Tuning AG

As some of you already know, my computer recently took a flying leap into a dumpster (almost literally ). Well... before it did, I had been attempting to learn how to use Photoshop to correct and "liven up" pictures... namely FM2 Pics

So... what I'd like you to do, is take a look at the pictures posted below and compare them, then rate my final product on a scale of 1-10. This will help me decide if I should go through the time and trouble of finding and d/l'ing Photoshop again or if I should just can it and stick to the in-game editor.

First off... the original (unresized) pic straight from the in-game editor:



Next... same image, just resized (no filters or adjustments made except that I used "Bicubic Sharper" for the resize):



And finally... the finished product:



So... thats it. Have at it, and be honest. Brutally honest, if you must.

Looks like you went a little harsh on the levels or curves (looks fine except in the yellow cars and the "mugello" on the sign - it introduced too much distortion)... other than that it looks good.

Bit too much saturation in the colour, makes it look a little un-natural. Other than that it looks good. Heres a resizing tip.

Resize your image, Duplicate the final layer and then go to Filter - Sharpen More. This will look way too sharp but dont worry, then go to layer opacity for the sharpened layer and adjust to satisfaction. Also you can clone out the FM2 logo quite easily to make it look even better.



Slight adjustments here and there, cant wait for FM3 photos. Definatley going to get a few paints printed out properly

Keep at it Kevin! The more you play the better you will become at it.

Nick and Brandon already said what needed to be said about the color in the last pic.

I plan on it! I'm actually having fun! I have NO clue what I'm doing, I just move the little sliders around til I think it looks good. I'd LOVE to figure out how to make sigs and avatars and that sort of thing, but as I've said a million times before, I have less artistic ability and creativity than your average loaf of bread LOL

--Kevin

Here's what I call the "magic curve" Kev.... Go to Image>Adjustments>Curves and you'll click the diagonal line once near the left side and drag down and to the right and once near the right side and drag up and to the left. Doesn't take much...

not too bad Kev, pretty much what has been stated. b that curve thing is sooo simple to do lol instead of messing around with flickr or paint.net since i don't have PS

I gave it the 4, I'm sorry man. But don't give up on your pshop skills just yet. I think the main issue you had was the initial picture. You'll want to bump the color up nearly all the way on Mugello and turn down the exposure a bit. That will allow more color and detail to be accentuated in Photoshop.

Other than that, just what the guys said. Try to stay away from Contrast and Brightness in PS, as they delete information. Levels is a good one to use, it keeps all the detail while still manipulating the photo. Also, in the levels histogram, take the slides inward if there is no spike for a little while. I'm not sure how I can better describe that without a photo. I'll try to post something up when I get home.

I've been meaning to do a photoshop tutorial for Forza pictures for quite some time.

Yeah, I knew the original picture was going to make things tough, thats why I used it. I wanted to see if I could make it look better. That picture was taken (IIRC) back in October '07. At the time, I thought it was one of the best pictures I'd ever taken. ALOT has changed since then

Don't feel at all bad for rating it a 4! I asked for honesty, and thats what you gave me. Thank you! I think I understand what you're saying about the Levels Histogram...

And... I, for one, would really appreciate some tutorials! Speaking of which... does anyone have any links to any good online tutorials??? Whether photo-correction or creating new images...

--Kevin

http://www.good-tutorials.com/tutorials/photoshop

http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Photoshop/1

http://www.grafx-design.com/phototut.html

2nd attempt, same pic... just kept the adjustments alot more subtle...



Any better?

--Kevin

Much better man

lookin good! lets see some more pics