Gritty Look
Hi all
Whats up? How are you all?
I like to talk about a picture today.
Many people love the "gritty" Look in my pictures.
Its not very difficult to do that, when you know all the ingredients.
Lets talk about that today
Have fun
The Look
Its very important for me that my pictures have a "Look". I love a very contrasty, illustrated, gritty look. I love it sharp – everywhere!
To create this kind of look, i have to take care of many many things. Lets take a look at the picture first
This picture was done for my last DVD Production Calvinize IV, what is coming out on july (sorry only in german language).
Ok, i know… for many photographers this look is to unreal. Many photographers dont like this look. But i LOVE it!
Sometimes i get asked if i shoot HDR. But i never shoot HDR! I don´t know what HDR is (just kidding – it means high definition retouching – LOL)
What i need to create this style is:
- three lights
- a background with much details
- a model (i prefer male models)
- clothes with details
- and about 2 hours time to retouch the file
Lets take a look at the closeup
The problem what i have is: I can´t explain this style in a few words. The most important part is the photography part. The best is when you have everywhere details. For this shot i used a octabank as my main light and two striplights from each side. Its very important that you also work with the daylight. The daylight is your big fill light.
Retouching
And of course its a lot of retouching (high definition *g*). But i guess not so much what you expect. The most important retouching techniques what i use are:
- double or trible raw conversion
- getting details (FAD or Topaz Details)
- dodging and burning
- color manipulations
- sharping techniques
I spend a lot of time with thinking and testing some techniques. I do not often find the right settings with my first try *damn*
Learning my techniques
If you like to learn all my techniques you have three options:
- Ask me (maybe here on this blog – but please excuse when i can t write every detail. Its to much to explain)
- You can watch my tutorials and my DVDs (but also there i can only explain the most important steps)
- You can visit my workshops to get the 100 % of my workflow. Next station NEW YORK and LONDON
Personal words
Belive me… i work hard to do more in english language. I like to do more workshops worldwide and i like to do more tutorials in english. But at the moment i need to much time to write so many words in english. Thats the reason why i post only 4 to 5 times a month.
I like to have it perfect and i don´t feel 100 % comfortable to write in english. (Not yet)
But i am very sure i will do more in the next months and years. I appreciate your support and your feedback. Thats very important for me to get my motivation. And feel free to write also negative comments or critique. It doesn´t matter if you are pro or beginner. Let me know what you think. I am ready for you. (LOL)
Thanks for reading this post… see you soon
Your "german guy"
Calvin (not from Hollywood *damn again*)
24 Responses to “Gritty Look”
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Hi Calvin
I learned of you recently from a photoshoot with Russel brown and Joel Grimes.
I like your look and what matters most if what you like.
I have learned so much just from researching you in the last few days that is has taken my skill (granted it was low to begin with) to new heights.
I used to work for SAP and travelled to Heidleberg and Walldorf many times. I had to laugh at your nachshift image as it brought back some lost memories of a few nights long ago.
Fire-a-bend
ED
Hi Ed
From a photoshoot of Russell Brown and Joel???
Hey i live close to the sap (5 min with car). If you are in germany let me know
lg Calvin
The image is great looking. I really like the style. The only thing that I notice is the direction of the shadow, it seems odd directionally. The subject looks well lit from all angles especially facing the camera but the shadow is pointing towards the camera. Just wondering if the shadow would be better to camera right or behind the subject. Just a thought.
I do have a question. Do you use other software in your workflow other than PS5?
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joe
Thanks for the feedback. I guess the sun was the strongest light:-)
I only use Photoshop CS5 and some plugins.
But 90% of the picture is done without plugins.
lg Calvin
Hi, Calvin!
It is sad this tutorial will not be available in English.
I have a suggestion: use photoshop in english version, but explain it in german. So people would be actually able to understand it by following just the video (without sound).
Thanks and good luck!
Hallo Calvin,
ich finde es wirklich cool, dass du auf englisch schreibst und verfolge diesen Blog hier schon lange! Allerdings haben sich bei diesem Eintrag einige Fehler eingeschlichen. Vielleicht hast du ja jemanden, dem du deine Artikel vor der Veröffentlichung nochmal zum probelesen geben kannst! So kannst du auch gleichzeitig noch etwas lernen.
Ich freue mich auf weitere Blogeinträge von dir! Auf englisch, wie auf deutsch.
Grüße Julian!
Calvin,
Fantastic work! Loving the lighting and the post in this image!
With regards to you your english, don’t be so hard on yourself…you’re better than you realise. Geez you should hear some of the English folks…I can’t understand them and I’m English…lol
Great post,
See you soon,
Glyn
I agree with Yuri…using the English version of Photoshop is a great idea!
I also agree with Glyn…your English isn’t bad at all, and in fact I think your accent is an endearing part of your personality.
Oh, by the way, nice image, and stellar retouching as usual.
-Russ
Hi
Thanks a lot for the feedback.
When i do a training for the german people i have to use a german ps version.
When i do a training for the international market i use a english version and of course i speak english then.
I dont have problems to speak in english. That part is over.
Now i have to work on my writing.
But most of the time only the german people tell me my mistakes (like Julian*g*).
But thats ok…. on the other side… in germany i use a slang und that gives me my personal signature in teaching. Maybe it isent bad that my english is not perfect.
lg Calvin
Calvin,
Great shot as always…I love your style as i have told you before..I also agree with Glyn your English is fine..look forward to more English tutorials.
Keep up the good work..
-rhmamol
Hey Calvin,
Really cool image. I really loved Calvinize, it has to be the best Photoshop training material I’ve came across (I have see lots and lots of them). I’m really looking forward your classes on Kelby training. I only wish my German was as good as your English (so I could watch your German tutorials). I’m French and I “studied” German for 5 years… I can barely ask for water or introduce myself (and I’m only 30, so I can’t even blame it on age).
Your English is very intelligible and your writing is also pretty good. Even Scott Kelby, David Hobby and the likes make grammatical mistakes from time to time. It’s only a blog, not a book.
If you want some feedback: you tend to use “what” instead of “that” (even when you speak).
Keep up the excellent work.
Mathieu
Hi Calvin,
I really like the work you’ve done here with the lighting and PostP.
As for you English – it’s fine – much better than my German from schooldays which is ‘sehr eingerostet’ (I think that’s correct!)
Of course to get better at any language you need to practise, practise, practise and one of the best ways to practise is to ‘go native’ and visit the country! So hopefully your few days over here in London later this summer will help you further.
)
(Just watch out for Glyn’s tricky accent though
Regards,
David
Hi Calvin,
Your English is very good and is more than enough to teach Photoshop internationally. It’s not that important to get your English spot on, what’s more important is that you get the how to/instructions across to your viewers and so far I think you’re doing great.
Regards
Stewart Wood
keep the accent along wtih your form of english it keeps it all real and out of ordinary.
Your Kelby class is the best! I like your attitude about being an artist and each piece is unique plus the playing around stuff!
downtown pearl
Hello Master
i just have tow question
1 : i want to download Best Best Best free books to learn ”photography” and designing
2 : i want to know what is the best programms for photography and desing
Peachpit.Calvinize.Mar.2011 <—- What a wonderfull
Hi
1. What kind of photography?
2. Programms for photography??? You need a camera:-)
lg Calvin
Hi Calvin
Great work!!
You mention in your text:
“getting details (FAD or Topaz Details)”
What is FAD ??
Thanks
Hi Calvin,
Amazing work as usual, one question, when shooting outdoor with studio lights, do you use any kind of filters on your lens ? like ND filter for example ?
And yes, what is FAD !?
Thanks, and keep the great work up..!
-iMad
Hi Calvin, I am from Serbia and I am big fan of your work!
)
I learn a lot from you and I also have a problem to writte in english,speaking is not a problem,but I must say that your english is excellent and better than my
I wish you all the luck and more great photos…
And yes,what is FAD?
Draganche
Hello, I just watched your edgy tutorials on Kelby Training. I Love the look of your photos. They make me sit and stare, they are that interesting. I actually like the fact that you’re English is not perfect, your explanations are clear and are easier to understand than many tutorials I have watched. Plus I didn’t fall asleep while watching. Thumbs up!
Ah yes…Freaky Amazing Details
Sorry!
Hi Calvin-! I am very new to all of this, but I love it. You have been able to teach me so much in such a short time. I am an American and I love how you speak English. You are very careful in what you say and it comes across to the english ear as direct and to the point. You are an awesome teacher and have a trait the is enormously appreciated and that is- Humility=!! I am so grateful I found you. Keep up the great work-!
Hi Calvin,
Many thanks for your great tutorials.
Hope to see a workshop in Boston sometime in the future. Best wishes!
Great stuff Calvin. I love your work.. I am trying to find out as others.. what is meant by “FAD”?