How to make digital shots look like film shots?

[robertdavid]

Hi,

I have a lot of color film shots taken with Fuji Superia ISO 200 and I also have a lot of shots taken with my Nikon D80.

I'm working on a book and I'd like to ask how I should go about making the digital shots look similar to the film in terms of graininess or texture, because there is definitely a difference but it would make sense for the pictures to have a similar look and feel throughout the book.

Here is a large digital shot


Here is a close up crop of grain (or lack thereof) in the same shot



Now here is a film shot in a very similar place.



And a close up zoom crop to see the texture I'd like to see in the digital shots:

[angelsfort]

I don't know if it's just my monitor, but the two shots look the same to me... before you zoomed on them.

Would anyone looking at a book really notice the fine difference between the two mediums? Or are you planning on doing the zoom in the book??

I'm an amatuer, and I have never made a book... this is just my own personal observation. Take it with a grain of salt!

[Not4wood]

I have seen available that there are some Filter Packages that can do what your suggesting. I think there Payware on the usual Links for Effects, Add-ons or such for Photoshop.

Just my two cents worth. I always thought of either getting it or trying to download one of the Freeware offerings to see how it makes some of my images. Good Luck and let us know what you do.

[robertdavid]

Originally Posted by angelsfort

I don't know if it's just my monitor, but the two shots look the same to me... before you zoomed on them.

you are right. they do look pretty similar from far away. but i guess psychologically i know them to be different so hence my doubts. but i guess if they are in fact similar looking, this speaks positively to the digital camera's (nikon d80) ability to handle ISO in a similar way.

thanks!

i will research grain software, though.

[Take12]

Buy a 'coffee table book' by one of the big name photographers. Look closely at the images. I bet you'll see different grains and noise in a number of them. That's not important. They were shot at different moments in different circumstances, so small wonder that they differ in that respect.
What is important, imo, is that they were all post processed in the same 'style'. So by one person.

Have fun!

[aleksman71]

You can try Alien skin texture2 filter,with 100s different setings.

[robertdavid]

Originally Posted by Take12

Buy a 'coffee table book' by one of the big name photographers. Look closely at the images. I bet you'll see different grains and noise in a number of them. That's not important. They were shot at different moments in different circumstances, so small wonder that they differ in that respect.
What is important, imo, is that they were all post processed in the same 'style'. So by one person.

Have fun!

thank you this is very reassuring.

[robertdavid]

Originally Posted by aleksman71

You can try Alien skin texture2 filter,with 100s different setings.

wow this looks very interesting. I think a trained eye can appreciate this work. the vastmajorityof people won't. i will definitely look into this. thanks!

[Not4wood]

I just came by to check out what you've done to solve your problem. I was curious as to how you've solved your question?

Thanks..

[highbarger]

Originally Posted by Not4wood

I just came by to check out what you've done to solve your problem. I was curious as to how you've solved your question?

Same here, and I noticed that no one has mentioned THIS plugin. It may not be exactly what you need, but you never know 'til you look. And hey, it's FREE!

[Not4wood]

Wow, great link thank you.

I have two questions for you.

How many of those extras have you downloaded and then how many have you used?

Now this one is a must asked:
What is the catch?

Cause I and a lot of us also are aware that anything that looks to good to be true usually is.

Even before you do answer or we find out there is a trouble with it, I am inclined to give you a Karma for just inserting this link because it does look real good at first glance.

Thank you.

[robertdavid]

Originally Posted by highbarger

Same here, and I noticed that no one has mentioned THIS plugin. It may not be exactly what you need, but you never know 'til you look. And hey, it's FREE!

Hi, i'm a little clueless about plugins ... how does this work? Does it plug in to photoshop?

BTW, I haven't done any tests yet. I'll probably get to work on my photos in a couple weeks and will try to remember to post results. Thanks.

[highbarger]

Yes, Virtual Photographer is a Photoshop compatible plugin. It will work in other programs, including PSP. You install the download in the Plugins folder within your Photoshop folder. Some plugins have a self-installing feature that makes it as simple as possible... I don't remember if this one does as I have been using it for quite a while. When you start Photoshop, the filter will be located under the Filters menu below all of the native filters. I downloaded the extra presets and tried them out, too. It's easy to use and might be just what you're looking for. There is no catch, by the way. It's free to use.