Non-Destructive Image Editing - 3

Part III – Catalogue-Based Non-Destructive Imaging What model does cataloguing software use ?            The model that is used in the library model. Where are the images stored in a catalogue based system ?          In a folder, multiple folders, USB, internal/external drive or        CD/DVD. Where does the catalogue get its initial information about the files ?             Metadata Where does the cataloguing software store this information ?            The Catalogue What is the main organising principle of Browser based systems ? The file system How do cataloguing systems organise their images ? A cataloguing system runs on metadata. How does a cataloguing system make changes to an image ?            It updates the metadata.         Can other programs see these changes ?                               No How does a cataloguing system make changes to an image available to other programs ?           You need to export the file.           10.List 5 advantages of Cataloguing based PIE software ? It doesn't change the original data of the image. Totally non-destructive. Can bring images together from all over the place, all accessed through a central database.                                                                                                                                                 Edits can be applied to several images.                                                                                                                                                 Backing up and restoring becomes easy.                                                                                                                                                 Exporting. Give two examples of software that combine Image Cataloguing and Editing functions ? Lightroom. Capture.

Non-Destructive Image Editing

Operation

ND / D

Comments / ND Alternative

Levels / Curves

Yes/yes

In order to do this non-destructively, you should use an adjustment layer.

Rotate Image

yes/ yes

This is only non-destructive depending on the angle you rotate your image at.

Clone Stamp

yes/yes

Non-destructive if you do it on a separate layer.

Save file from ACR

yes/yes

Dodge / Burn

yes/yes

adjustment layer and layer mask.

Merge Layers / Flatten Image

destructive

Paint Brush

yes/yes

adjustment layer and layer mask

Flip Layer

non-destructive

Cut part of image out from background

yes/yes

layer mask

Erase Tool / Delete Selected Pixels

yes/yes

layer mask

Transform Selection – rotate, skew, etc

yes/yes

smart object

Flip Selection

yes/yes

depending on the image, you may be able to copy the selection to a new layer and then flip it. 

Convert to B/W

yes/yes

adjustment layer using hue and saturation

Apply a Filter

yes/yes

smart object

Change Layer Opacity

non-destructive

Change Bit Depth of Image

yes/yes

depending on weather you are adding bits from 8 to 16 bits or reducing the bits from 16 to 8 bits. 

Resize Image

yes/yes

nob-destructive if using smart object.

Apply a Layer Style

non-destructive

Crop Image

yes/yes

use smart object

Add an Adjustment Layer

non-destructive

Sharpen the Image

yes/yes

use smart object

Apply Lens Correction

yes/yes

use smart object

Non-Destructive Image Editing - 2

Part II – The Rendering Engine

What is a Rendering Engine ?

The rendering engine refers to the software that takes all the information...the image and the instructions and generates the final image.

What three things determine the final colour of an image pixel ?

Mathematical formulas of the rendering engine, original image file (jpeg, tiff, dng, pdf, psd, png) , user settings.

What are the three main components of a RAW file ?

Metadata, the Mosaic (raw data), jpeg preview (internal rendering engine of camera generates this),  

Can PIE software be used only on Raw files ?  No

What is a Live Rendering ?

A live rendering is a view of the image that only exists when the source image is loaded into the software. The software grabs the source information and generates a preview of the image. A fixed rendering is when we take the preview and save it as a file, or print the image.

Where can the Rendering Metadata be stored ?

Saved inside the image file, in the database or catalogue, or the sidecar file xmp (extencible metadata platform).

When saving the metadata inside the image file, it can only be done in certain file types as it may corrupt the file. You cannot safe metadata inside a raw file.

A sidecar file allows you to attach metadata to a file on the side. A problem with sidecars is that they may get separated from your image file and you could loose the editing that you have added to an image.

Using Lightroom with a catalogue is the best way to go.

Give two examples of a Fixed Rendering

a. Saving a file as a jpeg, tiff,etc. This locks in the information. b. Printing the image.

Is a Preview a Live or a Fixed Rendering of the image ?

Live rendering.