Darkroom Manipulation Vs Digital Photo Manipulation

They say the brightest of images are born in darkness. But the days are gone when the photographer's dark room used to be a chamber of secrets. The world has accepted photo manipulation as a coveted art form. Whether for commercial or personal purpose, it is an integral process. The advent of digital photography has played a major part in it. Developers have handed over a magic stick in the form of photo editing software. With the simple tools and techniques that these software offer, anyone can turn to the art of image manipulation.

So what is Photo Manipulation? From restoration jobs to enhancement measures, the removal of unwanted elements and introducing the image to a new background, all come under its gambit during processing. The enhanced uses of several techniques make it possible to serve different purposes. Be it for commercial purpose where image are used for advertising or personal archives, where perfect images are much in demand.

Photo manipulation and modern techniques

In early years of photo industry, the photographers would follow simple techniques to manipulate photos. But, at present cutting age technology is used to create prefect results. It also includes texts and graphics as well. The crux of image editing is associated with software used for this purpose. The extensive use of software like Adobe Photoshop and Coral draw have brought in the change in the way world looked towards images.  Many innovative tools like clipping path, image masking, photo retouching are used too. The software can also be used to introduce 3D effects. This is particularly used in case of commercial photography. To add, a beautiful background or to remove one is a tactful job for the editor.

The scope is as varied as the human imagination. One of the best uses is to restore old photos. Often some parts of old photos get destroyed. With correct tool at hand they can be recreated to appear realistic. To create a composite image using elements of many different images is not only fun but is an artistic expression. As for the editors, they need to be ethical in their work. It is the element of honesty that helps the career further. Whether ‘doctoring', ‘altering', or tweaking is done, it should not be deceiving at any point. Fake pictures only give bad press. But a good visual attracts compliments.

 Is darkroom manipulation totally outdated?

To the amazement of many, it is still in practice. Though they are a few in number but some artists still believe that the darkroom is indeed a chamber of secret. And they create magic out of it. It is interesting to note that most of the modern digital techniques have been picked up from darkroom techniques. When these techniques are used in its original form, the result is mind-blowing. The only difference is that digital photo editing is easier as compared to the darkroom techniques. And the digital techniques are for everyone but to create images in darkroom need special expertise.

So, while darkroom represents the mystery of the past, the digital techniques hold the reins of future.

About the Author

Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Photo Manipulation | Image Manipulation | Photoshop Photo Manipulaton

Beginner's Guide to Photoshop Quick Mask

The recently introduced Photoshop CS5 has all the editing tools that can help even an apprentice. For a new comer, the best thing would be to first scroll through the entire apparatus and its offerings. Once familiarized with the structure, it begins to reveal its magic to the user. Take a look at the panels and palette. This will help build the confidence and stack the images that need to be worked on. It is like creating a space ‘up and around', like a preparation ground. While it is easy for the apprentice to get overwhelmed with the number of tools that can be used for editing, the need of masking can be a spoiler. It takes time to adjust to this technique. It can be mastered over a period of time with different projects. One can then learn the basics, quick masking for layer adjustment or for clipping path. Depending on the image that lands up on the editing table the designer can manipulate which masks will be useful.

 

What is Quick Mask?

 

Certainly it does not happen in a jiffy nor does it conjure the final image as espresso coffee.   It is actually a method whereby the editor needs to select the subject, which needs to be actually masked. It is not intended to conceal or overtly expose any aspect of the image in particular. This tool is usually used when difficulty arises in using the lasso or marquee. Take a shortcut on the keyboard and press "Q" to start the project. Black color can be used for the foreground for the painting. Since painting is going to be used, the brushes of varying hardness and thickness can be selected also. The image area that needs masking can be brushed up. It can either be isolated completely or the rough edges can be refined later. When "Q" is pressed again the area looks selected (notice the marching ants). Copy, cut and paste where every required. The recipe was simple and quick.

 

The quick mask is applied in conjunction with the clipping mask. The clipping mask is fluid like water and can take the shape of any object in the image. It can be applied to a text also to create effect. The quick mask can be likened to a digital mask tape. It brings together areas, which are selected and not selected when editing is being done.  This is one way to ensure that while one part of the image is being changed the rest remain the same. With the change of opacity of edges also one is able to produce clearer and sharper pictures. This is a great way for the new comers to get introduced to the Photoshop features and work confidently. There are many clients who are looking for affordable photo editing services. Offshore photo editing firms have a combination of apprentices and senior designers who are able to work together to help many kinds of clients for diverse needs. With their large portfolio they are able to provide a range of services fordigital imaging needs.

About the Author

Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Quick Mask | Graphic Design | Clipping Mask

Clipping Paths Optimization for Images

To understand why only professionals can handle the workload one must become a visitor/user of the imaging needs. This will help one to realize how elements like clipping paths optimization can prove to be beneficial. Despite the fact that there are many websites created, those are visually attractive. If one looks at the design element the images are more from the client's purpose and not the user who us the end consumer. Sometimes simple images are the most skipped ones. Highlighting them with the help of clipping path can give them a virtual makeover.  Designers who work in harmony chose from an array of tools. Basic and multiple/color clipping paths are used with the help of Photoshop tools.

 

One of the major images editing where such tools are needed is for pictures of jewelry and objects, which need to have boundaries. Attractive looking jewelry gets sold faster and online jewelers know the advantages of clipped images. Photographers take pack shots of jewelry items. Sometimes the clips, wax or other paraphernalia also appear on the pack shot. They need to be detached and it is not user responsive at all. With the use of this the importance of a good backdrop is not ruled out. After the clipping paths are used the need to place the image on the right background is essential. To enhance the quality of the image, the designer will have to play around with color schemes and effects to get the optimum effect. Just like SEO optimization, even clipping path optimization can be helpful to any client. A client may have a customized background, which he is familiar with. Sometimes it works as the user or visitor can recognize it easily. But a new option can also be explored as an experiment.

 

At the post-processing suite, the tracing of the path is done patiently. When the outlines are traced they can have rough edges or soft edges depending on the requirement.  The contours are developed with precession. A well-defined edge also can be made. The path can be made inside the image also. Hollow, donut shape, fillers can be created according to the demands of the image. Filtering in the right junctures is also a possibility for some editing. Sometimes the clipped path looks like a ‘cut-out' and not natural. But an experienced artist can do it effortlessly. He is able to optimize the contours with the right background. The job can be tedious and when many images need to be used in the virtual gallery, a battery of patient DTP workers is required. For cost effect solutions it is best to have such operations done with an offshore provider. It is the best way to cut costs and also get the work done faster.

 

There was a time when clipping path services were avoided. But now the digital technology has improved and designers are happy to do the work effortlessly. In fact they are innovative in their final presentation. Walk the cyber path to try a reliable offshore company.

 

About the Author

Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive
DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Clipping Path Specialist, Clipping Path India, Vector Image India