Larry's Images

I capture images with a Canon 20D digital SLR. It is an 8 megapixal device. I have adequate long lenses to capture the subjects. The lenses are long but not fast. I use a tripod, almost always. I use a tripod on my Sigma 50 – 500 mm lens and a monopod on the camera as needed. I use two Canon flashes mounted on brackets near the front of my Sigma 70 – 300 mm lens for insects. I support it with a monopod.

I bracket everything from depth-of-field to exposure.  Digital has increased my learning curve on the later.   I shoot every way of which I can think as I work.  I am extremely immature in visualization, though I am learning.  I see things in which I think there is something but I am not sure what it might be.  I spend a lot of time with my subjects to get a feel for them.  I shoot them and try to decide later as I optimize images on my computer. 

I process the raw files is Adobe Camera Raw as 8 megapixal files. At this stage I make the first round of cuts by eliminating unsharp images and those with compositional flaws.  I also eliminate redundant images.

I then open them in Photoshop CS3. I de-spot every image as my sensor seems to be perpetually dirty.  I remove distracting elements using the clone stamp and healing brush tools. I add contrast as needed with the curves tool. I ID the subject, if needed, name and save the file with all layers intact as a .tiff.  This is my master image file.

Next, I have a database in which I record the image. It shows a thumbnail of the image. I record camera settings and setup. I list filters and flash used. I record where and when the image was captured and where it is saved.  Once the image is logged into the database, I re-evaluate it as to use, including artistic value. I decide whether it goes onto my website and if I will print it. I keep an album of 4x6 prints for my own edification and use in making these evaluations. I decide if a given image should be printed for sale at art shows and the size or sizes. I record those decisions in my database for later reference when I am making prints.

When it is time to make prints, I open the image and apply my signature. I crop to the intended size and dpi for printing. I use "picture package" in photoshop even if I am making only one of any given size. It applies the file name in tiny letters in the lower left corner. I sharpen using "unsharp mask." I print on an Epson Stylus Photo R2880. My computer system is color profiled from beginning to end.

I do not crop the insects and birds tightly. I keep to a minimum, the interpolation associated with cropping to larger sizes. I keep all original raw files as well as all layers on my master image file. I have a double set of copies of my images on DVD's. I have another copy of the images on hard drives. I keep one set of the DVD's in a fire safe in an air conditioned environment.

If you see a picture of a bird or insect that looks close-up, that is because it is close-up. I have not cut digital corners to produce it.

Larry Eicher