker curve (new).

This shows the editing process for one of my final images. After completing the standard editing process already explained, I altered the curve of the image, which simply resulted in the alteration of tone and contrast, which allowed me to create a greater contrast, ensuring I had a distinctive image.

Surface Blur for Airbrushing

Airbrushing was one of the most essential parts of my editing process. Every image for the final shortlist will be airbrushed to create a professional, smooth image. 

1.

Defining and retouching

Firstly, select filter, blur then surface blur. This will bring up the next step, which will help you begin the airbrushing process.

2.

The surface blur box will come up on screen. It is personal preference as to what radius and threshold you choose. This simply creates a ratio that causes a certain amount of surface blur on the image. Keeping it relatively small and a similar number allows for simplicity and a more natural look.

Comparison Below:

Before

 After

It is clear that the second image is smoother, this is created by the surface blur, however if it was left like this, images would look unnatural and unprofessional.

3.

Select filter, blur and then Gaussian Blur to create a slightly more shadowed affect.

4.

Sharpening

Finally, to create the perfectly airbrushed image, you will need to define certain areas on the image so they are not too blurred and looking unnatural.

To do this, select the eraser tool.

Then, size of the eraser is a personal preference but I recommend it is kept small so only minor alterations are done every time.

Hardness should be decreased or increased to around 30%

5.

Furthermore, rub out all areas that you wish to be defined, this should also include facial features such as eyebrows, bottom of nose and nostrils, eyes, mouth, hair and ears. If these are left with just a surface blur it will look unnatural.

Before

 After

The before image shows the eye and eyebrow with the blur filters added. It is clear this creates a smooth surface on all of the image, however to achieve the most defined and professional image, erasing some surface blur will help define areas. In the 'after' image, I have erased the blur filters from the image, however used a smaller brush size to assure I am only erasing specific areas, beneath the eye and surrounding the eye brow is still blurred and smooth.




Removing Light and Reflections from Eye

Here I have edited various images to change their overall look. For example, the image of the apples was originally in colour, but then I changed saturation to -100, resulting in a monochrome image. After adding a new layer, I have re-added the colour but for only one apple. This is called isolation of colour. 

Before

After

Skin and Eye Edit - Colour Replacement

Isolation of Colour 2

Before

After

Text Editing

Above I have completed a simple text edit, allowing me to create a more effective and captivating title. By firstly adding a dropped shadow, this instantly creates a 3-D effect, drawing the viewers eye. However I have also added a clipping mask, resulting in a shadowed effect, again making the text more appealing. After changing the font I ended up with the image above. Simple yet captivating.