AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
I am currently writing a book for Adobe Press on composite artwork using Photoshop CS4.
Experience I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
ANSWER: Thanks for your question, Ossi. It's entirely possible that the shot was made on a cloudy day, since the light seems very diffuse. The photographer notes that there was "just enough light", which leads me to believe she was using a higher ISO, say 400-800. But with just natural ambient light, you would not get quite the saturation you see in the photo (not from a typical digital camera, anyway).
Starting from an evenly lit, properly exposed image with diffuse light, one could replicate this look using Curves adjustments in Photoshop. The idea is simply to increase contrast and saturation, and then sharpen carefully. There is some additional burning along the edges to enhance the vignette, and indeed the photographer mentions that "most of the vignette was natural in camera". However, you can see straight edges that have been darkened, so that is clearly a post-processing effect.
If I had to guess, I'd say the photographer did most of her adjustments in LAB space.
It should be noted that making changes which were common place in darkrooms is generally considered "minimal processing", and even sharpening is now in this group. So, dodging and burning, sharpening, and even contrast and saturation (if kept mostly natural) are all fair game for "traditional" photographers.
I hope this answers your question - if not, please feel free to follow up!
-Scott
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Scott,
First, thank you for your quick and detailed answer.
You wrote: "the photographer did most of her adjustments in LAB space".
Do you mean she worked in "lab color mode"?
Thanks much,
Ossi
Answer Hi Ossi,
Yes, you are correct. Lab is a "color space", though many times mode and space are interchanged. Lab is Photoshop's native color space, and separates the typical color channels into Lightness, A and B. A and B do not stand for anything, they are just labels for the two channels of color information.
