Screening for Diamonds

[Marty E]

I darkened the highlights to reduce the bright background on this environmental shot. Do any other adjustments need to be made? EXIF is f/11, 1/80 sec, ISO-800. Thanks!

[Erik Fransman]

Marty, no photo showing (in my browser)

[Marty E]

Good catch, Erik! Thanks, resubmitted with photo : )

[Marty E]

Two quick questions since I haven’t gotten any feedback. I’m still trying to learn how to read histograms. Is the blue in the main glove overblown, and is there any way to correct it?

[Federico Alegria]

Hi there Marty, could you share the histogram with us?

Here are a couple of pieces on Histograms:

Are You Using Your Histogram to Get Better Photographs?

Histograms: The Key to Perfect Exposure

Don’t mind the dates on them, the logic behind Histograms is still the same :D!

[Marty E]

Hi Federico, thanks so much for the link on histograms! I need to remember to search for past LS articles. Here’s the histogram of the shot I posted. In hindsight, I think I may have had my Canon 90D in Landscape picture style mode which probably increased the red, blue, and green too much for this particular shot. Any thoughts or suggestions, can it be fixed in post-processing?

[Marty E]

I thought I’d experiment a little since I’m in learning mode. I tried tweaking the colors, luminance, brightness & removing the color cast. I couldn’t get rid of the intense blue without ruining the rest of the shot. So I tried converting to black and white (scenic landscape style in Photoshop). From there, I was able to burn and dodge ending with this new result. I’ve included the histogram, is this any better? It was easier to adjust the too-luminous/vibrant/in-your-face blue gloves in black and white, but I’m not sure why. I appreciate any and all feedback you might have. Thanks!

[Falxy]

Hi Marty………just love your image,but need to cut out………….ok what is the focus point and surround to tell the story….cut out the surplus……great capture 🙂

[Marty E]

Hi @falxy! Thanks for your great question & feedback. I cropped in tighter & cloned out the cooler that was a distraction. To me, the story about this guy was that he obviously wasn’t a first-time diamond prospector but an expert who was serious about what he was doing. And the long rubber gloves and apron were evidence of his commitment and willingness to go the extra mile. He was an old pro at it!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Hi Marty, the black and white edit and the crop works perfect in my opinion. The hanging backpack was a distraction 🙂

[Marty E]

Hi Dahlia, thanks for your feedback! I still need to work on remembering about cropping out what doesn’t support the shot’s story. But I’m learning! 🙂

[Erik Fransman]

Marty, getting the Histogram right is a very good start to your post-processing.

My “problem” with your image is that it is called “Screening for Diamonds”, but without the title, I have no idea what he is doing. There is no indication in the image itself.

[Marty E]

Hi Erik, thanks for your feedback. You are absolutely right, it’s impossible to tell what he’s doing from the photo. You can’t see the screen, but only the side of the box. Would “Looking for Diamonds” work any better? Unfortunately, there was no way to get a better angle from higher up on this shot.

[Erik Fransman]

Marty, that Title change doesn’t help.
LS. I would play with the image. Make sure the guy is the hero by making his surroundings a little darker. Also, cut back on the vibrance of the orange cooler behind him. Click image to see it better.

[Marty E]

Hi,  Erik. Thanks, good feedback! Your edits definitely improve it. I got hung up on the blue gloves being overblown (based on a less than stellar understanding of the histogram) & wasn’t sure what else to try. I found out first-hand that diamond prospecting is extremely tedious with only a rare chance of finding a diamond (about the size of a match head in a 37-acre field). What impressed me about this guy was the way he had suited up for the challenge (obviously a long-term investment) & the intensity that he had about doing his work.  Would do it what it takes to increase his odds but still no guarantee.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Agree with Erik. Would have been nice to have a glimpse of what the gentleman is doing, but it is not always possible, especially with environmental and street candids 🙂

[Marty E]

Thank you kindly, Dahlia!

[Graham Hart]

The blue hue is an easy fix Marty (assuming you have Photoshop?) Add a Hue/Saturation layer. This will bring up the adjustment layer’s control box. Click on the little hand symbol with an arrow on each side of it then move it over the blue gloves and drag left to reduce the saturation of that specific colour.

I like the aspect of the full shot but agree that it’s a bit cluttered and dilutes the story you’re aiming for. I did some layering to remove distractions (which may be a bit further down the road for you at this stage – not sure?) Anyhow, here’s my version for your contemplation.

[Marty E]

Hi, Graham. Your version is beautiful! I’m just beginning to learn about layering in PS so your tips are very helpful. Much appreciated, thank you!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

I like this version too 🙂

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

I think that tighter crop is great. Like really good.

[Marty E]

Thanks, Rob! I appreciate your feedback : )

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