Star Circle Academy

Night Photography 150: Photo Manipulation I

June 7, 2012 · 8:00 PM
Your Computer

Cost: $11.50 (ie. really cheap!)

This 60 minute webinar will be a "jam session" featuring some key topics in image processing for night photography. You'll see live operation of Photoshop, LightRoom or other tools. What exactly we do will depend on your interests and votes. See this discussion to indicate what most interests you or add your comment below.

This will be MUCH better than an online tutorial since you'll be able to ask questions and influence exactly what we cover both before and during the webinar. Our first event will cover specific topics in Photoshop (CS5 recommended, but others should work as well). Many of these can also be done with Photoshop Elements. In addition, a few non-photoshop alternatives will be demonstrated).

The Topics We Will Address are:

Fixing light pollution (brown crud) in the night sky
Noise Reduction
Foreground brightening
Simple astrophotography processing.
Adjusting white balance for accuracy and appeal
Easy HDR

Those who purchase and attend the webinar will be provided with private access to replay the recorded results. Also note that this event will repeat with different topics at each time.

Here are some examples. For "Simple Astro Processing" we'll show you how to take these first five images to produce the one in the lower right. Steps include adjusting the white balance, layering images, managing noise

For Easy HDR we'll show you how to take these:

To get this

If you need more intensive help/training small attendance workshops will be offered where 4 or fewer students can get their questions answered interactively by one of our instructors.

Please make a comment about what most interests you when you RSVP.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

You should have a decently fast internet connection! Dial-up won't work for audio or the data content.

We recommend that you use your computer microphone and speakers to talk and listen so you must at least have speakers. My recommendation is get a headset for this if you do not already have one. Specifically I suggest getting a Plantronics headset with a microphone and a USB connection. Such headsets can be found at Best Buy for from $25 and up. USB headsets with microphone can be used with Skype and many other online games, and calling tools. They come in many styles include behind the head and over the head, single ear, open ear and closed. Most laptops include speakers and microphones but the audio quality of these is generally very poor. Some webcams also include built in microphones but generally the quality of those is poor.

Don't have a microphone? That's OK, too... you can interact through text chat.

Oh, and before we forget, we'll provide you with files so you can work along with us and ask questions! You'll receive information about how to get the class materials when the event draws nearer.

Join or login to comment.

Steven Christenson

If you've used one of the tips you learned, please post the BEFORE and AFTER to the photo album for this event!

0 · June 12, 2012
Steven Christenson

Eric is a genius at photoshop. Andy was particularly amusing as himself and the questions were intriguing. I thought Steven wasn't half bad, either or rather he was at least half good. Wait, I'm talking about myself, aren't I! In that case let me also add that Steven has an excellent face for radio.

0 · June 11, 2012
Tyler Heibeck

Steven and Eric, tag team awesomeness.

0 · June 10, 2012
Steven Christenson

For suggestions on additional topics, webinars, or workshops, please comment in here:
http://events.starcircleacademy...

0 · June 9, 2012
Steven Christenson

Here is where to ask your followup question(s): http://events.starcircleacademy...

0 · June 9, 2012
Steven Christenson

The recording has been edited. It's now being converted to usable format. It will then need to be uploaded. All this will take a while. When the recording is ready, I'll also update the course materials page.

0 · June 9, 2012
marsha kirschbaum

Excellent class -- I really learned a lot. I kept thinking about some of the techniques presented and couldn't wait to get home and reprocess some of my night skies to get the "brown" out using the levels adjustment tool. I was especially excited to learn that I could actually save it as a preset. Eric and Steven did a great job of explaining and demonstrating their techniques for easy HDR and batch processing. I also liked that the written materials are available for reference after class for practice. I also liked one of Eric's methods for getting rid of color cast --though that will require quite a bit more practice for me. I look forward to more Photo Manipulation classes. Thanks!

0 · June 8, 2012
Phil McGrew

Night photography is fun but that fun ends quickly if you don't know how to process your photos. Steven and Eric presented a variety of scenarios and offered solutions to each. I am anxious to see more webinars on this subject.

0 · June 8, 2012
Earl C

Experienced some "AHA" moments during the presentation by Steven and Eric. Their presentation and explanation of dealing with the post processing of astrophotography images were very explicit and right on target. I am eagerly looking forward to their next Webinar.
Steven and Eric are avid night photographers and fully understand the pitfalls and solutions to night photography.

0 · June 8, 2012
Walker

some tec problems but on the whole, great info. I had not used layer masks before and now I see how easy and effective they can be

0 · June 8, 2012
Stephen Balsbaugh

An excellent class. I was very impressed with the process used to "clear the haze" and produce an impressive San Jose area photo of the milky Way.

0 · June 8, 2012
andy morris

Superb session. Funny, informative and relaxed. Plenty of time for questions and great attention to the audience

0 · June 8, 2012
Fabián Soldano

Steven and Eric did a great job. Lots of info and good techniques. I wish the WBT lasted longer. Thank you guys!!!!

0 · June 8, 2012