First shot at RAW manipulation

[PaulVI]

This is my first attempt at harnessing the power of RAW after 1.5 years of DSLR experience, all JPEG output --- more than a handful of pictures, "lost" to complicated light conditions.



Camera Model: Canon EOS 60D
Firmware: Version 1.0.8
Shooting Mode: Aperture-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ): 1/400
Av( Aperture Value ): 13.0
Exposure Compensation: 0
ISO Speed: 100
Auto ISO Speed: ON
Lens: EF35mm f/2
Focal Length: 35.0mm
Flash: Off

Using Canon DPP, I darkened it, sharpened it, and shifted the tones. I can't tell you how, because the descriptors are not perfected in my head. "The diagonal line in the histogram was bent into a sigmoid." How's that?

Artistically, my goal was to darken the mood. The original was much paler. The barn looked to be a light gray. How'd I do?

For composition critique, do I have to re-post in another forum area?

Thanks!

[dave.turley]

Hi,
Great building. I shoot in RAW but am guilty (if that's the word) of not using it to do enough really. Your shot has a cold, crisp feeling to it. I'm sure it's very different from the original, but I'm not getting a 'dark mood' from it. The building has a great texture, and you've rendered it well.
Regards
Dave

[monstermum]

I really like it. It captures the feel of "old-timeness" and makes me think of the smells and warmth that would be inside the barn.
I didn't know enough about shooting in RAW last year when I drove across Canada. I wanted to shoot every abandoned barn we came across! So much character. Looks like we will have to organise another 17,000 km drive.......

[EOBeav]

My first rule of HDR is to make sure you have a good photograph first. I think this one could be improved by shooting it earlier in the morning or later in the day, with the sun low on the horizon. You'll be amazed at the difference quality of light makes in a shot like this.

[PaulVI]

@dave: "cold, crisp" --- I like that better! This was taken on Sunday 2/13, not a classically bitter winter afternoon. Here in NW Indiana, winter is breaking, and Sunday's weather hinted at this.

@monstermum: I see these barns all the time! I also feel like shooting every one! I wonder why there are so many, in this condition. This was on the property of a new friend of ours who invited us to his farm, so it's as close to an old barn as I've ever been. I almost feel lucky.

@EOBeav: Since getting into photography, I have been aware of the "golden hours" for photography, though I don't get to go out at those times too much. I wish I could have taken this in that golden light! Does this pic count as HDR? I thought that HDR was that 3-exposure sequence of shots.

Thanks to you all for your responses!