This is how it's supposed to open and edit a Raw file. I have a constant struggle trying to make people understand that this a normal process. We aren't faking the image but giving the look and/or feeling we got there. Cameras need to catch the information and its up to us to show it. I really appreciate your video Mike. Always calm but also very informative. I follow you since I started 4 years ago. Cheers and thank you very much!
You are right, Mike, that there are many ways of editing that achieve a similar result. I didn't see you doing anything in Lightroom I haven't done before, but the flow of your work and the ideas behind your editing choices gave me a ton of ideas to try out for myself.
I can remember the first time I pointed my new camera at an object and did not just see the object but I was instead inspired into visualizing how I would render the final product. What a thrill it is to realize that you can do more than take pictures; you can make pictures. Mike you are fantastic at conveying this most important element of photography.
Thank you Mike for taking the time to explain your creative process when planning and processing images! Knowing your thought process has helped to stimulate my creativity when shooting and looking at a scene, which I believe was your goal here. Again, many thanks for sharing your thoughts and process!!
Thanks Dave. 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures goes way more in depth than I did here. If you'd like to register for a free sample, I'll send you one as soon as it's complete. Link below - filming the 50 videos begins on Monday... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/7stpp
Thanks David. If you want to check how it's coming along, please look at the Production Status at the bottom of the page from time to time. Been filming week all day today. Looking good if I do say so myself... MIKE
Have only just come across your channel, but wow I just learnt so many little bits in that video about lightroom! Going to make all the difference; I love your attention to detail and the way you explain your thought processes.
Mike, I know you have spent some time with Serge Ramelli and even featured him on your show. I tend to think he overdoes his post-production a bit, particularly with color sometimes, however, I think you just demonstrated how you can enhance a photo and really make it pop without looking too post-processed, too saturated, or too much like a cheesy HDR job. Thanks for the tutorial, and thanks for all you do. Cheers, and keep up the good work.
From fat to thin I've always found your vids enjoyable, fun and more importantly educational to watch. Whenever I've found myself struggling for enthusiasm to shoot I watch a couple of your vids. Wish you where more local. Keep up the very good work Mike. Cheers fella.
When I first got my Canon 40D (Ebay), I took it out within minutes of it arriving. My first venture with a DSLR, first venture with Manual controls and shooting RAW. I headed for the local churchyard which attracts a lot of photographers. So it wasn't a huge coincidence to encounter someone doing exactly the same with his first DSLR (a Nikon but we didn't fight). However, he'd had his camera for a YEAR and this was his first try out. "I've been plucking up courage" he said. We appraised each other's cameras because we're blokes... it's a bloke thing, innit? He asked if I was professional as my camera was set on Manual and RAW. I explained that I was about as novice as it's possible to be. "You're brave!" he said. I've read a lot of tutorials and seen a lot of clips since then and there does seem to be an emphasis on "taking the plunge" or "grabbing the bull by the horns" with regard to shooting in Manual and shooting in RAW. It seems like fearmongering. You do take a lot of the mystique out of photography and that's what I like about your videos. The only way to learn controls is shooting in manual and the only way to learn post production is shooting in RAW. It isn't remotely like "taking a plunge" into anything and, as far as taking bulls by the horns is concerned, I would strongly advise against that! But shooting in Manual and RAW doesn't come close to anything so risky. Professionals WORK with a camera. The rest of us PLAY with our cameras and that's exactly as it should be. Thank you for taking the "scare" language out of photography and emphasising the fun.
I know almost nothing about Lightroom and hope that I learn enough in one of your courses to be up to scratch in doing what you’ve done in this session. Not only are you a world-class photographer, you’re a brilliant artist. Thanks for helping me open my eyes a bit more.
Thank you @Brett Allen. Lightroom is a biggie but it comes with practise. I've used it professionally for 10 years so I bloody well better be good at it by now. Have you checked out my two 7 week onling Lightroom courses which share my experience, show you how to set it up effectively and get the most benefit from it, teach you what the tools do then how to use them effectively? Please check them out - unless you'd prefer to spend 10 years learning it too... Links below... MIKE :-) Workflow Mastery: www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-workflow 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures: www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
this is gold (the color of the sun and content of this video too :D). I got the D3400 and play around well (for a beginner) with the exposure triangle (keeping light meter at 0 mostly and juggling with focus/metering modes etc). the pics turn out to be nice (as seen from the screen on 3400) but post processing (Photoscape X) is less than average (better then a cell phone but barely any wow factor). What you do here is nothing short of magic (the vision and how you perceive the final product to look like). Absolutely amazing.
Thank you John. I've only used Lightroom to make my JPEGS so can't comment on Photoscape X, but I expect the process is much the same. The key is previsualising and asking yourself what the photo is about, what excited you to take it, what do you want your viewer to feel... My 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures covers Lightrooms tools and how to use them, but it goes beyond that into these and other similar questions - and how to interpret the answers in a finished image. If you consider moving to Lr maybe take a look at it. You can see a free sample as well at the link below... Best wishes... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
Love you work, love your videos, always to the point and a pleasure to watch, you and gavin heoy are the best on internet, keep up the good work, cheers, from down under.
Hi Mike, i know this is video is a little old but i really want to tell you that i enjoyed this video SO much. This has taught me some very nice and useful skills that I'll definitely will be applying to my own photos. I really liked this detailed walkthrough of your work process.
Thanks Adam - happy it helped. There's loads more of this in my 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures course. Beyond explaining Lrs tools, it goes deep into interpretation of an image and how subtle changes influence how we want our viewers to feel. Link below if you fancy a look and trying a free sample... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
Wow! Mike what an excellent demonstration! that is going to be a massive help to me. Your explanations throughout were clear and described what,how and why you were altering, Thanks very much, tomorrow morning I will be following your advice as I edit the shots I took earlier this evening. Cheers Del.
Nicely done! Excellent work on the salt - that did not look a promising area, but you have made it as much a feature as the more obvious sunset. I've been using Lr for a couple of years now, but I will never stop learning, and that's the fun part. Thanks for posting!
Just about to finish the 7 Building blocks this week then off to NZ high country with cameras packed for 2 weeks. Already know Lightroom-ish (self taught), but thinking the 7 Steps course could be useful in helping me post produce my NZ images more effectively upon my return. Thanks Mike, and pat on back to my self that I understood all of the techniques and tools you used in this video!
Thank you so much for this! You're an artist, and so am I. I'm good at knowing my camera, composition... But I've hit a wall. Now I have to learn post processing. Thank you for leading the way!
Thank you @ malcolm pierce. Please take a look at my 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures 7 week online course where I can teah you all you need to know one step at a time. You can buy or try a free sample at link below... MIKE bit.ly/7stpp
Mike cheers too you! Excellent painstaking work! I've tossed more photos in the bin than you I'm sure lol. I have found canon files make me happy most often with less preferential work, Nikon files can be twisted any which way you desire but require much more work and both make me happier than the work that went into film lol.
(Alan Radley) Another interesting and informative video Mike, I like using LR nearly as much as I enjoy taking the shot. Anyone who says they get it right in the camera every time, is only kidding themselves. I must admit though, that although I found this particular video very good, it lacked detail on the actual usage of LR. I realize this wasn't a LR tutorial, but I would have liked to have seen more on how you made the settings. They were skimmed over a little quickly.
Thanks Alan. Developing our raws is where we make the images our own. There are so many way to use Lightrooms controls I didn't go deeply here. They are covered in around 30 video tutorials over the first 5 weeks of 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures so you can imagine how long this yortube vid would have been if I did... MIKE
Thanks Chuck Stipanovich. Why not pop over to the site and sign up for a free sample? There may be more good stuff in there..... MIKE ;-) www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-photos
lots of thanks .... that will help me dealing with lightroom ..... i love all what you share ... and it's helping me to be better ... by the way your are the one what let me use RAW ... can i ask you if you have any video about taking pictures at night (city or out) ... i know that you will answer me only i must try !! sorry for my english .... have a nice weekend .... again lots of thanks
Thank you alibaba T. I have very few. Couple of links for you below... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/creative/using-flash/slow_sync_flash.html www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/techniques/christmas-blue-hour-photo-ideas-copy
Love the silhouette analogy. I have been searching for way to explain RAW vs JPEG. I'm going to use that if you don't mind. Love your videos and the 7 building blocks course look forward to the next course.
Another great video Mike, I personally like the processing results of the tutorial over the other renderings. However, like you said, you were there and all you are attempting to do in post is to achieve what you saw. BTW- Ansel Adams post processed his images when processing film negatives as did many renowned photographers. I see no issue with post of RAW files in Lr. Having said that, I also agree some post processing can be over done. I think you clearly also tried to make that point here while doing the video. Thanks again, it takes a lot of effort to put these videos together.
"I'm not a go-too-far sort of a boy really" - Mike Browne 2017 xP all kidding aside, this video's really nice, and I love how you showed differently processed versions of the same image and such.
So, I had this dream last night that I was in Indonesia and I was talking with Mike Browne. I don't know what it meant but, I think I should watch his videos again :-)
Ha ha that's funny. I've never been to Indonesia but it's on my wish list. Off to Cambodia in October so if you fancy an adventure and to make the conversation real... MIKE ;-) www.photographycourses.biz/workshops/cambodia
Thanks a lot sir..Fabulous video..u made post processing easy..can u please tell me how much ram&which processor u have in ur computer on which u edit ur pictures..I need to know...please don't mind....good evening&have a happy weekend...stay always blessed sir...☺
Thank you Anupam. This was on an early (2009) Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor w 16GB ram. Also use a Macbook pro which is much more powerful and speeds things up a lot. Sorry, I don't know the specs off the top of my head... MIKE
Mike Browne thanks a lot sir 4 replaying me.I just want to know what's the minimum ram &processor requirements of using Lightroom in a computer.my computer is 10years old &has 512ram&dual core processor.i mostly edit my pictures in snapsheed mobile app...ur 2 computers r very powerful...&costly...please tell me what minimum requirements of ram &processor ..good afternoon. have a good day sir..please don't mind sir.☺
Hey Mike, Your tutorials are amazing and fun to watch. Thank you for helping improve my photography skills. I have a question; I shoot with a Sony a6000 and I love my 16mm pancake lens. I mostly shoot landscape scenes. My lens doesn't have any indicator marks on it, however I use focus magnifier and in the viewfinder/lcd the indicator pops up. when I get to 'infinity' there is a lot of room left to move around in the infinity range. I move until it looks sharp in my eyepiece. I shoot the photo. When I get to Lightroom however, I zoom in to 3:1 and look at the mountains in the background. everything seems grainy. Am I zoomed in too far, therefore making the pixels too large? I even have a 35mm Nikon with a fotodiox stretch adapter which helps control my aperture well and I have the same issue. I hope you understand what I'm asking. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Thank you Joe. It's really annoying how most lenses have additional focusing beyond infinity. Not sure why it's there, I guess it allows for infinity being in different places according to zoom set. Zooming into 3:1 to check sharpness is going beyond the size of the actual pixels so it will look blurry. Try it at 1:1 and you should be fine. - MIKE
Loved the ALT trick with sharpening. Just used it now and the difference is brilliant. Also, you mentioned get the picture right in the camera :) Surely the image should have looked like the finished image from the start? I appreciate shadows and colours but you turned the exposure up, should this have been spot on in camera or am I being too critical? Love the videos and your delivery, keep the great work up thanks
Thanks Mark Anson. "Surely the image should have looked like the finished image from the start?" - Not quite. A RAW file is the image without any changes made. Raw files usually look pretty flat and dull. What you see in the back of the camera is a RAW file the camera has done post production to for you. so Yes it's best to get exposure perfect in camera, but because the camera has done work on the image already, what you see in the back isn't always exactly what you want. Plus sometimes a second look later on might mean we've had time to change our minds etc... MIKE
Hi Mike, I wonder if you could help me out. I'm looking at buying Lightroom/Photoshop. Do you have any suggestions for what to purchase for somebody who only shoots as a hobby and uses Windows? All I really want is to be able to touch up my RAW files. I'm not really into the idea of being on a monthly subscription for it, as in the long run it will work out as much more expensive than a one-off purchase. Unless of course I need to upgrade it with future purchases to be compatible with my operating system. Thanks.
Hi Vinny. I like Lightroom and have no experience of other software so it would be in-authentic of me to suggest alternatives. You said "All I really want is to be able to touch up my RAW files" - that's what Lightroom's for. Lots of folks don't like the subscription so you're not alone. Personally I think the cost of a Starbuks a week is fantastic value... MIKE :-)
Hi Mike once again thanks for the great video love your enthusiasm. I've been playing at photography for a couple of years now and as you say sometimes I get a result but not knowing how. My kids are going to pay for your beginners course as my xmas present, but I've been drawn to this video because for the last couple of years I've been using Affinity Photo to edit my photos which I find quite good and fairly easy to use (though still probably don't use it to its full potential )but after watching this video and a couple of your other videos I'm now thinking of getting lightroom, it seems a far more powerful tool than Affinity so I'm concerned I could get overwhelmed by it. Don't know if you've ever used Affinity but would you recommend lightroom over it for a complete novice to editing
Hi Ian, Lightroom looks really handsome that's why it's intimidating, but believe it or not, it's really friendly and easy to use once you get the basic panels, it as lots of features, but again you don't need all of it, the lightroom course will make it more easier for you. - please do try the sample here - www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7stpp-sample - Melissa pp Mike
Mike Browne Hi Mike thanks for the reply. I will have a look at the link you've posted. I've downloaded the trial version but it's Lightroom CC (which is the new version for tablets and phones I believe) and it doesn't appear to have some features i.e. History panel and folders etc but they do offer a package with all 3 lightroom classic, photoshop and lightroom cc so I may give that a go. Once again I'm so glad I've come across your videos on TH-cam, not only are they very informative and motivating but you don't talk down to the viewer as some do. And after finding some of your older videos I'm very impressed by your weight loss too 👏👏
Thanks Ian. Yes CC has some bits missing and is fully cloud based. The one you want is Lightroom Classic CC which is part of the CC subscription and come with Photoshop for about £9 a month. Pretty good value that. And thanks for your comments about the weight loss. I've had so many kind comments and emails asking how I did it I've started writing a book about the ups and downs of living life as a fat man... Best wishes.. MIKE :-)
Hello Mike, if the emphasis is subtle, as you repeatedly admonish in this video, how come pictures on famous sites like 500px are nothing but a saturated gue? They may have a nice sunset scene, but with a bright green neon lawn in the foreground. Or bright white flowers on a cloudy day in the shade. Are they aiming for something different from you or they have bad eyesight?
Completely different Ahmed Bebars. 7 Blocks is the thought process behind shooting the picture - 7 Step to Perfect Pictures is the next step, how to use Lightroom to develop your raws into image files and the thought process I use to make them reflect how I felt and the journey I want to take my viewer on... MIKE
When you wanted the light to come in from the sun towards the viewer, is there any reason you didn't consider using the radial filter by inverting the mask?
If we stay digital calibrating my monitor doesn't mean anything unless everyone else calibrates their monitors as well. It's different with printing of course.
Wow, excellent video! Very instructive and helpful. Since you are a Fuji-Shooter, have you ever considered using the Iridient X-Transformer for interpreting the fuji RAW-files before using them in Lightroom? It´s said that Lightroom ain´t able to read and understand the RAF-files as proper as from other manufacturers (NEF and CR2 e.g.). The RAF-files may appear a little bit mushy and your RAF-file seems to show that issue as well at some parts of the frame. So if you like to give the X-Transformer a go, you may try it out at www.iridientdigital.com/products/xtransformer.html. I did it and saw the the difference immediately, even though I´m just a hobby shooter. Best regards! Olaf
Thank you Olaf Kleemeyer I have looked at it but to be honest I don't see a lot of difference, even unless zoomed in to 100%. If making big prints it might be one more tiny detail that gives an image a little more of an edge, but viewing distance will be greater for a big print so doubt anyone will notice. When working a commission I shoot on my FF Nikons which give me bigger more robust files anyway. So for me, the additional work of Iridient doesn't outweigh the benefits.... MIKE
It reflects whatever colour is in the sky. However our brains know it's white so it colour corrects it for us in same way a newspaper looks likw white paper when reading it under tungsten light bulbs. but photograph it and it's yellow... MIKE
Good tutorial Mike but somewhat spoilt by the choice of boring venue. Lanzarote salt pans - really?!! I still picked up some good tips though - overlay and masking - Many thanks, JA
Thanks John. We all like different things. I love the salt pans on Lanza personally, but then I'm not really a landscape photographer, I'm too impatient... MIKE :-)
Not for a long time @Mickey. I have a Kodak Gold award, 4 National Fuji awards and 15 from the Master Photographers Association. I want to enter some again but right now finding time to do it the biggest issue... MIKE :-)
Like watching Billy Joel play the piano and trying to copy off him without knowing where middle C is. ? Need and intro to basics terminology and tools. This is too advanced. for someone like me. Takes me to technophobe mode.
Thanks L.F.C Liverpool Film Club. It can sound a bit daunting at first just like anything we haven't practised. Football - I have no idea how yo make a ball go where I want it to. It kinda goes in the same direction I'm facing but that's about all, but then I've never spent time to hang out with an expert and let them teach me. Sounds to me like you should sign up for a free sample of 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures. It's designed with Technophobes Like you and I in mind.... Please click the link below so you can check it out... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-photos
Thanks Mike. I actually studied your videos on still photography for 2 years before I actually purchased my DSLR. The camera was hence so easy and straight forward from the first day I got my camera in my hands. Was aware of exposure triangle, depth of field, focal lengths before hand. Perhaps I should allow the same patients with post production. Adobie is a whole new ball game although I have made scripted and edited films and pop videos in the past without too many problems with windows movie maker.The very reason I got into still photography was to become a better film maker. I never realised at 57 yrs of age I have so much to learn about post production of still photography. Thanks for all of your help and inspiration. Would appreciate any critique you can give on the work available on this LFC chanell. Thanks. Tony Jefferies.
You and the french guy, Ramelli or something, Push the magenta always to far, If you ever see a dark purple sky with your eyes, i would recommend seeking shelter cause a nuclear bomb just went off....
And there was I thinking you could take a crap picture, Photoshop the buggery out of it and it back and let your head swell as everyone said what a great photographer you are. Another illusion bites the dust. Mind you I am seriously thinking of returning to film. This digital stuff is becoming a pain.
I can't agree more. Show me a true picture out of the camera that looks like any of the pictures we see today. People will try and make you think that it's SOOC or it's how it looked to them at the time. Instagram change the way we see photos with all the filters. I know "Professional Photographers" who use filters and lightroom to take crappy pictures and give it that over saturated look. Unfortunately people like the over saturated look. You can take a well composed subject and proper exposure and it will never sell. I remember taking film wedding photos with proper evening light and correct exposure on the faces using flash if necessary and we thought they were amazing. Thing is you had to know how to take a proper exposure and you couldn't modify it after the image was taken. To each their own I guess but back in the day this photo would have been a silhouette. I guess we should be thankful that anybody can take and make a great photo, you just need to know how to control the software.
Dean Nicolle ...You can use dodge and burn in film photography you know... In fact, most (if not all) of famous photographers used or are still using this technique to some extent.
Sure if you had a dark room, was familiar with the chemical process, and you were doing it with a single picture. If you were processing 10-30 rolls of 36 exp then it was done at a print shop and you had no control over this. I agree, some famous photographers did dodge and burn only to bring back highlights and shadows and do some creative stuff. Like today, some were good, some were creative, and some copied what others did. Today you can drag a slider here and there just like the video shows and turn a somewhat mundane photo into a work of art.
This is how it's supposed to open and edit a Raw file. I have a constant struggle trying to make people understand that this a normal process. We aren't faking the image but giving the look and/or feeling we got there. Cameras need to catch the information and its up to us to show it.
I really appreciate your video Mike. Always calm but also very informative. I follow you since I started 4 years ago.
Cheers and thank you very much!
thank you for the kind words scotie690 :) - Melissa pp Mike
This is timely as I have some new sunset images to work on right now. Thanks Mike, you're a fabulous teacher!
You are right, Mike, that there are many ways of editing that achieve a similar result. I didn't see you doing anything in Lightroom I haven't done before, but the flow of your work and the ideas behind your editing choices gave me a ton of ideas to try out for myself.
Thanks woody. MIKE
I can remember the first time I pointed my new camera at an object and did not just see the object but I was instead inspired into visualizing how I would render the final product. What a thrill it is to realize that you can do more than take pictures; you can make pictures. Mike you are fantastic at conveying this most important element of photography.
Thank you Jim - MIKE
Thank you Mike for taking the time to explain your creative process when planning and processing images! Knowing your thought process has helped to stimulate my creativity when shooting and looking at a scene, which I believe was your goal here. Again, many thanks for sharing your thoughts and process!!
Thanks Dave. 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures goes way more in depth than I did here. If you'd like to register for a free sample, I'll send you one as soon as it's complete. Link below - filming the 50 videos begins on Monday... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/7stpp
Mike Browne thanks, I'm registered now!
Thanks David. If you want to check how it's coming along, please look at the Production Status at the bottom of the page from time to time. Been filming week all day today. Looking good if I do say so myself... MIKE
Great video, thank you, Mike! You are an exceptional instructor. And you make it fun!
Thanks Mike for another great entertaining video.
Very helpful! I love your style!
This is by far one of the better processing tutorials I have seen. Thank you!
Love this video, thanks for posting!
Have only just come across your channel, but wow I just learnt so many little bits in that video about lightroom! Going to make all the difference; I love your attention to detail and the way you explain your thought processes.
Brilliant Mike, very well presented, thanks for sharing
Thank you David - MIKE
love your channel, you are a ace!
Cheers Mike. Watching you subtly retouching is really quite relaxing. Your enthusiasm for your craft is infectious ".45 of a stop, Viewers!"
Ha ha - thanks Vernon - MIKE :-)
Thanks Mike , another worthwhile video.
Love the vid Mike! Dunno where I'd be with my photography without your extremely useful advice
Mike, I know you have spent some time with Serge Ramelli and even featured him on your show. I tend to think he overdoes his post-production a bit, particularly with color sometimes, however, I think you just demonstrated how you can enhance a photo and really make it pop without looking too post-processed, too saturated, or too much like a cheesy HDR job. Thanks for the tutorial, and thanks for all you do. Cheers, and keep up the good work.
Great video Mike, particularly love the tip on creating the light path through the image, I would never have thought of doing that!
As always a big pleasure to follow your editing and your thought process. Thanks for sharing.
Just had a thought. You're literally as far from me as one could be, and you touched me! Thank you for the gentile hand!
Hey thanks malcolm... MIKE :-)
another master class from you Mike good one
Love the reference to your very first TH-cam video on car controls. Great job Mike. Another video spot on. Thanks for sharing mate. :)
Thanks KreygScott - my you've been around a while buddy ... MIKE ;-)
Hahahah. Yes I have sir. Quite a bit. In fact I've watched them so many times I should be able to quote your tips word for word.
From fat to thin I've always found your vids enjoyable, fun and more importantly educational to watch. Whenever I've found myself struggling for enthusiasm to shoot I watch a couple of your vids. Wish you where more local. Keep up the very good work Mike. Cheers fella.
Thank you John - MIKE :-)
When I first got my Canon 40D (Ebay), I took it out within minutes of it arriving. My first venture with a DSLR, first venture with Manual controls and shooting RAW. I headed for the local churchyard which attracts a lot of photographers. So it wasn't a huge coincidence to encounter someone doing exactly the same with his first DSLR (a Nikon but we didn't fight). However, he'd had his camera for a YEAR and this was his first try out. "I've been plucking up courage" he said. We appraised each other's cameras because we're blokes... it's a bloke thing, innit? He asked if I was professional as my camera was set on Manual and RAW. I explained that I was about as novice as it's possible to be. "You're brave!" he said.
I've read a lot of tutorials and seen a lot of clips since then and there does seem to be an emphasis on "taking the plunge" or "grabbing the bull by the horns" with regard to shooting in Manual and shooting in RAW. It seems like fearmongering.
You do take a lot of the mystique out of photography and that's what I like about your videos. The only way to learn controls is shooting in manual and the only way to learn post production is shooting in RAW. It isn't remotely like "taking a plunge" into anything and, as far as taking bulls by the horns is concerned, I would strongly advise against that! But shooting in Manual and RAW doesn't come close to anything so risky. Professionals WORK with a camera. The rest of us PLAY with our cameras and that's exactly as it should be. Thank you for taking the "scare" language out of photography and emphasising the fun.
Thank you for you kind words Ron Tocknell
. ... MIKE :-)
I know almost nothing about Lightroom and hope that I learn enough in one of your courses to be up to scratch in doing what you’ve done in this session.
Not only are you a world-class photographer, you’re a brilliant artist. Thanks for helping me open my eyes a bit more.
Thank you @Whale driver, kind words indeed. Are you doing one of the Lightroom courses now? I'd be interested to know which one... MIKE :-)
Great video Mike , keep em coming thanks
Thank you Mike. As always, very interesting.
I don't know if I have said it already Mike ..but you are 'the best' photographer/instructor on TH-cam & my super favourite :) :)
Learning so so much watching your work . I just wished I knew my way around lightroom to your levels , Cheers Mike keep um coming . Brett
Thank you @Brett Allen. Lightroom is a biggie but it comes with practise. I've used it professionally for 10 years so I bloody well better be good at it by now. Have you checked out my two 7 week onling Lightroom courses which share my experience, show you how to set it up effectively and get the most benefit from it, teach you what the tools do then how to use them effectively? Please check them out - unless you'd prefer to spend 10 years learning it too... Links below... MIKE :-)
Workflow Mastery: www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-workflow
7 Steps To Perfect Pictures: www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
this is gold (the color of the sun and content of this video too :D). I got the D3400 and play around well (for a beginner) with the exposure triangle (keeping light meter at 0 mostly and juggling with focus/metering modes etc). the pics turn out to be nice (as seen from the screen on 3400) but post processing (Photoscape X) is less than average (better then a cell phone but barely any wow factor). What you do here is nothing short of magic (the vision and how you perceive the final product to look like). Absolutely amazing.
Thank you John. I've only used Lightroom to make my JPEGS so can't comment on Photoscape X, but I expect the process is much the same. The key is previsualising and asking yourself what the photo is about, what excited you to take it, what do you want your viewer to feel... My 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures covers Lightrooms tools and how to use them, but it goes beyond that into these and other similar questions - and how to interpret the answers in a finished image. If you consider moving to Lr maybe take a look at it. You can see a free sample as well at the link below... Best wishes... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
Love you work, love your videos, always to the point and a pleasure to watch, you and gavin heoy are the best on internet, keep up the good work, cheers, from down under.
Hi Mike, i know this is video is a little old but i really want to tell you that i enjoyed this video SO much. This has taught me some very nice and useful skills that I'll definitely will be applying to my own photos. I really liked this detailed walkthrough of your work process.
Thanks Adam - happy it helped. There's loads more of this in my 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures course. Beyond explaining Lrs tools, it goes deep into interpretation of an image and how subtle changes influence how we want our viewers to feel. Link below if you fancy a look and trying a free sample... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/courses/developing-in-lightroom
thanks, mike! Greetings from Belgium :)
Hello Belgium - :-)
Wow! Mike what an excellent demonstration! that is going to be a massive help to me. Your explanations throughout were clear and described what,how and why you were altering, Thanks very much, tomorrow morning I will be following your advice as I edit the shots I took earlier this evening. Cheers Del.
Thank you Del - have fun... MIKE
Good one Mike another stellar image!
Perfectly explained, well done. RAW helps. understanding exposure is better.
Nicely done! Excellent work on the salt - that did not look a promising area, but you have made it as much a feature as the more obvious sunset.
I've been using Lr for a couple of years now, but I will never stop learning, and that's the fun part. Thanks for posting!
Thanks Anthony - you're welcome... MIKE :-)
Just about to finish the 7 Building blocks this week then off to NZ high country with cameras packed for 2 weeks. Already know Lightroom-ish (self taught), but thinking the 7 Steps course could be useful in helping me post produce my NZ images more effectively upon my return. Thanks Mike, and pat on back to my self that I understood all of the techniques and tools you used in this video!
Hey Rock n Roll Kathleen. Have a wonderful trip. NZ is on my bucket list... MIKE :-)
Great vid Mike! Look forward to your vids!
Excellent ! Thank you. I enjoyed your thought process.
Great video tour
Thank you so much for this! You're an artist, and so am I. I'm good at knowing my camera, composition... But I've hit a wall. Now I have to learn post processing. Thank you for leading the way!
Thank you @ malcolm pierce. Please take a look at my 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures 7 week online course where I can teah you all you need to know one step at a time. You can buy or try a free sample at link below... MIKE bit.ly/7stpp
Mike cheers too you! Excellent painstaking work! I've tossed more photos in the bin than you I'm sure lol. I have found canon files make me happy most often with less preferential work, Nikon files can be twisted any which way you desire but require much more work and both make me happier than the work that went into film lol.
Cheers! Dane - Melissa pp Mike
Very useful to watch you do this. I now also learned how to talk to Lightroom when it’s being slow! 😉
Thanks AcousticSong. I find talking to Lr is a bit like talking to plants - they love a little chat... MIKE :-)
You're the Bob Ross of Photography.
you really enjoy lightroom etc i can feel you im feeling so cheel too when im doing that thank you for sharing, greetings from greece
(Alan Radley) Another interesting and informative video Mike, I like using LR nearly as much as I enjoy taking the shot.
Anyone who says they get it right in the camera every time, is only kidding themselves.
I must admit though, that although I found this particular video very good, it lacked detail on the actual usage of LR.
I realize this wasn't a LR tutorial, but I would have liked to have seen more on how you made the settings. They were
skimmed over a little quickly.
Thanks Alan. Developing our raws is where we make the images our own. There are so many way to use Lightrooms controls I didn't go deeply here. They are covered in around 30 video tutorials over the first 5 weeks of 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures so you can imagine how long this yortube vid would have been if I did... MIKE
Thought my LR skills were descent until I saw this video! Thanks, very very helpful.
Thanks Chuck Stipanovich. Why not pop over to the site and sign up for a free sample? There may be more good stuff in there..... MIKE ;-)
www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-photos
lots of thanks .... that will help me dealing with lightroom ..... i love all what you share ... and it's helping me to be better ... by the way your are the one what let me use RAW ...
can i ask you if you have any video about taking pictures at night (city or out) ... i know that you will answer me only i must try !! sorry for my english .... have a nice weekend .... again lots of thanks
Thank you alibaba T. I have very few. Couple of links for you below... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/videos/creative/using-flash/slow_sync_flash.html
www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/techniques/christmas-blue-hour-photo-ideas-copy
lots of thanks ... have a nice weekend
your awesome Mike plz teach me
Love the silhouette analogy. I have been searching for way to explain RAW vs JPEG. I'm going to use that if you don't mind. Love your videos and the 7 building blocks course look forward to the next course.
Thank you Philip - MIKE :-)
Cheers Mike you taught me a new technique with the minus adjustment brush over your grad filter layer. Always enjoy your vids cheers
Congrats on your awards
Another great video Mike, I personally like the processing results of the tutorial over the other renderings. However, like you said, you were there and all you are attempting to do in post is to achieve what you saw. BTW- Ansel Adams post processed his images when processing film negatives as did many renowned photographers. I see no issue with post of RAW files in Lr. Having said that, I also agree some post processing can be over done. I think you clearly also tried to make that point here while doing the video. Thanks again, it takes a lot of effort to put these videos together.
Thank you Peter. - MIKE
Thanks Mike, a great video. Still love your photo.
"I'm not a go-too-far sort of a boy really" - Mike Browne 2017
xP
all kidding aside, this video's really nice, and I love how you showed differently processed versions of the same image and such.
:-) MIKE
Oooof! I got a lot to learn
We all have Øyvind Wendelbo
- MIKE :-)
So, I had this dream last night that I was in Indonesia and I was talking with Mike Browne. I don't know what it meant but, I think I should watch his videos again :-)
Ha ha that's funny. I've never been to Indonesia but it's on my wish list. Off to Cambodia in October so if you fancy an adventure and to make the conversation real... MIKE ;-)
www.photographycourses.biz/workshops/cambodia
Thanks a lot sir..Fabulous video..u made post processing easy..can u please tell me how much ram&which processor u have in ur computer on which u edit ur pictures..I need to know...please don't mind....good evening&have a happy weekend...stay always blessed sir...☺
Thank you Anupam. This was on an early (2009) Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor w 16GB ram. Also use a Macbook pro which is much more powerful and speeds things up a lot. Sorry, I don't know the specs off the top of my head... MIKE
Mike Browne thanks a lot sir 4 replaying me.I just want to know what's the minimum ram &processor requirements of using Lightroom in a computer.my computer is 10years old &has 512ram&dual core processor.i mostly edit my pictures in snapsheed mobile app...ur 2 computers r very powerful...&costly...please tell me what minimum requirements of ram &processor ..good afternoon. have a good day sir..please don't mind sir.☺
Hey Mike,
Your tutorials are amazing and fun to watch. Thank you for helping improve my photography skills. I have a question; I shoot with a Sony a6000 and I love my 16mm pancake lens. I mostly shoot landscape scenes. My lens doesn't have any indicator marks on it, however I use focus magnifier and in the viewfinder/lcd the indicator pops up. when I get to 'infinity' there is a lot of room left to move around in the infinity range. I move until it looks sharp in my eyepiece. I shoot the photo. When I get to Lightroom however, I zoom in to 3:1 and look at the mountains in the background. everything seems grainy. Am I zoomed in too far, therefore making the pixels too large? I even have a 35mm Nikon with a fotodiox stretch adapter which helps control my aperture well and I have the same issue. I hope you understand what I'm asking. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Thank you Joe. It's really annoying how most lenses have additional focusing beyond infinity. Not sure why it's there, I guess it allows for infinity being in different places according to zoom set. Zooming into 3:1 to check sharpness is going beyond the size of the actual pixels so it will look blurry. Try it at 1:1 and you should be fine. - MIKE
Loved the ALT trick with sharpening. Just used it now and the difference is brilliant. Also, you mentioned get the picture right in the camera :) Surely the image should have looked like the finished image from the start? I appreciate shadows and colours but you turned the exposure up, should this have been spot on in camera or am I being too critical? Love the videos and your delivery, keep the great work up thanks
Thanks Mark Anson. "Surely the image should have looked like the finished image from the start?" - Not quite. A RAW file is the image without any changes made. Raw files usually look pretty flat and dull. What you see in the back of the camera is a RAW file the camera has done post production to for you. so Yes it's best to get exposure perfect in camera, but because the camera has done work on the image already, what you see in the back isn't always exactly what you want. Plus sometimes a second look later on might mean we've had time to change our minds etc... MIKE
Thank you so much for these amazing tips.
#TutoriaME
best explanation E-V-E-R
Hi Mike, I wonder if you could help me out. I'm looking at buying Lightroom/Photoshop. Do you have any suggestions for what to purchase for somebody who only shoots as a hobby and uses Windows? All I really want is to be able to touch up my RAW files. I'm not really into the idea of being on a monthly subscription for it, as in the long run it will work out as much more expensive than a one-off purchase.
Unless of course I need to upgrade it with future purchases to be compatible with my operating system.
Thanks.
Hi Vinny. I like Lightroom and have no experience of other software so it would be in-authentic of me to suggest alternatives. You said "All I really want is to be able to touch up my RAW files" - that's what Lightroom's for. Lots of folks don't like the subscription so you're not alone. Personally I think the cost of a Starbuks a week is fantastic value... MIKE :-)
Okay thanks for taking the time to reply Mike.
Hi Mike once again thanks for the great video love your enthusiasm. I've been playing at photography for a couple of years now and as you say sometimes I get a result but not knowing how. My kids are going to pay for your beginners course as my xmas present, but I've been drawn to this video because for the last couple of years I've been using Affinity Photo to edit my photos which I find quite good and fairly easy to use (though still probably don't use it to its full potential )but after watching this video and a couple of your other videos I'm now thinking of getting lightroom, it seems a far more powerful tool than Affinity so I'm concerned I could get overwhelmed by it. Don't know if you've ever used Affinity but would you recommend lightroom over it for a complete novice to editing
Hi Ian, Lightroom looks really handsome that's why it's intimidating, but believe it or not, it's really friendly and easy to use once you get the basic panels, it as lots of features, but again you don't need all of it, the lightroom course will make it more easier for you. - please do try the sample here - www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7stpp-sample - Melissa pp Mike
Mike Browne Hi Mike thanks for the reply. I will have a look at the link you've posted. I've downloaded the trial version but it's Lightroom CC (which is the new version for tablets and phones I believe) and it doesn't appear to have some features i.e. History panel and folders etc but they do offer a package with all 3 lightroom classic, photoshop and lightroom cc so I may give that a go. Once again I'm so glad I've come across your videos on TH-cam, not only are they very informative and motivating but you don't talk down to the viewer as some do. And after finding some of your older videos I'm very impressed by your weight loss too 👏👏
Thanks Ian. Yes CC has some bits missing and is fully cloud based. The one you want is Lightroom Classic CC which is part of the CC subscription and come with Photoshop for about £9 a month. Pretty good value that. And thanks for your comments about the weight loss. I've had so many kind comments and emails asking how I did it I've started writing a book about the ups and downs of living life as a fat man... Best wishes.. MIKE :-)
Hello Mike, your link to donations are not working.
Thank you for telling me Thomas. That's very kind of you. I'll tell the tech guys on monday... MIKE :-)
You Rock Mike! I am a better photographer because of you!
Let's all keep Rockin' together HopperRox - MIKE :-)
Hello Mike, if the emphasis is subtle, as you repeatedly admonish in this video, how come pictures on famous sites like 500px are nothing but a saturated gue? They may have a nice sunset scene, but with a bright green neon lawn in the foreground. Or bright white flowers on a cloudy day in the shade. Are they aiming for something different from you or they have bad eyesight?
Everyone has their own style and taste Shin Kansen I can only show you mine... MIKE :-)
Is the 7 steps to perfect pictures any different than the 7 building blocks of photography?
Completely different Ahmed Bebars. 7 Blocks is the thought process behind shooting the picture - 7 Step to Perfect Pictures is the next step, how to use Lightroom to develop your raws into image files and the thought process I use to make them reflect how I felt and the journey I want to take my viewer on... MIKE
Mike Browne Thanks Mike, I'm at block number 5 now, almost there!
When you wanted the light to come in from the sun towards the viewer, is there any reason you didn't consider using the radial filter by inverting the mask?
A radial is not as accurate as a brush for making the light path Shailesh Gokhale
- MIKE
My way on the Highway :)
hahahahahahaahah ! them "meeeeeeaaaaaaa it's all right"
??? - MIKE
exalante
If we stay digital calibrating my monitor doesn't mean anything unless everyone else calibrates their monitors as well. It's different with printing of course.
True Jigsaw407 but id you know your image is exactly the colour you want it you have an honest reply for the 'critics'... MIKE
Wow, excellent video! Very instructive and helpful. Since you are a Fuji-Shooter, have you ever considered using the Iridient X-Transformer for interpreting the fuji RAW-files before using them in Lightroom?
It´s said that Lightroom ain´t able to read and understand the RAF-files as proper as from other manufacturers (NEF and CR2 e.g.). The RAF-files may appear a little bit mushy and your RAF-file seems to show that issue as well at some parts of the frame.
So if you like to give the X-Transformer a go, you may try it out at www.iridientdigital.com/products/xtransformer.html. I did it and saw the the difference immediately, even though I´m just a hobby shooter.
Best regards!
Olaf
Thank you Olaf Kleemeyer I have looked at it but to be honest I don't see a lot of difference, even unless zoomed in to 100%. If making big prints it might be one more tiny detail that gives an image a little more of an edge, but viewing distance will be greater for a big print so doubt anyone will notice. When working a commission I shoot on my FF Nikons which give me bigger more robust files anyway. So for me, the additional work of Iridient doesn't outweigh the benefits.... MIKE
I've seen lots of purple skies, but I've never seen purple salt before.
It reflects whatever colour is in the sky. However our brains know it's white so it colour corrects it for us in same way a newspaper looks likw white paper when reading it under tungsten light bulbs. but photograph it and it's yellow... MIKE
Yes, I know that. But in this case it doesn't quite work for me, I don't know why. I think maybe it's just too purple.
around 20 years back I've done this shot with slide-film....exactly the same colour.....
Still see it in 2022
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Sorry for the question after the previous video. The location is in Lanzarote lol!
Good tutorial Mike but somewhat spoilt by the choice of boring venue. Lanzarote salt pans - really?!! I still picked up some good tips though - overlay and masking - Many thanks, JA
Thanks John. We all like different things. I love the salt pans on Lanza personally, but then I'm not really a landscape photographer, I'm too impatient... MIKE :-)
I think it looks like an awesome location - but I have nothing like that anywhere near my location.
Have you ever entered a photo in a contest?
Not for a long time @Mickey. I have a Kodak Gold award, 4 National Fuji awards and 15 from the Master Photographers Association. I want to enter some again but right now finding time to do it the biggest issue... MIKE :-)
Dodge & burn is and has always been a part of photography people. Get used to it. Film or digital.
This software does to a photo what makeup does to a woman's face 👌🏻
Like watching Billy Joel play the piano and trying to copy off him without knowing where middle C is. ? Need and intro to basics terminology and tools. This is too advanced. for someone like me. Takes me to technophobe mode.
Thanks L.F.C Liverpool Film Club. It can sound a bit daunting at first just like anything we haven't practised. Football - I have no idea how yo make a ball go where I want it to. It kinda goes in the same direction I'm facing but that's about all, but then I've never spent time to hang out with an expert and let them teach me. Sounds to me like you should sign up for a free sample of 7 Steps To Perfect Pictures. It's designed with Technophobes Like you and I in mind.... Please click the link below so you can check it out... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/courses/lightroom-photos
Thanks Mike. I actually studied your videos on still photography for 2 years before I actually purchased my DSLR. The camera was hence so easy and straight forward from the first day I got my camera in my hands. Was aware of exposure triangle, depth of field, focal lengths before hand. Perhaps I should allow the same patients with post production. Adobie is a whole new ball game although I have made scripted and edited films and pop videos in the past without too many problems with windows movie maker.The very reason I got into still photography was to become a better film maker. I never realised at 57 yrs of age I have so much to learn about post production of still photography. Thanks for all of your help and inspiration. Would appreciate any critique you can give on the work available on this LFC chanell. Thanks. Tony Jefferies.
Interesting, but not photography anymore ....
Very sorry we never got around to commenting at the time! Isn't it...?
You and the french guy, Ramelli or something, Push the magenta always to far, If you ever see a dark purple sky with your eyes, i would recommend seeking shelter cause a nuclear bomb just went off....
And there was I thinking you could take a crap picture, Photoshop the buggery out of it and it back and let your head swell as everyone said what a great photographer you are. Another illusion bites the dust.
Mind you I am seriously thinking of returning to film. This digital stuff is becoming a pain.
I can't agree more. Show me a true picture out of the camera that looks like any of the pictures we see today. People will try and make you think that it's SOOC or it's how it looked to them at the time. Instagram change the way we see photos with all the filters. I know "Professional Photographers" who use filters and lightroom to take crappy pictures and give it that over saturated look. Unfortunately people like the over saturated look. You can take a well composed subject and proper exposure and it will never sell. I remember taking film wedding photos with proper evening light and correct exposure on the faces using flash if necessary and we thought they were amazing. Thing is you had to know how to take a proper exposure and you couldn't modify it after the image was taken. To each their own I guess but back in the day this photo would have been a silhouette. I guess we should be thankful that anybody can take and make a great photo, you just need to know how to control the software.
Dean Nicolle ...You can use dodge and burn in film photography you know... In fact, most (if not all) of famous photographers used or are still using this technique to some extent.
Sure if you had a dark room, was familiar with the chemical process, and you were doing it with a single picture. If you were processing 10-30 rolls of 36 exp then it was done at a print shop and you had no control over this. I agree, some famous photographers did dodge and burn only to bring back highlights and shadows and do some creative stuff. Like today, some were good, some were creative, and some copied what others did. Today you can drag a slider here and there just like the video shows and turn a somewhat mundane photo into a work of art.
Dean Nicolle agreed. There's a secret slider in LightRoom that sends your dull photo straight to The Louvre.
MC Hagianu wow! Please do a video on it. I would love to see that. 😂