normanselvaraju said

Mandrake >>. Thank you for the input and advice. I shall go and try the "vivid" adjustment in photoshop. After doing some reading, I kind of understand that the reason I didn't get the richness that I saw with my eyes, is probably because of wrong exposure compensation. And to correct that I will have to do the post processing in this case. Fortunately, I have my RAW files.

Additionally, I think I will pay a little more attention to the scene and take a couple of test shots including a bracketed exposure snap shot to give myself a good choice of selecting the correct compensation for the exposure.

The "vivid" adjustment is in the camera not in photoshop. And... it is only for jpeg files not raw.
If you are shooting RAW the images will usually be flat compared to jpeg and will always require post processing.

normanselvaraju said

Madman>> thank you for your input. Yea, I think that the first 2 photos (the pre processed ones) are over exposed. After doing some reading, I am gonna attribute the lack of "pop" or life in the Colours, to the fact that the photos were overexposed.

I would like to apologize for the messiness with the photos. It wasn't meant to be like that. The formatting went a little haywire when I posted this thread. I had intended to seek the opinion of the members with regards to the first 5 photos. (three non processes photos and 2 post processed photos). The other photos were uploaded just to share some of the photos that I liked.

I understand now, from your advice that I should post fewer photos in one three to facilitate better discussion. I'll take note of that! Thanks!

I would like to apologize for the messiness with the photos. It wasn't meant to be like that. The formatting went a little haywire when I posted this thread. I had intended to seek the opinion of the members with regards to the first 5 photos. (three non processes photos and 2 post processed photos). The other photos were uploaded just to share some of the photos that I liked.

I understand now, from your advice that I should post fewer photos in one three to facilitate better discussion. I'll take note of that! Thanks!

Additionally, I think I will pay a little more attention to the scene and take a couple of test shots including a bracketed exposure snap shot to give myself a good choice of selecting the correct compensation for the exposure.

Do you always need to do post processing? Yes for RAW. No for jpeg.
jpeg photos are "processed" by your camera when you take the photo. You may want to do some post, but you don't have to.
With jpeg you can set picture controls to various settings before shooting. One is "Vivid". That would give you much more pop.
In post processing ... I would first adjust the levels sliders and then add a softlight layer at about 30-50% to add more life to the image.

Mandrake

And there is to many photos in the post. It gets hard to concentrate on what you asking for.

I went on a walkabout around Chinatown, Singapore yesterday. I came away with some shots that I was rather happy with.
I'm a newbie and I read so many articles and user posts and finally managed to capture some moments on the camera.
However, on returning home, I found that the images weren't as vibrant or rich or as colourful as I saw on the streets.

The first 5 are the examples that will hopefully help in getting my message across. The lighter ones are before post processing in PS. I only manipulated the curves (used the dropper to point to take reference from a black object in the photo)

My questions are :

1) Were my settings right when I took the photos?
Shot mostly on P mode with a +0.5 stop exposure.

2) Is this equipment related?
-Do I need a polarizing filter or some other filter instead?
-I used a Canon EOS 650D. Lens : EF50mm F1.8 with a standard uv filter only.

3) Is this always the case and post-processing is necessary all the time?
-I don't think so, as picture 5, taken on the same day, with same settings looks so rich and vibrant without any post processing.
-But please advise.

Thank you in advance for all your input, advice and help.

I am also including links to some of the other photos that I took during the walkabout and I would like to invite you to comment on them. Feel free to let me know how you like/dislike them.

---------------------------
Pic 1 - Slurp! (Before processing)

Pic 2 - Slurp! (After processing)

Pic 3 - I'm stuck (Before processing

Pic 4 - I'm stuck (After processing)

Pic 5 - Lantern Patern

Some of my other photos that I liked. Please feel free to comment. I appreciate any comments that will help me improve.

Prancing Lion

Peace...

How does this work...

Hard at work...

Break time...

Chestnuts roasting...

Naptime...

What are you looking for?

Come into my parlour..

Enter.. At your own risk