Merton College Doorways

[Blithe]

I really liked the textures that showed in these photographs, but struggled somewhat with the light. Any suggestions?

[JonMikal]

Re: Merton College Doorways

very nice framing the interior provided.
because of the difficult lighting, this image would have been a candidate for HDR.

did you by chance shoot this in RAW format?

[lumix]

Re: Merton College Doorways

very nice framing the interior provided.
because of the difficult lighting, this image would have been a candidate for HDR.

did you by chance shoot this in RAW format?

All is not lost here. As suggested HDR would really be best but even a little selective adjustment also works. If you have the RAW file make two or three images at different exposure settings and blend them together. You can also do this with Jpegs by adjusting in levels and saving each result and blending them all for final image. Not as good as RAW but would be another alternative.

[Blithe]

Re: Merton College Doorways

Thanks for the replies Jon and Ron.

I have looked at HDR images with admiration, on these forums and elsewhere, but have little knowledge about the technique. Yes, I have started to shoot in raw much more now but, unfortunately when down in Oxford I was trying to save memory - yes I know flash cards are relatively inexpensive now - I will learn.

At first when I looked at how you processed the image Ron I thought great, then I realised how a lot of the subtle tones had disappeared, but it has made me realise that I must try harder and not be put off going a little bit further than I think is necessary. I will try again and blend more layers to try to achieve the effect I would like. Part of the appeal of these old buildings is the wonderful soft coloured stonework. I really wish now I had taken more exposures. (I could have done without the scaffolding too.)

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

[lumix]

Re: Merton College Doorways

Thanks for the replies Jon and Ron.

I have looked at HDR images with admiration, on these forums and elsewhere, but have little knowledge about the technique. Yes, I have started to shoot in raw much more now but, unfortunately when down in Oxford I was trying to save memory - yes I know flash cards are relatively inexpensive now - I will learn.

At first when I looked at how you processed the image Ron I thought great, then I realised how a lot of the subtle tones had disappeared, but it has made me realise that I must try harder and not be put off going a little bit further than I think is necessary. I will try again and blend more layers to try to achieve the effect I would like. Part of the appeal of these old buildings is the wonderful soft coloured stonework. I really wish now I had taken more exposures. (I could have done without the scaffolding too.)

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

Blithe the image I posted was just a quick selective levels adjustment. Try making three images:- one too light, one about right and another too dark. Blend them together I'm sure you will get just what you want.

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Merton College Doorways

Hope you don't mind people editing your photos for the purpose of making visual suggestions, edited it in Virtual Photographer for Sepia toning & effects!

[Blithe]

Re: Merton College Doorways

Hello Jocelyn. No I don't mind at all anyone editing my photographs. In fact seeing yours made me think about applying a filter, which in the end I only applied over the bright highlights, as I like the interior stonework as it is. I found the sepia effect much too heavy for my taste. I am still playing, but this is nearer what it was actually like. (Of course only I can know that.)