Steve McCurry Post-Processing

[mirekti]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Guys, I wondered what you think about the Steve's post processing. Is it too much for you?

 

For me some photos look as if they were taken with some film that produces such vibrant, and saturated colors, on the other hand in some images I cannot figure out what was actually done there.

 

I really love his style, and this isn't my question here. I'd like if you add some comments on PP only.

 

Here's a link to his web page Home | Steve McCurry

 

Thanks.

[sanyasi]

Your question is very timely for me. I spent the entire weekend reworking musician photographs that I hope to sell. They are divided into black and white and color, with about 120 black and white and 50 color. I've been engaging in this exercise all winter for all sorts of photos. After all the reprocessing of photos I have come to one conclusion about color: If it is going to be in color, then make it about the colors (I am assuming you have a good composition and exposure to begin with). I used to worry about overdoing it and I still do. There is a fine line between just right the amount of saturation and clown colors, but I am of the opinion that you should push up against that line. Done correctly, and you have the difference between a great photo and a snapshot.

 

As for McCurry's work, I don't find it overdone. He recognizes that he is photographing an interesting color palette, with odd/bright colors for buildings and lots of colored fabrics. Westerners (at least us in Chicago) don't generally see that palette on a daily basis, and he uses that fact to his advantage.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[honcho]

....For me some photos look as if they were taken with some film that produces such vibrant, and saturated colors, on the other hand in some images I cannot figure out what was actually done there.....

 

He gave an interesting if somewhat stuttering presentation at TPS last week and devoted some time to his preference for K64 and his last roll project. I don't recall anyone asking him if he's trying to replicate it, but his comments about his work in India being all about colour might be relevant to your question.

[250swb]

I don't find the processing overdone either, it is in the finest traditions of National Geographic Magazine.

 

I think he manages to pull off strong colours because he already has a strong image and he doesn't just use saturation, be uses contrast and a subtle colour balance, so it's not like simply turning the saturation up in post processing. Late last year DxO Filmpack 3 was offered as a free download and that does a pretty reasonable job of emulating Kodachrome 64 if you start with the right sort of image. You might try to see if it's still available but it was a limited time offer. You could also try Nik's Color Efex Pro if you have the package, but a lot of the film presets seem a long way from being accurate and a lot of fiddling is needed to get a good Kodachrome look.

 

Steve

[dant]

Some of it a little contrasty, But it is gritty subjects and PP to match.