First undersharpened, then too much noise

Reinhard · 03-13-2018, 08:55 AM

I got two consecutive rejections:

7:00 PM EST - 1st undersharpened:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...37&key=7788594

8:00 PM EST - 2nd too much noise:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...39&key=5564533

Obviously the same screener. I have resharpened the second image fractional and very moderately (no catenary sharpening). What to do?

Trailing tender in front, could that be the main issue?

miningcamper1 · 03-13-2018, 02:14 PM

Maybe they are unhappy with all the magenta pixels in the sky.

ShortlinesUSA · 03-13-2018, 02:18 PM

It looks like the main issue is the light is quite nosy, so that is making the side of the train difficult to get in the proper exposure and sharpness. I think your second one is better for processing, and all I could see you can do is pump up the saturation a bit to try and recover some of the color, as the photo does appear a bit "washed out" in both instances.

Others on here know a lot more about processing than me. But that path to possible success with this one appear to lie in contrast and saturation to my eye.

RobJor · 03-13-2018, 02:27 PM

Let it sit for 7 days to get out of rejection que. Start over with a little noise reduction in RAW. If in photoshop use smart sharpen as you don't want to increase noise in shadows.
Size to standard 1200.

Bob

Chase55671 · 03-13-2018, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reinhard

I got two consecutive rejections:

7:00 PM EST - 1st undersharpened:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...37&key=7788594

8:00 PM EST - 2nd too much noise:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewreje...39&key=5564533

Obviously the same screener. I have resharpened the second image fractional and very moderately (no catenary sharpening). What to do?

Trailing tender in front, could that be the main issue?

I'd re-work the original either the RAW file or original image, make sure everything is sharp from the handrails to the carriages. Keep an eye on your noise and make sure your sharpening doesn't give it the noisy look.

Unsure of your software, but I'd use the smart sharpen option as opposed to USM or some other preset that may result in unnecessary noise. According to your EXIF, you're shooting with Nikon SLRs, so quality/noise shouldn't be a major issue.

Grewup on the CW · 03-13-2018, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase55671

I'd re-work the original either the RAW file or original image, make sure everything is sharp from the handrails to the carriages. Keep an eye on your noise and make sure your sharpening doesn't give it the noisy look.

Unsure of your software, but I'd use the smart sharpen option as opposed to USM or some other preset that may result in unnecessary noise. According to your EXIF, you're shooting with Nikon SLRs, so quality/noise shouldn't be a major issue.

Nice to see the recent involvement/response's from the RP crew here on the forums...

RobJor · 03-13-2018, 06:16 PM

I know it is apples and oranges aesthetically but at some point noise and little artifacts are OK.

Added: Perhaps should not mention that the cloud band along the horizon is interrupted only under the smoke plume?

Personally I thought your image was fine but maybe the engine orientation did it in.

Bob

ShortlinesUSA · 03-13-2018, 08:20 PM

I'd say this is a fine example of using back lighting to make a dramatic shot. The cloud interruption under the plume appears to be some very fine white steam which did not go opaque, as did the core of the plume. But looking at the texture (or lack thereof), it may well have been some work to cut the harshness of the backing sun.

Speaking of steam, there is a Lerro charter here in Chattanooga today, so we should be seeing some interesting shots of the Southern steam jacks soon...