Melting diamonds - by Adzla

Title: Melting Diamonds

Original picture
Nikon D70s,
Mode: Shutter priority, 1/8"
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 300mm
Remote Flash SB800, ISO400, WB Flash, EV +0.3, Custom color curve Mode 3a.

I was asked by fellow ulutopian, Jr, to post a picture and some write ups about how to manipulate photo to make them more interesting. Some images or photo that I adjust mainly in Photoshop CS or simplest yet, ACDSee Pro. I presume that you have some knowledge on both of the said software. Either version of the two it will do, because I use basic tools only. For this guide, I'm using ACDSee Pro.

Instead of viewing dull picture of ice that melts away, we can edit the photo to add more drama. Pre-visualize of what the outcome of the end picture. Find a theme to assist you in editing. This one is 'a melting diamond'. So I gave a red-fire look to express that imagination.

(Click on the picture for a larger view.)


1. Open your application ACDSee Pro Photomanager (either version 1 or 2).


2. Once open, click on Levels icon to begin adjusting histogram levels of the picture. Slide the left arrow to the right (this is Shadow) or type in value 38. For Highlight, slide a bit to the left or key in value 240. For midtones, key in value of 1.25). Click Done.


3. After that, click on Shadows/Highlight icon. This is to 'uncover' some details and some to 'stop down' of highlights. Slide the brightness to 81 while slide Darken to 75. Click Done.


4. Open HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) icon. In the Hue, slide to a value -18 (this changes color of the original). Slide saturation value to 59 and slide Lightness to -4. Try to experiment of these values to your likings. Don't forget to clik Done when you're finished.


5. Click on Brightness icon. On ACDSee pro 2, you will have exposure slide. Adjust this to -10 and Fill Light to 6. For earlier version adjust Contrast to 8. Done.


6. Open Unsharp Mask. Key in amount of 120, Radius at 10 and Threshold at 5. Done.


7. Next, we will crop to tighten a bit the composition. Open the crop tool. Crop the picture by referring to the grids. I use traditional Rule Of Thirds composition. Make sure that use check in 'Constraint cropping' box. Click Done when finished.


8. Definitely there is some noise due to higher ISO and some shadow areas that we have 'uncovered'. We will reduce not eliminate this noises. Open Remove Noise and adjust Amount to 35, Radius to 31 and Color Noise Reduction to 62. Done.


9. Finally, I add some vignette. Open Effects tool. Find Vignette and double-click on it. Slide Clear Zone to 391 while Transition Zone to 210. Done.




Now you have edited from a dull image to a more interesting image. Try to experiment with all the values especially the Hue, Saturation, Lightness; Levels; Shadow/Highlights and play crop with composition. Image editing doesn't replace marvelous Photography. So, it is better to shoot it right. Good luck! Happy editing.