JT Spunk | Photography

What makes professional photos softer?

There is a huge difference in some photograph’s.. for example there is a big difference between these 2 photos: http://www.edgewater-lodge.com/images/Whistler_Wedding_Rings.jpg and http://www.adamsbrides.com/foto-matrimoni/avril/wedding_photographer_italy_.jpg The second one looks like it is taken out of a magazine, the first one looks like a regular shot.. What tools or equipment does one need to achieve the second pic and like these: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/wedding-photography.jpg

It’s a bit of everything. I would tend to say it is photoshop for the first one listed, however most anything can be done with the correct lens. Some one who can afford an expensive lens can do more things. For one, a lens like a prime 50mm f / 1.4 is going to have sharp images. However the depth of field is shallow, and can soften images in the areas not in focus.

The professionals will tend to buy expensive lenses that will help eliminate post processing. It saves time to get it right the first time rather than editing it later.

I can tell you for sure that if you want great images you need a prime lens, like the 50, or if you can opt to afford something in the range of a 24-70 mm f / 2.8. They are very sharp, and make your images pop.

You can of course do a lot in photoshop. You can bump the contrast, play with the levels, distort colors etc. Something you might want to look into is the Ortan effect. Many photographers use it in post processing to make softer images. Add that with a sepia filter, and you can get the quality of the one you said comes out of a magazine.

The first photo listed was probably one that was never post edited, and using a cheap lens, and possibly not even the correct exposure.

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