Blog | MAPI7

How to improve photo sharpness. 3 ways to increase sharpness

21.02.2022

When talking about ways to enhance the sharpness of a photograph, let's first briefly consider the concept of "sharpness". This will allow us to correctly define the task of correction and, accordingly, the tools for its implementation. In simple terms, image sharpness is the degree of clarity of the boundary between different exposure areas of a photo image. As a criterion of sharpness, one can use such a descriptive criterion as "detail distinguishability in a photograph". The sharpness of an image obtained during photography is determined by the resolving power of the optics and edge sharpness. An additional factor is the anti-aliasing filter, often used on modern sensors, which, despite its usefulness, slightly blurs the resulting image. Sharpness is perceived by the eye as the degree of contrast on the edges. Accordingly, sharpening algorithms darken the edges in dark areas of the image and lighten them in bright areas, making the picture subjectively sharper.

In what format to save photos in Photoshop?

15.02.2022

Adobe Photoshop provides extensive capabilities for editing photos. With Photoshop, you can retouch photos, change the background, adjust contrast and brightness. If desired, you can even create complex fantastical scenes in photos that are impossible to recreate in real life. You can transport a person's image to the Moon, Mars, or fantastical worlds, add any scene, and completely alter the appearance of the model. No matter how well and high-quality you take a photo, almost any picture requires editing and improvement in graphic editors. When working in Photoshop, it is important not only to master its tools but also to learn how to properly save photos. The PSD format is not suitable for storing photos, as it is heavy and can only be opened in Adobe Photoshop. If the person you are sending a PSD file to does not have Photoshop installed, they simply won't be able to view the photo. Let's consider how to properly save photos in Photoshop and what options exist for storing images.

Creating a backdrop for still life photography by yourself - 3 methods

10.02.2022

The right choice of background is crucial for creating a successful photograph. Even perfectly chosen lighting and correct composition will look bad in a photo if there is an unattractive background. It is especially important to choose a good background for product or food photography, advertising photo shoots. Surfaces made of wood, brick, stone, plastic, etc. can be used as backgrounds. Light textured surfaces that complement the composition look interesting. A recognizable background can become a photographer's signature style, adding uniqueness and recognizability to their photos. Not all photographers have a fully equipped studio with a quality background for product photography. If you rent a photo studio, it can be quite problematic to constantly carry a bulky background with you for shooting. Let's consider how to make a cheap, lightweight, and practical background for product photography with your own hands, which can be easily moved to different locations.

Why does noise appear in photos and how to avoid it when shooting

04.02.2022

It is very difficult to achieve ideal conditions for shooting and to get truly high-quality photos. There is always something we don't like: the face didn't turn out well, the pose is awkward, the background is bad, the lighting is off. There can be many reasons for ruined shots, but the most common one is the appearance of noise in the photos. Noise in photos is a defect in the image, manifested by the presence of monochromatic or colored pixels scattered throughout the photo. The higher the level of noise, the lower the quality of the image. Noise becomes particularly noticeable when cropping and enlarging the image. If there is too much noise in the photo, it is practically impossible to remove it in graphic editors. Beginner photographers often make mistakes that result in photos with a high level of noise. Let's consider what needs to be taken into account during shooting to improve the quality of the image and avoid noise in photos. We will also analyze the main reasons for the appearance of noise and consider ways to combat image defects.

How to do simple photo retouching by yourself

01.02.2022

Photo retouching is used to correct defects in photos and creatively bring ideas to life. People have different attitudes towards retouching. For some, it's a way to slightly improve a photo, add brightness, contrast. And for others, it's about completely changing the image in the photo, adding length to legs, slimming the waist, enlarging the chest, and so on. Regardless of how you feel about retouching and whether you strive for naturalness, it is often necessary because it's very rare to get a perfect photo right away. Retouching is often used in advertising and portrait photography, allowing to highlight desired features and hide flaws. And to create fantastic effects in photos, retouching is essential. It's impossible to take a photo with a unicorn in real life, but with retouching, you can stand next to a unicorn, Batman, or a dragon. The main rule of retouching is that everything should look harmonious, colors should complement each other, the body should have correct proportions, and the photo should attract attention. Excessive retouching can achieve a comical effect and make the photo look unappealing. Do not overdo it with Photoshop, everything should be done in moderation. Usually, when ordering a photo session from a professional photographer, you receive already retouched images. But we don't always order photos from specialists, sometimes we want to improve our own photos. Let's consider how to do simple photo retouching on your own and in which cases it is appropriate.

How to blur the background in a photo

28.01.2022

A blurred background in a photo is an interesting stylistic technique that allows to emphasize the necessary accents in the image. Background blur is used in advertising, artistic, and reportage photography. This effect is especially common in portrait photography, as it helps to focus attention on the person rather than the surroundings. In advertising photography, a blurred background highlights the product and emphasizes its main advantages. To make a photo with a blurred background look stylish and professional, it is important to learn not only how to take photos correctly but also how to process them. There are several ways to create a photo with a blurred background. Let's consider how this can be done and what techniques are best to consider.

Graphic file formats. Overview, advantages and disadvantages

25.01.2022

A photographer is a multi-functional profession. In addition to choosing the right equipment, setting it up, adjusting the lighting, and composing the shot, a photographer also needs to process the images in graphic editors. The quality of the graphic files determines the photographer's work results. It is necessary to save the files and place them on the internet in the most suitable format. When printing photos, it is important to consider the requirements of printing houses for images, and to save and edit graphic files in the necessary format. The format of graphic files is the way photos and drawings are stored. Depending on the chosen graphic format, the file has a different number of pixels, colors, and compression rate. Some file formats are suitable for sharing on the internet, others for printing, and others for image processing. Let's consider what graphic file formats exist, how they differ, and what advantages and disadvantages they have.

Ideas for a winter outdoor photoshoot

24.01.2022

Many people do not like winter because it gets cold outside, it gets dark early, and they just want to get home and wrap themselves in a warm blanket. But winter is not a reason to stay at home, but a pretext to go for a walk and capture wonderful photos of this time. Think back to your childhood, how you loved to play in the snow, swing in the drifts, sled, build snowmen, and capture all of this on photos. In winter, snow transforms everything around and creates a fairytale and romantic atmosphere. Dress warmly, take your children and pets with you, and go for a winter photo walk. You will have a lot of fun walking through a snow-covered forest or park, and you will have great and original photos to remember it by. Let's consider what to take into account when conducting a winter outdoor photoshoot and what ideas are best for shooting.

Adding lighting effects to a photograph

18.01.2022

Lighting in a photograph is crucial. With the help of light, you can give volume to the image, create an interesting play of shadows, highlight certain objects, and hide flaws. To take a quality photograph, good lighting is essential. However, photos are not always taken in studio conditions with spotlights and lamps. Also, natural sunlight does not always allow you to achieve the desired effect in a photo. It is best to take photos in not too bright sunlight and shoot in the morning at sunrise or in the evening before sunset, as this creates a soft and warm image. However, many photos are taken in the evening or at night, often under aggressive daytime lighting when the sun is at its zenith. If you didn't manage to take a photo with perfect lighting right away, don't get upset, you can fix the situation by adding lighting effects in graphic editors. Let's consider what to pay attention to when creating photos and how you can add various lighting effects using Photoshop.

How to take a staged photo

14.01.2022

Unlike reportage photography, staged photography offers more opportunities. A photographer can reshoot a scene by changing the lighting, the model's pose, or the decorations. There is the possibility to take multiple shots and refine the photos to perfection. Staged photos are generally of higher quality than spontaneous ones, as every detail is carefully planned. Staged photography is essential for advertising shoots. It is used in advertising clothing, accessories, cosmetics, food, and decor items. It is not necessary to have a person in the frame, the main goal is to showcase the product from the most advantageous angle, which requires professional photos. During staged photography, the photographer also acts as a stylist and director, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities. They need to pay attention to clothing, makeup, models' emotions and poses, choose the right lighting, and compose the shot correctly. It is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires specific knowledge and skills. Let's consider what needs to be taken into account to take a good staged photo.

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