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Photo manipulation
Summary: Photo manipulation can be used as a creative tool in an artists hands. PERSPECTIVE is a section of PORTRAITSECRETS dedicated to display the wide range of photographic expression that both inspires and motivates photographers.
The digital age has provided Randy Dieter, a career photojournalist for newspapers and magazines for decades, the opportunity to move into a new creative phase. Artistic manipulation of photographs, old and new, have given rise to an expansion of his creative horizon.
Randy Dieter, an old friend, mentor and inspiration at PORTRAITSECRETS, continues
to stretch his creative horizon. An award-winning photojournalist,
plying his craft in newspapers and magazine through the 60's, 70's 80's
and presently in the design realm, has long been a trailblazer.
Dieter, comfortably enshrined in his new role as
grandfather, still has a thing or two to pull from his creative bag of
inspiration.
A lifetime of imagemaking has not slowed with
the recent explosion in the digital world. Dieter was slow to come to
terms with a full embrace of digital technology and today, still owns
film cameras along with a variety of point-and-shoot digital cameras.
However, his use of graphic and photo related
computer software has provided him an energizing opportunity.
Recent dispatches from the Ohio-born photographer
have begun including the snapshots taken by millions of proud
grandfathers like him. But the definitive influence in his photos is a
bond between
his subject and himself. Certainly, they are snapshots and portraits of
family, but the visual edge and instincts he exhibited as
photojournalist remain razor
sharp.
Crisp compositional lines and the ability to get
close to and involved with his subject is a trait to be admired and
emulated.
The following two photographs and of his granddaughter are simple in
form and composition. The second of the two is a digitally manipulated
image that is part watercolor and part pastel and wholly a "Dieterized" image.
 | | "Begin the process with a quality original," says Randy Dieter. A photojournalist now crafting a new identity as grandfather and artist. Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
 | | The finished product represents photographic alteration with a variety of plug-in filters and changes in hue and saturation. Granddaughter Elyse is the inspiration behind the image. Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
"Not so high tech", but it works
Not a high tech guru, the economically minded
Dieter says of his software arsenal, "I use Adobe Photoshop , Adobe
Elements 2, Corel photo-paint 12, Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 and
Inkscape. I have picked up bargain software on Ebay
for pennies on the dollar. I upgraded if the price was right. I
follow the prices for a week, set my self-imposed limit and bid in the
last 30 seconds. Simple plan, but you don't always win. More
importantly, you need to set "your" limit. Some you win, some you lose,
but there will always be another opportunity. I've yet to see a one
time item. "
As for specifics, "For most, it's Adobe, but each program offers a
variety of similar, yet different plug-in filters packs. Again, on the cheap
from Ebay, I bought some old Kai's filters for the Mac. They now have been incorporated into newer versions of Corel creative suites.
More of Randy Dieter's "Dieterized" images
 | | Chris, age 3 Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
 | | Gabe, 10mos. Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
 | | Gabe, Summer 2005 Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
 | | Barn Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
 | | Chris Copyright Randy Dieter 2005 |
Dieter offers this advice for those wanting to "grow
their skills" and broaden their range. He explained, "This does have a
steep learning curve, but you'll have a great time. During my first
attempts I spent a couple of all-day/ all-nighters. I hadn't done
that in years."
Some parting words
PORTRAITSECRETS did
inquire about some of Dieter's special techniques and methods, but he
respectfully declined the details. Not that he's so secretive,
but he, like you, can develop skills and techniques that will define
your style. The creative process, like Randy Dieter, is ever-changing
and remains "a work in progress".
A last word from Dieter, "Start with an image you love... to make an image you'll love".  | | Dieter at 16&60 |
See more of Dieter's work at: http://hometown.aol.com/rwilliamdieter/index.html
http://hometown.aol.com/rwilliamdieter/page1.html
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
• more tips & tricks
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
• read Michael's answer
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