Page 7 - December_Newsletter_2022

There are numerous other tools to enhance the highlights, mid tones and shadows to be found in image edit-
ing packages. Try them out and see how you can improve the detail in your image.

One recommendation Arthur made was, if your camera is able, take pictures in RAW format. Perhaps the
biggest benefit to shooting RAW format is that your camera is capturing absolutely all the data it receives
from the camera's sensor. This means that no details from the image are removed or discarded (which is often
what happens with JPEGs).

RAW provides far more image information, allowing you to capture more detail and greater dynamic range
from your camera sensor. More flexibility for editing is then available especially in packages like Adobe
Lightroom or its free counterpart Darktable.

During the course of the presentation, Arthur showed many examples of how to improve the image using the
above techniques. Changing an image to black and white can give a dramatic effect and change what was a
pretty bland landscape for example, into a moody image with punch.

If you have not got a good image manipulation package, depending on how far you want to go, then the fol-
lowing are worth investigating.

Adobe Photoshop – only available on subscription but can be bundled with Adobe Lightroom in its photogra-
pher package for about £120 per year. You get these 2 heavyweight packages plus Adobe Bridge and various
other programmes in the bundle.

The free route includes GIMP https://www.gimp.org/
This is a complex package but it is worth persevering with it. There are many YouTube videos that will help
you get the most out of it.

DarkTable is predominantly a Raw manipulation package and as with its companion, Gimp, is fairly complex
to get to grips with – If RAW is the way you want to go, then look no further.
https://www.darktable.org/

Other free packages include Paint.net, Krita and Photo Pos Pro, but the best are the two above if you are
looking for a free alternative wit ha lot of the tools found in the Photoshop and Lightroom.

Many thanks to Arthur for an excellent evening, showing that with a bit of artistic thought and a few simple
tools, you too can produce an award-winning image. Bets of luck to you all in our forthcoming competition.

Dave Robb