Someone just recently asked why my images resemble the softness of film. They’re still in focus and clear, but not sharpened to the point where the look really digital. The way I achieve this is quite simple. I turn all the sharpening off in my camera, and don’t add much in post. I’ll add a slight amount with the Unsharp mask filter in photoshop if I’m saving it for the web, but it’s hardly noticeable. Lately I’ve been using Exposure 2 by Alien Skin to add some film grain, but mostly the softer film look comes from turning off the sharpening in the camera.
I also turn down the contrast in the camera as well. By turning down all your in camera settings, it give you more range to work with in post, obviously you can only do this with RAW, which is all I shoot.
I am new here just wanted to say thanks for the tips I am new to the photography world.. So i need all the help I can get… thanks
Nick, Thanks for all of the posts. You have really inspired me to start a “better” blog and share as much as possible. With regards to workflow, which programs are you using these days? Where do you stand with the whole Aperture vs. Lightroom? Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work. It is an inspiration. Let me know the next time you are in the bay area as I would love to hire you to take some shots of my wife and I.
Glad I can be of inspiration! Your comment just inspired my newest post. Check it out.
I’m trying to get up to the bay area in the next couple months. I’ll keep you posted.
Hi Nick, great blog (and portfolio). Do you still allow the RAW processing to do any sharpening (it is the default in Aperture) or do you switch that off as well?
Thanks for sharing Nick! Do you turn down your contrast in camera below zero? The default Standard setting in the 5Dmkii are all at zero point with the exception of sharpness, which is a point below zero.
…just clarifying. Thanks
@Pete I usually turn my camera settings down to zero, not below.