Photo manipulation
Index
BEFORE UPLOADING
If possible take 10 or more shots of everything - to allow for variations in focus, camera shake, and different views of the subject.
If you already have a photo of the vessel on the site, go to it and use the link More from : This Ship This Photographer. Try and get a different angle or background.
Never submit photos to Shipspotting.com as they come from the camera. Always review for possible enhancement, to meet site standards (see FAQs) or personal satisfaction.
Transfer images from camera to a designated editing folder; say one for each vessel or shipspotting expedition. Use Copy not Move to keep images in camera for insurance – delete later.
REVIEW IMAGES FOR MANIPULATION
SEE BELOW FOR SOME OF THE AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES.
Manipulation (sometimes described as Editing or Enhancement) is a routine process for most photographers. It is a follow on to judgments made while taking the shot; such as for focus, shutter speed and framing the shot. Many photographers believe that they can set their camera to Auto because of the power of manipulation software.
Most photos can be improved by cropping. Some need to have the horizon levelled perhaps by checking vertical structures in the background. Many can be improved by judicious use of a Sharpen tool. The consequence of back lighting or a dull day can often be remedied.
Practice and experimentation will provide opportunities for a variety of combinations of the manipulation tools.
Remember that Shipspotting photos are not meant to be creative works of art, they should record a scene dominated by a ship. Always be aware of the Site Standards at http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/xoopsfaq/index.php?cat_id=12
UPLOAD IMAGES SELECTED
See FAQ under the heading ABOUT UPLOADING PHOTOS
http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/xoopsfaq/index.php?cat_id=1
PROGRAMMES USED BY SHIPSPOTTING MEMBERS
Each member will support their own judgment by giving reasons for choosing a programme that is the best for them.
Seek opinions from friends. Or test one or more of those listed below.
GIMP. Free from Internet search.
IRFAN VIEW. Free from Internet search.
PAINT SHOP PRO. Used by many very experienced photographers.
MICROSOFT OFFICE PICTURE MANAGER. Included with Microsoft Office 2003 and later.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP. Comes in several versions (and prices) from elementary to advanced. For advanced versions, buy a current textbook. Member advice is available. See below
PICASA. Free from Google. Many popular computer magazines consistently give this programme a very high rating. For specific guidance see other FAQs in this group. The FREE Picasa is on the Google site at http://picasa.google.com/
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The following comments relate specifically only to Picasa – although the principles probably apply to other image manipulating programs.
TRANSFER IMAGES TO PICASA
Open Picasa. In File menu, Add Folder (used for editing) to Picasa. In Folder Manager window, navigate to editing folder to be transferred and click, dot Scan Always, click OK.
To use, under Folders heading click on folder name. Double click on thumbnail to reveal tools.
USING PICASA
1. CROP MOST IMAGES (Basic Fixes tab) to ensure the ship is the main subject. Ensure the ship is in the centre of the frame. Distant views and shots where the ship is a very small part of the image may be considered for deletion, even if they look good in the family album. Filling the frame using a camera digital screen can spoil good shots by cropping off bows and sterns. Cropping a distant shot may produce a result with resolution too low for compliance with the FAQ published standard - you can upload images up to 4000 x 4000 pixels with automatic resize - minimum resolution should be 1024 x 768 pixels. Higher is better. Picasa shows the resolution pixels and the MB information for each opened file.
2. Use the Straighten tool (Basic Fixes tab) to make a sloping horizon horizontal. Background items such as windmills can check the vertical alignment. Be careful that the mouse does not move after getting the alignments right.
3. Use Fill light and Highlight tools (Tuning tab) to make acceptable images from those with darkness, from back light sun or a dull day.
4. Use the Sharpen tool (Effects tab) to improve/correct inexact focus. Often more than one Sharpen can be used, but make sure the image does not appear to break up. If it does after submitting, Delete it and prepare another image with less sharpen and submit that.
5. The Shadows tool (Tuning tab) can be useful for dealing with glare, and restoring detail after necessary use of highlighting.
6. Don’t be surprised if the I’m Feeling Lucky tool (Basic Fixes tab) does not impress. It can turn a sunny day into a darkish evening. But experiment with it and Fill Light or Auto Contrast or Auto Colour or alone. Picasa3 version is much better than earlier downloads.
REPARE FOR SUBMITTING TO SHIPSPOTTING
1. When result of above is a “possible” for best choice, click Export button at foot of window.
2. On Export to Folder window, select Image Size Option – use Original size unless outside site standard. Then Click OK
3. In destination window, always open the file to see how it will be seen on Shipspotting.com. If not satisfactory, delete and try again e.g. another Sharpen or change pixels in Image Size Option (see 2 above).
4. Enter file name for image.
5. Move image to folder with name of Shipspotting category.
6. Progressively reduce the images for the vessel to “semi-finalists”, and “best choice”. The best choice may be selected by setting each of the semi finalists as Desktop Background to look for blurry results.
MORE INFORMATION
1. To translate to and from English, see FAQ titled Shipspotting Language.
Back to Top
[Top]
Go to http://www.gimp.org/
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.irfanview.com/
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1184951547051#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0
Look for address for your location.
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HP010017211033.aspx
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.adobe.com/products/
For advanced versions a text book is usually recommended.
Member Kelvin is willing to help with the use of this software. Contact him at http://kelvindavies.co.uk/kelvin/how/page1.html
[Top]
OBTAIN THE SOFTWARE
The FREE Picasa is on the Google site at http://picasa.google.com/
Read the information, download, and practice. The following comments relate specifically only to Picasa – although the principles probably apply to other image manipulating programs.
Picasa 3 became available for downloading during November 2008. It is advisable to take the option to initially transfer to Picasa images from only Desktop, My Documents and My Pictures. Similarly it is advisable to reject the option to use Picasa to open all images and thus change existing settings. Those decisions can be made later if desired.
Earlier version Picasa tools remain operational, although the updated program offers some additional options. During May 2009, Picasa 3 downloads made improvements.
TRANSFER IMAGES TO PICASA
Open Picasa. In File menu, Add Folder (used for editing) to Picasa. In Folder Manager window, navigate to editing folder to be transferred and click, dot Scan Always, click OK.
To use, under Folders heading click on folder name. Double click on thumbnail to reveal tools.
USING PICASA
1. CROP MOST IMAGES (Basic Fixes tab) to ensure the ship is the main subject. Ensure the ship is in the centre of the frame. Distant views and shots where the ship is a very small part of the image may be considered for deletion, even if they look good in the family album. Filling the frame using a camera digital screen can spoil good shots by cropping off bows and sterns. Cropping a distant shot may produce a result with resolution too low for compliance with the FAQ published standard - you can upload images up to 4000 x 4000 pixels with automatic resize - minimum resolution should be 1024 x 768 pixels. Higher is better. Picasa shows the resolution pixels and the MB information for each opened file.
2. Use the Straighten tool (Basic Fixes tab) to make a sloping horizon horizontal. Background items such as windmills can check the vertical alignment. Be careful that the mouse does not move after getting the alignments right.
3. Use Fill light and Highlight tools (Tuning tab) to make acceptable images from those with darkness, from back light sun or a dull day.
4. Use the Sharpen tool (Effects tab) to improve/correct inexact focus. Often more than one Sharpen can be used, but make sure the image does not appear to break up. If it does after submitting, Delete it and prepare another image with less sharpen and submit that.
5. The Shadows tool (Tuning tab) can be useful for dealing with glare, and restoring detail after necessary use of highlighting.
6. Don’t be surprised if the I’m Feeling Lucky tool (Basic Fixes tab) does not impress. It can turn a sunny day into a darkish evening. But experiment with it and Fill Light or Auto Contrast or Auto Colour or alone. Picasa3 version is much better than earlier downloads.
REPARE FOR SUBMITTING TO SHIPSPOTTING
1. When result of above is a “possible” for best choice, click Export button at foot of window.
2. On Export to Folder window, select Image Size Option – use Original size unless outside site standard. Then Click OK
3. In destination window, always open the file to see how it will be seen on Shipspotting.com. If not satisfactory, delete and try again e.g. another Sharpen or change pixels in Image Size Option (see 2 above).
4. Enter file name for image.
5. Move image to folder with name of Shipspotting category.
6. Progressively reduce the images for the vessel to “semi-finalists”, and “best choice”. The best choice may be selected by setting each of the semi finalists as Desktop Background to look for blurry results.
MORE INFORMATION
1. For clarification of the above, contact Clyde at seekaydee@gmail.com
2. To translate to and from English, see FAQ titled Shipspotting Language.
Back to Top
[Top]
- What process is suggested?
- How do I use Gimp?
- How do I use IrfanView?
- How do I use Paint ShopPro?
- How do I use Microsoft Office Picture Manager?
- How do I use Adobe PhotoShop?
- How do I use Picasa?
BEFORE UPLOADING
If possible take 10 or more shots of everything - to allow for variations in focus, camera shake, and different views of the subject.
If you already have a photo of the vessel on the site, go to it and use the link More from : This Ship This Photographer. Try and get a different angle or background.
Never submit photos to Shipspotting.com as they come from the camera. Always review for possible enhancement, to meet site standards (see FAQs) or personal satisfaction.
Transfer images from camera to a designated editing folder; say one for each vessel or shipspotting expedition. Use Copy not Move to keep images in camera for insurance – delete later.
REVIEW IMAGES FOR MANIPULATION
SEE BELOW FOR SOME OF THE AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES.
Manipulation (sometimes described as Editing or Enhancement) is a routine process for most photographers. It is a follow on to judgments made while taking the shot; such as for focus, shutter speed and framing the shot. Many photographers believe that they can set their camera to Auto because of the power of manipulation software.
Most photos can be improved by cropping. Some need to have the horizon levelled perhaps by checking vertical structures in the background. Many can be improved by judicious use of a Sharpen tool. The consequence of back lighting or a dull day can often be remedied.
Practice and experimentation will provide opportunities for a variety of combinations of the manipulation tools.
Remember that Shipspotting photos are not meant to be creative works of art, they should record a scene dominated by a ship. Always be aware of the Site Standards at http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/xoopsfaq/index.php?cat_id=12
UPLOAD IMAGES SELECTED
See FAQ under the heading ABOUT UPLOADING PHOTOS
http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/xoopsfaq/index.php?cat_id=1
PROGRAMMES USED BY SHIPSPOTTING MEMBERS
Each member will support their own judgment by giving reasons for choosing a programme that is the best for them.
Seek opinions from friends. Or test one or more of those listed below.
GIMP. Free from Internet search.
IRFAN VIEW. Free from Internet search.
PAINT SHOP PRO. Used by many very experienced photographers.
MICROSOFT OFFICE PICTURE MANAGER. Included with Microsoft Office 2003 and later.
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP. Comes in several versions (and prices) from elementary to advanced. For advanced versions, buy a current textbook. Member advice is available. See below
PICASA. Free from Google. Many popular computer magazines consistently give this programme a very high rating. For specific guidance see other FAQs in this group. The FREE Picasa is on the Google site at http://picasa.google.com/
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The following comments relate specifically only to Picasa – although the principles probably apply to other image manipulating programs.
TRANSFER IMAGES TO PICASA
Open Picasa. In File menu, Add Folder (used for editing) to Picasa. In Folder Manager window, navigate to editing folder to be transferred and click, dot Scan Always, click OK.
To use, under Folders heading click on folder name. Double click on thumbnail to reveal tools.
USING PICASA
1. CROP MOST IMAGES (Basic Fixes tab) to ensure the ship is the main subject. Ensure the ship is in the centre of the frame. Distant views and shots where the ship is a very small part of the image may be considered for deletion, even if they look good in the family album. Filling the frame using a camera digital screen can spoil good shots by cropping off bows and sterns. Cropping a distant shot may produce a result with resolution too low for compliance with the FAQ published standard - you can upload images up to 4000 x 4000 pixels with automatic resize - minimum resolution should be 1024 x 768 pixels. Higher is better. Picasa shows the resolution pixels and the MB information for each opened file.
2. Use the Straighten tool (Basic Fixes tab) to make a sloping horizon horizontal. Background items such as windmills can check the vertical alignment. Be careful that the mouse does not move after getting the alignments right.
3. Use Fill light and Highlight tools (Tuning tab) to make acceptable images from those with darkness, from back light sun or a dull day.
4. Use the Sharpen tool (Effects tab) to improve/correct inexact focus. Often more than one Sharpen can be used, but make sure the image does not appear to break up. If it does after submitting, Delete it and prepare another image with less sharpen and submit that.
5. The Shadows tool (Tuning tab) can be useful for dealing with glare, and restoring detail after necessary use of highlighting.
6. Don’t be surprised if the I’m Feeling Lucky tool (Basic Fixes tab) does not impress. It can turn a sunny day into a darkish evening. But experiment with it and Fill Light or Auto Contrast or Auto Colour or alone. Picasa3 version is much better than earlier downloads.
REPARE FOR SUBMITTING TO SHIPSPOTTING
1. When result of above is a “possible” for best choice, click Export button at foot of window.
2. On Export to Folder window, select Image Size Option – use Original size unless outside site standard. Then Click OK
3. In destination window, always open the file to see how it will be seen on Shipspotting.com. If not satisfactory, delete and try again e.g. another Sharpen or change pixels in Image Size Option (see 2 above).
4. Enter file name for image.
5. Move image to folder with name of Shipspotting category.
6. Progressively reduce the images for the vessel to “semi-finalists”, and “best choice”. The best choice may be selected by setting each of the semi finalists as Desktop Background to look for blurry results.
MORE INFORMATION
1. To translate to and from English, see FAQ titled Shipspotting Language.
Back to Top
[Top]
Go to http://www.gimp.org/
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.irfanview.com/
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1184951547051#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0
Look for address for your location.
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HP010017211033.aspx
Member help is being sought.
[Top]
Go to http://www.adobe.com/products/
For advanced versions a text book is usually recommended.
Member Kelvin is willing to help with the use of this software. Contact him at http://kelvindavies.co.uk/kelvin/how/page1.html
[Top]
OBTAIN THE SOFTWARE
The FREE Picasa is on the Google site at http://picasa.google.com/
Read the information, download, and practice. The following comments relate specifically only to Picasa – although the principles probably apply to other image manipulating programs.
Picasa 3 became available for downloading during November 2008. It is advisable to take the option to initially transfer to Picasa images from only Desktop, My Documents and My Pictures. Similarly it is advisable to reject the option to use Picasa to open all images and thus change existing settings. Those decisions can be made later if desired.
Earlier version Picasa tools remain operational, although the updated program offers some additional options. During May 2009, Picasa 3 downloads made improvements.
TRANSFER IMAGES TO PICASA
Open Picasa. In File menu, Add Folder (used for editing) to Picasa. In Folder Manager window, navigate to editing folder to be transferred and click, dot Scan Always, click OK.
To use, under Folders heading click on folder name. Double click on thumbnail to reveal tools.
USING PICASA
1. CROP MOST IMAGES (Basic Fixes tab) to ensure the ship is the main subject. Ensure the ship is in the centre of the frame. Distant views and shots where the ship is a very small part of the image may be considered for deletion, even if they look good in the family album. Filling the frame using a camera digital screen can spoil good shots by cropping off bows and sterns. Cropping a distant shot may produce a result with resolution too low for compliance with the FAQ published standard - you can upload images up to 4000 x 4000 pixels with automatic resize - minimum resolution should be 1024 x 768 pixels. Higher is better. Picasa shows the resolution pixels and the MB information for each opened file.
2. Use the Straighten tool (Basic Fixes tab) to make a sloping horizon horizontal. Background items such as windmills can check the vertical alignment. Be careful that the mouse does not move after getting the alignments right.
3. Use Fill light and Highlight tools (Tuning tab) to make acceptable images from those with darkness, from back light sun or a dull day.
4. Use the Sharpen tool (Effects tab) to improve/correct inexact focus. Often more than one Sharpen can be used, but make sure the image does not appear to break up. If it does after submitting, Delete it and prepare another image with less sharpen and submit that.
5. The Shadows tool (Tuning tab) can be useful for dealing with glare, and restoring detail after necessary use of highlighting.
6. Don’t be surprised if the I’m Feeling Lucky tool (Basic Fixes tab) does not impress. It can turn a sunny day into a darkish evening. But experiment with it and Fill Light or Auto Contrast or Auto Colour or alone. Picasa3 version is much better than earlier downloads.
REPARE FOR SUBMITTING TO SHIPSPOTTING
1. When result of above is a “possible” for best choice, click Export button at foot of window.
2. On Export to Folder window, select Image Size Option – use Original size unless outside site standard. Then Click OK
3. In destination window, always open the file to see how it will be seen on Shipspotting.com. If not satisfactory, delete and try again e.g. another Sharpen or change pixels in Image Size Option (see 2 above).
4. Enter file name for image.
5. Move image to folder with name of Shipspotting category.
6. Progressively reduce the images for the vessel to “semi-finalists”, and “best choice”. The best choice may be selected by setting each of the semi finalists as Desktop Background to look for blurry results.
MORE INFORMATION
1. For clarification of the above, contact Clyde at seekaydee@gmail.com
2. To translate to and from English, see FAQ titled Shipspotting Language.
Back to Top
[Top]
