Review Digital Camera World 01-08-2014

Digital Camera World

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Photoshop effects: how to make high-key portraits and film noir-style photos Jan 8th 2014, 03:00, by samanthacliffe What a difference a few Photoshop settings can make. With simple adjustments to tones, we can take a single image in completely different directions. This is what we'll do here, by giving a portrait shot two looks that are polar opposites in style. First, we'll aim for a bright and breezy high-key portrait effect with blown-out skin and soft, hazy detail. Then we'll go for a dark, moody film-noir treatment, complete with shadows cast by the light from an imaginary blind. Our before image We'll begin by preparing our portrait with a few retouching techniques in Camera Raw to remove spots, soften skin and improve the eyes. Then we're ready for the first of our two treatments. High-key images typically feature blown-out highlights, desaturated colours and soft shadows. We'll use the settings in Camera Raw to achieve this before finishing it in Photoshop. Take two Then it's on to the second treatment, a moody film noir effect. This is done by converting the image to black and white, then adding shadows that look like they've been cast by a blind. Both effects involve key Photoshop skills, including Smart Objects, Layer Masks and the Adjustment Brush; but If you're keen to try out just one effect, the high-key treatment starts at step 5 and the film noir effect on step 9. SEE MORE: 50 free Photoshop actions for portrait photographers How to make high-key portraits and film noir-style images in Photoshop 1. Open and remove spots Download our start image and follow along! Open our tutorial image noir_before.dng in Camera Raw. Grab the Spot Removal tool from the Toolbar, and begin by removing any spots, blemishes and marks over the face and hat. Next grab the Crop tool and crop in slightly tighter to the girl's face.   2. Soften the skin Grab the Adjustment Brush from the Toolbar, and zoom in close to the face. Click on the cheek to set a pin. Go to the settings on the right and set Clarity to -80. Make sure that all the other sliders are reset, then paint over the rest of the skin on the cheeks and forehead.   3. Boost the iris Click New in the top right, then click over the left iris to set another pin. This time you need to set the sliders as follows: Clarity to +42, Exposure to +2.30 and Saturation to 74. Paint over the iris, then switch to Erase in the top right and paint to remove the pupil from the mask.   4. Make a snapshot Click New again. Set Shadows to -24 and then paint over the lashes on the right eye to darken them slightly. Next, double-click the Hand tool to zoom out, then go to the Snapshot Panel which is located on the right side. Click New Snapshot and name it 'Retouched'.   5. The high-key look Go to the Basic Panel and set Exposure to +1.65, Contrast to +15, Highlights to -12, Shadows to +73, Whites to -78, Blacks to -44, Clarity to +37 and Saturation to -40. Now you need to click the HSL Grayscale Panel and go to Luminance, then set both Oranges and Yellows to +28.   6. Darken the hat The tonal shift has left the hat looking washed out, so grab the Adjustment Brush again. Go to the settings and tick Auto Mask, then paint over the hat. Set Exposure to -1.20, Shadows to -23 and Saturation to +42. Hold down Shift and click the Open Object button at the bottom right.   7. Soften the image In Photoshop, bring up the Layers Panel then press Ctrl/Cmd+J to copy the bottom layer. Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur and set Radius to 7px then click OK. Next, go to the Layers Panel and change the blending mode from Normal to Soft Light, then set Opacity to 50%.   8. Copy Smart Object Now we're ready to get going with our second treatment, which is a moody noir effect. Right-click the bottom layer and choose New Smart Object via Copy, then drag the copy to the top of the stack. Double-click the layer thumbnail to send the image back into Camera Raw.   9. Remove the colour Click on the Snapshot Panel and click the 'Retouched' Snapshot that we made earlier in step 4. Next you need to go over to the HSL/Grayscale Panel and click Convert to Grayscale, then set Oranges to +15 and Yellows to +30. When you've done this, click OK to return to Photoshop.   10. Make a selection Make a new layer, then grab the Polygonal Lasso tool. Starting at the top-left corner of your image, click from one side of the image to the other to make a series of horizontal strips running across it, then click back on the start point to close the selection.   11. Add a gradual blur Right-click in the selection and choose Fill. Set Use to Black and press OK, then Ctrl/Cmd+D to deselect. Next, go to Filter>Blur>Field Blur. Drag the circle over to the left side and set Blur to 230px, then click on the right side to set another circle and set Blur to 180px. Click OK.   12. Transform the lines Press Ctrl/Cmd+T to transform the layer. Hold Ctrl/Cmd and drag the corner points to skew the lines so that they look like they're following the angle of the wall. Zoom out to see the box if necessary. When you're happy with your adjustments, press Enter to apply.   13. Select the figure Hide the top layer and highlight the layer below, then grab the Quick Selection tool. Paint over the background to select it, then go to Select>Inverse to select the person. Click the Refine Edge button at the top and set Feather to 5. Choose Output to: New Layer and click OK.   14. Lower the exposure Reveal and highlight the first black-and-white layer below, then hold Ctrl/Cmd and click the thumbnail of the hidden black lines layer in order to load its shape as a selection. Next, you need to click the Create New Layer icon and choose Exposure. Set Exposure to -6.00.   15. Clip the layer Hold Alt and drag the Exposure layer above the layer of the cutout person to copy it, then hold Alt and click the line between the two layers to clip the adjustment to the cutout layer. Next, click the link between the mask and thumbnail on the top Exposure layer to unlink it.   16. Warp the face lines We're going to warp the shadows across the face so that they're offset from the lines on the wall. To do this you need to highlight the mask thumbnail on the top exposure layer, then go to Edit>Transform>Warp. Drag the box to warp the shadow, then press Enter to apply.   17. Fine tune the masks Highlight the mask thumbnail on the lower Exposure Layer, then grab the Brush tool. Set the colour to black and press 3 for 30% Opacity, then paint to tone down the shadows around the edges and in the figure's shadow. Highlight the top Exposure layer's mask and do the same.   18. Darken the edges Make a new layer and grab the Gradient tool. Set the colour to black, then click the gradient preview and choose the Foreground to Transparent preset. Drag in from the edges to darken them down. Finally, add a Curves Adjustment Layer and make an S-shaped curve line to boost contrast.   Our final image READ MORE Photoshop effects: how to mimic studio lighting for stylish portraits How to recreate the look of a medium format portrait Orton Effect: try this quick soft-focus Photoshop trick 13 photo editing mistakes every photographer makes (and what you can do about it) Nikon D3300: price, release date, official specs revealed Jan 7th 2014, 15:43, by jmeyer Nikon has unveiled its latest entry-level DSLR, the Nikon D3300. The 24.2-megapixel Nikon D3300 price tag will be £499.99 / €599.99/$650 upon its 6 Feb release date. Among the key features of this Nikon D3200 successor are a body which is 30% smaller and 25% lighter. The change in size comes largely from the Nikon D3300 18-55mm VRII kit lens – the kit comes with a price tag of £599.99 / €719.00 – which offers a retracting barrel. Like its other recent new DSLR launches, Nikon has removed the optical low pass filter from the Nikon D3300, which should help the camera capture finer details. Other key features of the Nikon D3300 include a native ISO range from 100-12,800, expandable up to ISO 25,600, an EXPEED 4 processing engine, 5fps continuous shooting, an 11-point AF system with a cross-type sensor in the centre and a 420-pixel RGB metering sensor with Nikon’s Scene Recognition System. Nikon D3300 price: £499.99 / €599.99/$650 (body only) Nikon D3300 release date: 6 Feb 2014 Official Nikon D3300 announcement Nikon has announced the Nikon D3300, a new entry-level DSLR to its line-up. Powerful, comfortable to carry and effortless to operate, the small and lightweight Nikon D3300 allows you to enjoy superior D-SLR image quality whilst keeping things simple. From low-light scenes to beautiful portraits, Nikon's acclaimed Guide Mode continues to help photographers understand camera settings and learn the basics so it's easy to capture great photos and movies. An impressive feature set means the D3300 is able to capture remarkable detail and deliver clear images, especially when shooting at high ISOs in dark situations. Advancements include the 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor designed without an optical low pass filter (OLPF), a wider ISO range (up to ISO 12,800) and Nikon's powerful new EXPEED 4 image processor, plus faster continuous shooting speeds of up to 5 frames-per-second. In addition, the new D3300 NIKKOR kit lens is smaller and more portable than previous entry level models and Nikon's wireless mobile adapter makes it easy to share photos that will stand out from the smartphone crowd on any social network. Simon Iddon, Senior Product Manager for Consumer D-SLR, at Nikon UK, says: "The Nikon D3300 is an excellent choice for budding photographers at the start of their D-SLR journey. The new camera is easy to use and, with features such as Guide Mode that offers step-by-step assistance, beginners and hobbyists alike will find their skills improve as their passion for photography grows." He adds: "The strong combination of a high-resolution sensor and high ISO ensures superb image quality whilst the ability to share photos via mobile devices makes the D3300 the perfect tool to capture life's special moments." Incredible image quality The image sensor is the heart of a camera, and the D3300 is a camera with a big heart. Its 24.2-megapixel sensor is specifically designed without an optical low-pass filter, so it can capture even the finest details and textures with stunning sharpness. Images are remarkably clear, especially when captured with a NIKKOR lens. Thanks to the powerful new EXPEED 4 image processor and a ISO range that now offers up to ISO 12,800 (extendable to 25,600 equivalent) even images shot in dark situations at high ISOs are beautifully rendered and exceptionally clean, with rich gradation. Fast moving action, and fleeting movements or expressions can be captured at exactly the right moment thanks to continuous shooting speeds of up to 5 frames-per-second. And no matter how quick the pace is, focus is always spot-on thanks to the 11-point AF system, which boasts a cross-type sensor in the centre for greater accuracy. Guide Mode: Step-by-step assistance Nikon's acclaimed Guide Mode will help unleash your inner photographer. Offering clear step-by-step explanations and inspiring sample images that illustrate the desired result, Guide Mode shows beginners, as well as those who want to learn more, exactly how to shoot great photos and movies. Easily accessible through the mode dial found on top of the camera body, Guide Mode can be used to learn how to set-up the camera, and shoot, view, delete or even retouch images. Aspiring photographers can also learn how to take portraits with beautiful background blur, freeze the action or obtain clear shots in low light. Because it asks the user what kind of photo or movie they would like to capture, Guide Mode has been widely acclaimed for its ability to build confidence in budding photographers and make it easy for anyone to learn how to master key features and controls without ever needing to open the camera manual! Special Effects The camera's new Special Effects mode makes it easy to add a touch of artistry to photos and movies. With 13 different effects to choose from, users can have a lot of fun shooting distinctive photos and movies. Options include Pop, which brightens colours by increasing the saturation; Toy Camera, which creates a retro effect; and Easy Panorama, which creates spectacular panoramas of vast landscapes or city skylines. Effects are incredibly simple to apply and can be previewed in real time on the large LCD screen while shooting. The joy of Full HD movies: D-Movie The Nikon D3300 doesn't just make it easy to capture great photos; this camera makes it wonderfully simple to record stunning movies too. The camera's D-Movie function can record Full HD movie footage at frame rates up to 50p/60p with continuous autofocus, delivering smooth recordings of even fast-moving action, plus a remarkable level of sharpness and clarity. A one-touch movie record button makes it easy to begin and the built-in stereo microphone—plus compatibility with Nikon's external ME-1 Stereo Microphone—results in movies that don't just look good, but sound great as well. Easy connectivity  Photos taken with the Nikon D3300 can be sent directly from the camera to any iOS™ or Android™ smart device1, ready for easy upload to social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Thanks to the impressive image quality, the photos won’t fail to attract attention! Also incredibly useful for shooting photos, the Wi-Fi function makes it possible to use the smart device to preview scenes, or control the camera remotely and capture some great self-portraits. Intelligent design for intuitive operation Nikon's superior ergonomics, clear menus, and one-touch buttons for frequently used functions like D-Movie and Live View make operation quick and intuitive. The 7.5 cm (3-in.) LCD monitor with wide-viewing angle and 921K-dot resolution offers incredibly clear images, and the new 'i' button, conveniently located on the back of the camera makes it possible to bypass the main menu in order to quickly change settings while shooting. The clear, wide optical viewfinder (offering approximately 95% frame coverage and 0.85x magnification) makes it easy to capture perfectly timed photographs, especially when shooting fast action from a distance. And, new to the D3300, users shooting through the viewfinder can choose between a classic interface and a graphic interface that animates settings for more intuitive operation. Small system Small in size but big on image quality, the Nikon D3300 makes it more appealing than ever to use a D-SLR. Thanks to the new small and retractable NIKKOR 18–55mm VR kit lens, the D3300 is a much more compact to carry than many other D-SLRs. The incredibly lightweight body weighs just 410 g (without memory card or battery) and is available in black, red or grey. Despite its small dimensions, a large comfortable grip makes it easy to get a firm hold on the camera. NIKKOR, Speedlight, and system compatibility One of the greatest advantages to shooting with a Nikon D-SLR is Nikon's wide range of NIKKOR lenses and powerful yet easy-to-use system accessories that are compatible with the Nikon D3300. NIKKOR lenses are renowned across the world for their optical performance, and the D3300 is compatible with the full range of DX-format lenses. From compact zooms that are perfect for general use or travel, to fast prime lenses that enable beautiful bokeh (background blur), as well as wide-angle and micro lenses, there is a lens for every situation. Whichever you choose, you can enjoy the precision and flexibility to make the most of the camera's 24.2-megapixel resolution and capture photos and movies with vivid colour and striking contrast. In addition to lenses, the Nikon SB-300 Speedlight is a compact and lightweight external flash unit that offers beginners an easy way to achieve beautifully lit images. Use it to add impact to daylight images, enhance twilight shots, or expose more subject detail in backlit situations Summary of Key Features ·         24.2-megapixel DX-format sensor with no OLPF ·         Guide Mode: Clear, step-by-step assistance ·         Superb low-light performance: ISO 100–12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600 equivalent) ·         Fast and powerful EXPEED 4 image processing engine ·         5 fps continuous shooting ·         Razor-sharp 11-point AF system with a cross-type sensor in the centre ·         420-pixel RGB metering sensor with Nikon's Scene Recognition System ·         D-Movie: Full HD movies at frame rates up to 50/60p ·         Built-in microphone and compatibility with Nikon's ME-1 Stereo Microphone ·         Easy wireless connectivity: Via Nikon's Wu-1a Mobile Adapter ·         Special Effects mode: 13 distinctive effects for still images and movies ·         6 Scene Modes ·         Large LCD screen: 7.5 cm (3.0-in.) with wide-viewing angle and 921K-dot resolution ·         Optical viewfinder with approximately 95% frame coverage and 0.85x magnification ·         Small, lightweight body: Approx. 124×98×75.5 mm. Weighs just 410 g (without battery and memory card) ·         Small, retractable kit lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR II ·         Stable grip for secure handling ·         Choice of three body colours: Black, red, and grey ·         Expandable system: Compatible with the full range of NIKKOR DX-format lenses and entry-level Nikon Speedlights READ MORE 49 awesome photography tips and time savers Breaking bad photo habits: 10 classic blunders (and how to fix them) 99 common photography problems (and how to solve them) Famous Photographers: 100 things we wish we knew starting out 10 common exposure problems every photographer faces (and how to overcome them)

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