Curves, a primer needed

[aam1234]

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.

[qiv]

This is my favourit: Cambridge in Colour - Digital Photography Tutorials
Keep curves in mind as well

[aam1234]

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).

[Rense]

well the link from qiv is still a valuable resource.
You should also take a look at this link
and the command primer.

[aam1234]

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.

[aam1234]

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.

[jfrancho]

Ron Bigelow has a five part series of articles about curves. Start here: Curves -- Part I.

[aam1234]

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.

[jfrancho]

Done.

[aam1234]

Cheers!

[RockyPtJoe]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

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!

[jfrancho]

You're welcome - have fun with it!

[captlen]

Wow maybe I will be understnad this tool finally.

[aam1234]

Captlen, check out the 2nd of Rense's links, it will demystify Curves in no time.

[aam1234]

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

[jfrancho]

They both do virtually the same thing, except in different ways. Curves offer more precision across the exposure band.

[aam1234]

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.

[jfrancho]

That is more a function of the user than the actual tool. Let me put it another way, you can basically do anything you can do with levels, using a Curve. The opposite not true.

[aam1234]

Makes good sense, and it's a reminder of the long way to fully understand this great tool.

Guys, if you haven't tried Curves yet then I highly recommend to give it a try. You will be amazed by the results.

[golfer]

I thought curves was part of the glamour section. Glad I read this.