2nd Digital Meeting of the Session 4th November 08

Barry Pearson presented our second Digital Workshop. He proposed to talk under three headings:

Barry emphasised the importance of not losing any initial data, suggesting that changes should always be made via the non-destructive adjustment layers and layer masks. This built upon the introductory talk by Norman Piper in the 1st Digital meeting. To demonstrate, Barry produced a three layer image, and by selecting a layer mask over part of the top image could see the layer beneath. A similar process applied to the middle layer allowed the bottom layer to be seen. The layer mask worked on a grey scale, whereby White allowed maximum effect and Black minimum (zero) effect.

Accurately selecting part of a complex image could be time-consuming and Barry suggested one should always save one’s selections so that one need not complete a time consuming exercise twice.

Under Colour Management Barry demonstrated the effect of using different colour regimes on the appearance of the image when projected by our Digital projector. Images may have been recorded using, say Adobe RGB, but should be saved as sRGB before using in the projector (which assumes sRGB). Barry has put a page of notes on the WEB (under News & info/Downloads) concerning colour management for the convenience of members.

Barry emphasised the value of the latest version of Adobe LightRoom to Photographers. He found that all his basic manipulations were adequately covered by LightRoom. If need be Adobe PhotoShop could easily be called from within LightRoom to perform those extras manipulations one might require. Though he often invited his audience to interrupt with any questions they might have, it was clear that most folk wished to retire and think more about the many suggestions Barry had made.

Bill Chadband