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How do you achieve that Oumph?


9 years 11 months ago #370241 by JeremyS
Hey everyone, I often see photos where there is just a real wow factor. All competition winners and all excellent photos really give off this "wow factor". What I'm wondering, is how do you put this into your photography? Does it involve excellent timing? Once in a lifetime chance? Something that comes naturally, or even something you do in specific to achieve this wow factor in awesome photos. 

I am asking this to all of you because I am trying to find the "wow factor" to be able to bring my photography of any type up to the next level. It is something I have struggled with, but I am slowly getting better. What do you suggest or how have you found your way to be able to deliver it?
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9 years 11 months ago #370245 by KCook
Luck or timing can be critical for some subjects, meaningless for other subjects.  The biggest difference for my results was clawing my way up the RAW processing mountain.

Kelly Cook
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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9 years 11 months ago #370251 by Tim Dordeck
Personally I think it's all of the above.  Good timing, patience, knowing your subject and firm understanding of your landscape and strong understanding of the fundamentals of photography.  A nice blend of all that and you increase your chances of getting those 'WOW' shots. 

And then every so often, lady luck steps in too.  ;) 
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9 years 11 months ago #370271 by garyrhook
Starting with a very good shot, crisp and well  exposed, and lots of post-processing. Pretty much anything you see (other than photojournalism) has been processed to some degree.

You might look into 1x.com for insight as to how images are created. There's a book on Amazon, too, called  Photo Inspiration . Might be helpful.

Not that anything I have is in the "wow" category, but if you want to pick out one of my images and have me explain the processing, I'd be happy to. My work can be found on Facebook , ViewBug , here on PT, and on my website GRHook Photo .
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9 years 11 months ago #370383 by KCook
A linky for any who are still convinced that only "natural" counts, and editing makes no difference -

www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1288111/0#12286383

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
The following user(s) said Thank You: Leilanee
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9 years 11 months ago #370527 by EOS_Fan
Visualize and really think about every shot you take.  Oh and luck!  
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9 years 11 months ago #370583 by ilh2009ky
I agree with the previous comments--especially about shooting in RAW, being prepared, knowing your equipment and having patience.  In addition, checkout some of the Topaz Lab software--specifically, Topaz Adjust, Topaz Clarity and Topaz Detail.  These plugins don't do anything you couldn't do with Photoshop, but, they do it a lot faster with the use of presets so you can compare and see which one really take your images to the next level.
Ian Leslie Harry
www.ilhphotography.com
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9 years 11 months ago #370629 by garyrhook
+1 on Topaz. I have Adjust, Clarity, Remask and Simplify. I've gotten them all at 50% off via their mailing list and monthly sails. Could not be happier, especially Remask. Awesome stuff.
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9 years 11 months ago #370631 by Leilanee
I think "wow" factor can be very loosely defined. Once you find your niche, touch on your creativity, and grab opportunities it gets easier to achieve. Innovation and presentation are usually what turns heads and catches the eye.
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9 years 11 months ago #371113 by JeremyS
Thanks everyone for all your answers, ill be looking into all of these things to see what they can do.
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9 years 11 months ago #371211 by ThatNikonGuy
+1 on Topaz Adjust
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9 years 11 months ago #371381 by Foxy Girl
I wish Topaz would work on my iPad :( 
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9 years 11 months ago #371617 by JeremyS
I did some digging and ran across a free download of topaz restyle, if I have lightroom/CC/viewnx2 is adjust worth it? If so what does it bring to the table the others don't?
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9 years 11 months ago #371689 by garyrhook
Well, other than a 30-day demo, that product isn't free. They still sell it. You can acquire a fully-working, 30-day license for their entire suite, if you like, to check it out.

That's not something I'm interested in; it looks like IG filters to me. I prefer to develop my own style, and those sorts of "moods" appeal to me not at all. Your mileage may vary.
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