help with photo editing

[BMess]

Can anyone give me some suggestions on how to reduce the reflections on this photo? Any other suggestions would be great also. I dont know if the problem is the actual camera work (which I will admit is not the best) or if the problem is the post editing. Something doesn't look right to me and I cant figure out what is wrong.

[turo]

Filters may help reduce the reflections (but obviously must be done while taking the picture, not after).

http://www.photocornucopia.com/1029.html
http://www.imagemaven.com/filters-fo...l-photography/

[dcstep]

Nice finish on the car.

I'd really recommend retaking the pix in open shade with a nice background other than a random apartment parking lot. If you're trying to sell the car, then this'll do, but if you're trying to show what a beautiful car you have, then put some effort into it and move the car to a better venue to show it off. Try to get the shot right out of the camera so that post processing will be less of an overhaul.

If you insist on trying to save this image, then what's your software?

Dave

[BMess]

I use PS CS5.

[Itsed65]

I would second Dave's suggestion to re-shoot with a better background and not in direct sunlight. Cars also tend to photograph better from a lower angle than standing height.

Nice car though

[spanner1751]

Originally Posted by dcstep

Try to get the shot right out of the camera so that post processing will be less of an overhaul.

This.

You also might want to give HDR a try. Although almost universally hated on this forum when overdone, HDR can put detail into the highlights and shadows.

I used Lightroom 5 (free trial here https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/i...shop_lightroom) to tone down the highlights. Hope you don't mind.


3dftw bmw by Spanner1751, on Flickr

[Mik3ymomo]

Get a circular polarizer filter for your lens.

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Mik3ymomo

Get a circular polarizer filter for your lens.

+1

That is the right tool for this job.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by ddk632

+1

That is the right tool for this job.

Given its an SLR.

If you're using a point and shoot, you'll need to litigate the natural light and surroundings or in PS/LR tone down the highlights.

[ddk632]

You can hold it in front of the lens on your point and shoot

[Billup]

LOL, right after you said that, I imagined someone doing that with a bunch of scotch tape.

[Mik3ymomo]

^ it would prob work too!

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by Billup

Given its an SLR.

If you're using a point and shoot, you'll need to litigate the natural light and surroundings or in PS/LR tone down the highlights.

Now c'mon man, we're all friendly here. No need to involve the attorneys

[ddk632]

Originally Posted by ddk632

You can hold it in front of the lens on your point and shoot

Originally Posted by Billup

LOL, right after you said that, I imagined someone doing that with a bunch of scotch tape.

Originally Posted by Mik3ymomo

^ it would prob work too!

Yes it would -- where there's a will there's a way, right? I'd use duct tape, though. There isn't anything that duct tape couldn't fix!

My racing nickname when I was a club motorcycle racer was "Duct Tape Dave"

[Mik3ymomo]

DDK632,

Should have guessed you would be here!

And yea cranking down the highlights in post can help too.
But if its a jpg file from a P&S the editing will only go so far.

Also never look for a solution to a problem taking photos by uttering the words
"I will just fix it in PS".

Its a last resort. Best to just try and shoot it right to begin with.
All the answers have merit though. Sometimes you have no choice except to fix after the fact.

Seeing the car is parked in what looks like the spot in front of the house. Just reshoot it with a polarizer. If you don't know how to use one or are not 100% sure then just google it.
You can control the amount of effect.

Also try shooting from a lower angle.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by ddk632

Yes it would -- where there's a will there's a way, right? I'd use duct tape, though. There isn't anything that duct tape couldn't fix!

My racing nickname when I was a club motorcycle racer was "Duct Tape Dave"

Its amazing what duct tape can do, this guy has the idea;

[img]

I'LL COUNT IT![/img]

[ddk632]

Haha @Mik3ymomo,

Amazing how the interwebz can be a small world for those who share the same interests. I did a double take on your username and thought, "nah, he's always been here".

Now I see your post count and recall where I knew that name from.

Welcome to the BMW off-topic/photo forums! The section here is really active and a bunch of great guys contribute here on a regular basis.

And,

Originally Posted by Mik3ymomo

never look for a solution to a problem taking photos by uttering the words
"I will just fix it in PS".

THIS.

( when possible, of course )

[radix]

I have fixed it. You are welcome.

[Billup]

haha. nice.