Post Process Formal Group

[Khristo]

Hi All,
I did some pre-event shots for a School formal a couple of days ago. I think they came out pretty well. Obviously the point is to capture the kids in all their finery rather than to do anything artistic.

I was shooting with a 5D3 and a a softbox on each side for even light. The attached sample is processed minimally and is typical of the rest. While I'm happy with it - it certainly pops - I wonder if it's too contrasty or saturated.

Wold be interested in how others might process this. Raw is here if anyone wants to have a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uzmueapy81yfugx/AAB838rNMxOLoeVw1SrKKYq9a?dl=0

Chris

 

[hbr]

Hi All,
I did some pre-event shots for a School formal a couple of days ago. I think they came out pretty well. Obviously the point is to capture the kids in all their finery rather than to do anything artistic.

I was shooting with a 5D3 and a a softbox on each side for even light. The attached sample is processed minimally and is typical of the rest. While I'm happy with it - it certainly pops - I wonder if it's too contrasty or saturated.

Wold be interested in how others might process this. Raw is here if anyone wants to have a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uzmueapy81yfugx/AAB838rNMxOLoeVw1SrKKYq9a?dl=0

Chris

Chris, I think it is a fabulous photo just as it is. I love the skin tones. A photo can be processed many ways to alter the mood the photographer wants, but I would be proud to say I took this photograph just as it is!

Brian

 

[Khristo]

Thanks Brian!

 

[Don Haines]

The kids really show up well, and considering all the dark suits that the guys are wearing, that is a difficult shot!

Good job!

 

[Luds34]

The kids really show up well, and considering all the dark suits that the guys are wearing, that is a difficult shot!

Good job!

I agree, great shot!

Large group shots are a challenge and this one turned out really well. I like the photo as is, with your minimalist amount of post processing and keeping the photo more true and natural. Nice job!

 

[Click]

The kids really show up well, and considering all the dark suits that the guys are wearing, that is a difficult shot!

Good job!

+1

Nice work, Khristo.

 

[SecureGSM]

Hi Chris,

I had a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u16k9dmwawemspz/20170622-7123_AM.jpg?dl=0

1. Diagonal wide angel lens distortions fixed. people in outer part of the photo now look more proportional (heads, statue, etc.)
2. Removed excessive chroma noise and fixed luminosity, noticeable in shadow areas (dark suits, skirts, etc)
the photo was underexposed by about 1.25 stops? it happens, I know.
3. touched on skin tones just a smidge.
4. added a smidge of vibrancy, just a really tiny bit.

good framing though!

p.s. please download photo and compare localy as dropbox viewer is quite bad (pixelation, artifacts, distortion)

... Wold be interested in how others might process this. Raw is here if anyone wants to have a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uzmueapy81yfugx/AAB838rNMxOLoeVw1SrKKYq9a?dl=0


Chris

 

[Khristo]

2. Removed excessive chroma noise and fixed luminosity, noticeable in shadow areas (dark suits, skirts, etc)
the photo was underexposed by about 1.25 stops? it happens, I know.
3. touched on skin tones just a smidge.
4. added a smidge of vibrancy, just a really tiny bit.

Thanks everyone.

On the exposure I'm sure you're right. I remember checking the histogram at the time - all the dark areas tend to skew the graph. Should have used spot metering.

Odd I was worried it was too saturated - I like the added warmth to the skin tones.
Thanks for your advice and time re-editing.

Chris

 

[Jopa]

Hi Chris,

I had a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u16k9dmwawemspz/20170622-7123_AM.jpg?dl=0

1. Diagonal wide angel lens distortions fixed. people in outer part of the photo now look more proportional (heads, statue, etc.)
2. Removed excessive chroma noise and fixed luminosity, noticeable in shadow areas (dark suits, skirts, etc)
the photo was underexposed by about 1.25 stops? it happens, I know.
3. touched on skin tones just a smidge.
4. added a smidge of vibrancy, just a really tiny bit.

good framing though!

p.s. please download photo and compare localy as dropbox viewer is quite bad (pixelation, artifacts, distortion)

... Wold be interested in how others might process this. Raw is here if anyone wants to have a go:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uzmueapy81yfugx/AAB838rNMxOLoeVw1SrKKYq9a?dl=0


Chris

How did you fix the distorted heads? What kind of magic did you use?
That was the only thing that bothered me on the photo.

 

[triggermike]

Khristo,

I think you did a fine job - these group shots are tougher than most people are aware, especially outdoors like this. As for your processing, I think it's fine as is (exposure, saturation, contrast.)

My only comment is, when doing these I am always coaching the kids in the back to get tight against the people in front of them to minimize cast shadows and faces being blocked. A couple of the guys have some shadows on their faces which you may be able to lift with some spot adjustments to shadows in LR.