PERFORM CREATIVE EDITING
Use the many post-processing tools available for imaginative, unique styles
Due to the highly graphic properties of many architectural images, these subjects lend themselves to a broad spectrum of experimental processing techniques. Whether this involves introducing unnatural colour casts and split toning, or removing colour completely for black and white photographs, it helps to be aware of the options available to you and when each will work best.
the use of post-processing software is subject to ongoing scrutiny and is potentially controversial, especially where it involves making changes to well-known scenes. in urban photography we have to be extra vigilant that we do not compromise the integrity of our shots to the extent that they are unusable. this is especially applicable when the end goal is to publish files on a commercial basis. it is essential that we balance creativity with truthfulness. the key corrections that are likely to be applied regularly to architectural shots should be free from these constraints. these surround modifications to exposure, colour and sharpness, to improve the overall image quality and impact. While there may be some degree of variance, the professional photographers’ processing workflow usually follows a recognisable schedule.
starting with raW processing software, the highlight and shadow control tools in these applications are used to balance the tonal range of the image, to produce a file with good amounts of information in the brightest and darkest areas. colour is most frequently balanced at this stage too, due to the freedom of white balance choice that the raW format provides. Lens aberrations and perspective distortions are also best corrected here, being applied non-destructively. For essential retouching (such as removal of dust spots or, if necessary, removal of telephone cables and other distracting elements) it is most effective to move into Photoshop, or an equivalent application. Once here, work on effects and stylising can begin. Deciding on your approach early on will minimise the need to back-track or save multiple versions of your image, which can be necessary if late-stage editing introduces blown highlights or image noise for example. two main editing routes are to focus on colour, contrast and tone or to place more emphasis on detail and texture. While this choice may be influenced by the lighting conditions present at the time of shooting, aligning or contrasting your editing approach will give differing ‘looks’. Black and white processing tends to suit scenes that already contain a good degree of contrast, and while this can accentuate texture, it is equally effective where deep tones are deemed more desirable than absolute detail. Forward thinking will maximise success.
“in urban photography we have to be vigilant to not compromise
the integrity of our shots”