Photoshop - Growing Popular Image Effect

[SD_Surfer]

Does anyone know if this type of image editing has a specific name? Also, any information on how to achieve it? I can tell the background has a lot of work with the "shadow/highlight" filter. As for the subjects themselves, there's a lot going on and it's a little difficult for me to decipher. I posted a couple links below to samples of ones I've come across. Thanks for any and all help!

alicyablake.com/archives/207

In this site, John uses the effect on mostly ALL images. Some seem more intense than others.
johnsegesta.com

This site uses a lot more PS editing for the backgrounds. But, the people are still real photos, just edited uniquely.
timtadder.com

 

[Steve]

Hi SD, welcome to PSG.

There are so many tools and effects available in PS it's impossible to say this guy did A,B,C.

 

[Gaussian]

Can you explain what exactly you are trying to achieve?

You can post images here instead of links, it's easier for us to see what you are talking about.

 

[SD_Surfer]

Hello Steve, I figured this much. I'm a Multimedia Designer with a large action sports corporation and am always looking for new methods/treatments for images, video, etc. I've got a pretty strong understanding of PS.

This particular method seems to becoming more popular. I'm basically trying to see if there are any tutorials, guides, list of effects used, etc or someone willing to share some direction as far as how to achieve these types of effects. Thanks for your reply!!

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Hey Gaussian, "Basically", I'm trying to achieve that almost "cartoon-grunge" style that most these images portray. They all seem to have amazing color depths, hard lines, and an almost fake look. As if a highly-skilled character artist drew them. I know this can't be achieved by using a simple press-button effect. I'm more or less looking for a method of execution, list of possible effects that might have gone into post-production, etc.

From looking at these in detail, i feel like the shadow/highlight filter, contrast, curves & levels have a lot to do with the background. Using CS5 now, there aren't any lighting options or else i would include them here. As for the subject, i know the photography itself has an adverse effect on the appearance. But, we've got a wealth & variety of shots similar to these. Maybe not in lighting, but in setup & framing. I've included a few of my favorites...

 

[sprucemagoo1]

If you mean something like this:-
Before
View attachment 1099
After
View attachment 1100
It's just a load more contrast, a bit of posterisation, and just messing about with vibrancy and what not.

 

[SD_Surfer]

Yeah, not really. The images above have A LOT more work going into them. I'm looking for a more intricate method. One that adheres more attention to the subject. The post-production will appear almost cartoon-like. Look at the guy holding the newspaper and the swimmers underwater in the above images posted. Thanks for your input though!

 

[tricky500]

I think what you are looking for is HDR and it mostly relates to photography with a good amount of post processing. A lot of people over do it but if done well it can really pop images without making them look toooo cartoony and fake.

Google Image Result for http://www.deviantart.com/download/74421705/Eye_HDR_2_by_ridethespiral1.jpg

Google Image Result for http://main.inspirationfeed.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/33_in_HDR____by_mat3jko.jpg

Google Image Result for http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3024/3114250753_2062063348.jpg

 

[tricky500]

With a couple hours or days work you might be able to come up with a similar result with any old photo (though not likely) but the process I'm familiar with is taking anywhere from 3 to 10 photos, all with different exposures and then combining them in a program such as Photomatrix. Often times the photographers will blend in certain exposures with masks manually after this to achieve the desired look they are going for as well as artistic flair. The photographer in those images definately had a good knowledge and understanding of lighting and was not using natural lighting or just a pop up flash off his camera...

 

[SD_Surfer]

Thanks for the examples Tricky! The last link "HDR Favorites" has some similar to what I'm referring to. As for 3-10 photo layering with varying exposures, never thought of that. I've also never heard of Photomatrix. Something I'll look into. Yes, the photographers have a good understanding of light. I've worked personally with John Segesta here in San Diego. He has done a lot of triathlon shoots for us. He's reluctant to share his method's though and i respect that. His method of execution is what gets him his work around here. If he blatantly shows someone exactly what he's doing, he's basically giving future work away. But thanks for the information Tricky. Cheers!

 

[Steve]

Remember these images are staged, lighted, setup, and thought out.
They're not simple images that have been manipulated to look unique.