Beginner DSLR-ers

[spill_cake]

Hi,
I need a bit of advice.

I've been using my DSLR for a few months now.
I have been using my pocket camera to take photos & then did some photoshop to get the details that i want for the pictures.

I know I'm still a beginner, but I couldn't keep wondering if you have to do the same with the DSLR photos as well. Or maybe i should be patient until I get to that level?

Thanks,
spill_cake

[matneym]

I'm new to using my DSLR too. I've been reading a lot of books, and lots of threads here. I've also been practicing a lot, especially on manual. Got a lot to learn but I realize it is going to take time so hang in there!

[inkista]

Originally Posted by spill_cake

... I couldn't keep wondering if you have to do the same with the DSLR photos as well. ...

Yup. Post-processing is pretty important, no matter the camera. And with dSLRs, it's actually kind of assumed that you will be post-processing, so the default output from most dSLRs will actually have less processing than most P&S cameras perform. By default, P&S cameras almost always add sharpening and color saturation.

One of the features that a lot of dSLR photographers enjoy is being able to shoot in RAW--that is, using the raw data from the sensor without it being compressed into a JPEG. That's because you have full control over how it will be processed, and without any missing data (JPEG compression discards some of the original data), you have more latitude for post-processing edits.

[MNFats]

I have to agree with Inkista here.

I am by no means a pro, heck I am can barely be considered an amateur!

Speaking from my experience, since I purchased my DSLR, I've spent almost as much time processing in photoshop and lightroom as I have taking pictures (sad I know, but I really feel its been extremely beneficial).

I have found that there is SOOOoo much more to photraphy than simply taking amazingly awesome photos. I have noticed that it is easy to find things to shoot, don't get me wrong, taking photos is the most important part of photography, but if your out taking 50 photos on a walk... What do you do with them? Your workflow starts. Things like downloading into cpu, cataloging, processing, uploading/displaying, preporation, strategy, promotion... all the back office stuff starts and it can and will be time consuming!

I've noticed that as i've refined my workflow, taking photos has become much more enjoyable. My shots are better (at least I think they are!) and I have become much faster!

Point is this: Post production/processing/workflow is a part of photography, no matter the camera, no matter the photographer (unless you pay someone else to do it). The more you put into learing photoshop (even for minor touch up), perfecting your workflow, the better off you will be as you progress.

thats my 2 cents.

[inkista]

Yeah, I used to spend more time in the darkroom than I did shooting back when I was learning photography.

Having post-processing software like Lightroom and Photoshop essentially is the digital equivalent to having a fully equipped color darkroom in film days.

[spill_cake]

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your inputs. Really, truly appreciate them.

I think i was sooo excited with my new DSLR, so i'm expecting a lot from it.

I've been trying to take photos everywhere i go, but it seemed that the result is just not as what i expected.

i will keep snapping happily now ^-^ & will keep improving post-processing skill too!!!

[Athas_orm]

I would advise reading up on composition. Its something though that can help. Some of my photographs with a DSLR and I'm a beginner too are just snapshotty without it. Is that a word??

[matneym]

Originally Posted by spill_cake

Dear all,

Thank you so much for your inputs. Really, truly appreciate them.

I think i was sooo excited with my new DSLR, so i'm expecting a lot from it.

I've been trying to take photos everywhere i go, but it seemed that the result is just not as what i expected.

i will keep snapping happily now ^-^ & will keep improving post-processing skill too!!!

If you are like me what comes out in the photo isn't always what I "see" when I take it. I've got to learn to bridge that gap.

[inkista]

Helpful for me, ymmv, but I liked Bryan Peterson's book, Learning to See Creatively.