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Old 05-31-2007   #1 (permalink)
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Default Curves, a primer needed
Read few articles over time about Curves but just recently been experimenting with it. Let me tell you, that's one impressive tool. Don't know how I did without it all this time.

However, been doing it on a trial & error basis, have no Idea what I'm doing, just play with it till the photo looks good. As such, and to get me (and hopefully others) started, I would appreciate any basic info/hints/tips about using Curves.

Btw, only have it in DPP but I'm sure the general rules apply to all programs.


I know this is too much to ask so any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

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Old 05-31-2007   #2 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
This is my favourit: Cambridge in Colour - Digital Photography Tutorials
Keep curves in mind as well
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Old 05-31-2007   #3 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Major oopps, with capital OPPS. I meant Curves in my original post


I'll edit it now.

(That tells you how primitive my PP skills are).
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Old 05-31-2007   #4 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
well the link from qiv is still a valuable resource.
You should also take a look at this link
and the command primer.
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Old 05-31-2007   #5 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Thanks Rense,

I'll check out your first link, as I've already read the second one long time ago. Doesn't hurt to read it again I guess.
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Old 06-01-2007   #6 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Excellent links, guys. Thanks

The 2nd Rense link is a very good way to get one's feet wet with the Curves tool then one learn more with the other links, especially Qiv's.

Btw Rense, I have your 1st link printed about a month ago and been checking it out from time to time. However, I find it a bit advanced, it seems it's for people who already have an idea about the tool and want to refine/expand their knowledge about it.

Thanks again.
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Old 06-01-2007   #7 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Ron Bigelow has a five part series of articles about curves. Start here: Curves -- Part I.
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Old 06-01-2007   #8 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Ron's tutorials are one of the best.

Since you are a mod John, could you please change the title from Levels to Curves.

Thanks.
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Old 06-01-2007   #9 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Done.
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Old 06-01-2007   #10 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Cheers!
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Old 06-06-2007   #11 (permalink)
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Default Re: Levels, a primer needed
Quote:
Originally Posted by jfrancho View Post
Ron Bigelow has a five part series of articles about curves. Start here: Curves -- Part I.
Great tutorial.....went thru it once, now have to do it while playing in CS2.

Thanks!
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Old 06-06-2007   #12 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
You're welcome - have fun with it!
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Old 06-06-2007   #13 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Wow maybe I will be understnad this tool finally.
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Old 06-06-2007   #14 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Captlen, check out the 2nd of Rense's links, it will demystify Curves in no time.
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Old 06-08-2007   #15 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Have a question.

Are Levels and Curves mutually exclusive. Meaning do you use one or the other or do you use both. If both, which one do you use/recommend to be used first.

Thanks
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Old 06-08-2007   #16 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
They both do virtually the same thing, except in different ways. Curves offer more precision across the exposure band.
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Old 06-08-2007   #17 (permalink)
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Default Re: Curves, a primer needed
Thanks John.

The reason I asked is because I just did a photo in Curves but wasn't 100% happy with the result. Went to levels and gave it a tiny kick and it looked better.

Thanks again.
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Old 06-08-2007   #18 (permalink)
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