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 Is darkroom manipulation totally outdated?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

Multiplication of Image Masking Techniques by a Specialist

For some reason even professional photos make mistakes. Now these mistakes can be corrected on the editing table. Overexposure of a picture is one such mistake. Photoshop software has image masking techniques that a graphic specialist can use. Overexposure causes the picture to look light.  Areas, which have been overexposed, can be darkened one layer at a time. The specialist will first make several duplicates of the original to make the layer mask starting with the background. An even shade of tone can be made with image masking. The image tool is used in the layer. It will have default settings. The layer should be merged to show the final composite. The difference is glaring once the mask is applied. Application of one mask is simple. But when the actual subject is against a crowded backdrop then the task is little complex.

 

Another area where image masking is an invaluable tool is when two pictures need to be blended. Why two images is blended? The reasons differ from one client to another. The job of the specialist is to execute it rather than ask questions. For example there could be one picture of a garden. It needs a value addition. How can it be done? The best way is to add some flowers to it without making it look like the flowers are ‘planted'! It should look natural. The specialist will bring two images one of the garden and the other of a flower or flowers. If they have similar colors it is great or else the color match can also be done as an edit. Now this technique involves multiplication and not just layer masking.  New designers using other software (like Matlab) may not have the feature of multiplication like Photoshop has. A designer specializing in image masking can also create a new clipping path and a shape to the final composition. He is likely to put his analytical skills and create some samples to get the approval of the client. Once he gets the green signal he can continue the editing process. The flower, which needs to be planted, will be selected within a rectangle or oval shape. And the project has become to create a better garden. The other ways to get the same done is via filtering and extraction method too. Then layers and duplicates do all the twin wonders.

 

Experienced artists like to get the pictures in one format, so that the resolution does not differ. Clients are encouraged to experiment with the images they upload for editing. Fashion magazines, catalogues all have some image masking techniques that make the visuals interesting. The dilemma is the unlimited options for creating more appealing images. What's more the low costs do not deter the client from asking the specialist to exercise his skills. This is one reason why some service providers have a great tuning with their clients. The trend now to outsource the work to offshore companies has helped editing companies to produce better results forimage masking.  

About the Author

Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Image Masking | Photoshop Masking | Layer Masking