(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)My computer handles CS3 fairly well, but it’s over three years old, so, of course, that means in computer years it’s a relic. That’s one of the reasons I had put off exploring working at 16 bits. I suspected that working with the larger files would only create more headaches than it was worth. But then, I read an article, or saw a tutorial (I no longer remember the source) that mentioned the increased elasticity of a 16 bit RAW file, and I was in a mood to experiment.
I know I have a tendency to be suggestible when I read or listen to experts, so I could be kidding myself. But, I am hooked. While it's true that working on a file that size chews up the memory at warp speed; I was surprised at how much more I could wring out of the material. When I used the approach for some photos I took using ISO 2000, I was grateful to have access to more depth and to be able work with pixels that were just a little more supple. The photo above appealed to me because of the story. Lancer was dealing with abandonment issues—Night had been taken out for a ride—and the herd next door must have looked appealing to our lonely gelding.
While I will continue to work predominately with 8 bit files, I now feel comfortable turning to the memory-hogging 16 bits when an image needs some extra TLC.
While I will continue to work predominately with 8 bit files, I now feel comfortable turning to the memory-hogging 16 bits when an image needs some extra TLC.
Welcome to your new addiction. Once I saw 14bit raw capture and 16 bit editing I couldn't go back. Pushing the machine till the smoke alarm goes off even if it is late at night is hard to stop doing even if I get yelled at. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing how a single horse can convey real longing, beautiful image and emotion contained in it.
Anita, I am not as technically astute as you, but I have to say, I really love that photograph. I agree with Ray, the emotion caught there with the short narrative history you provided melted me. Thanks for sharing. And I hope he recovers from his abandonment issues.
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ReplyDeleteI had the same, CS3 - was chewing up memory like a hungry hippo! But once I moved on to CS4, the cumputer runs cool again and the memory "pull" that CS4 needs to process the same large 16 bit NEF files, is way less. The process of post-processing became a non-chore again.
You're a geek! You're a geek! You're a geek! 16 bits, 8 bits. Ha! :-) Lovely photo, Anita! I'm impressed with your computer lingo and whatnot!
ReplyDeleteI came back again to look at this photo. This is probably one of, if not, my favorite photos of yours. It says so much. You can almost feel the desire, or perhaps it's mere observation and curiosity, of Lancer as he observes the other horses. Fantastic, Anita. The light is absolutely gorgeous, everything works.
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