Andrew McCarthy Photography

  • info@andrewmccarthyphotography.co.uk
  • 01392 834755
  • info@andrewmccarthyphotography.co.uk
  • 01392 834755

New ‘Super resolution’ function in Photoshop

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I was playing around last night with a new function in Photoshop that significantly increases resolution of the original RAW file – effectively by four times. It is very simple to use. I loaded the raw file (in this case an infra-red shot from the Sony A7 III of a nicely lit birch tree) into Adobe Camera Raw, right clicked on the image, checked the “Super Resolution” box a few minutes later I had a new file in DNG format that was four times the area of the original. In other words instead of a file that was just over 4000 px on its long edge, the new file was now over 9000 px on its long edge! That is a huge file which needs a fast PC to handle it – mine (which is around 6 years old) was only just about capable.

Now look, I am a skeptic, so I simply assumed this new file would show artifacts and overall there would be a degradation of image quality. Not so. To me this new ‘super resolution’ version was higher quality than the original, with superb detail and no artifacts I could see. Its incredibly impressive. Although I have more experimentation to do, I am really impressed by what I have seen so far. I can see some mega useful applications here – e.g with wildlife (especially birds) the subject is often smaller in the frame than I would like. This new function will give me the ability to re-size, process and crop back, whilst retaining great image quality and with a final file size large enough to print really well.

More on this soon! ?

New ‘Super resolution’ function in Photoshop Read More »

New role for the Royal Photographic Society

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I was incredibly honoured recently to have been asked to join the Royal Photographic Society’s distinctions process as an assessor on the Natural History panel for Associate and Fellowship distinctions.

I have now been through the induction / training process, and am very much looking forward to  getting properly involved with my fellow panel members during the next set of assessment sessions in the autumn. 

I never cease to be amazed at just how much thought, effort and passion applicants put into their submissions, so being a member of this panel is not only prestigious for me, but it’s a big responsibility too.  Cant wait for the next session!

https://rps.org/qualifications/

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Publication in The Iris – Journal of the RPS Nature Group

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Following a successful application to the Royal Photographic Society in October 2022 for my Natural History Fellowship, I have written about my distinction journey in this months’ copy of The Iris – the (excellent) journal of the RPS Nature Group and have recently been invited to join the RPS Associate/Fellowship judging panel, which is a massive honour. If you are not already a member of the RPS I highly recommend their distinction route as an superb way of improving your photography.  Do check out my Iris article here:

the-iris-issue-145_spring-2023

Publication in The Iris – Journal of the RPS Nature Group Read More »

Nature photography workshop – Tuesday May 24th to Thursday May 26th 2022

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Join Andrew McCarthy on a series of nature photography courses based in Devon during summer 2022.

Each workshops will be aimed at ‘improver’ photographers who want to get to grips with the challenging genre of nature photography.

The first workshop will start on the 24th May 2022 and finish on the morning of the
26th. Please contact Andrew for other dates.

Andrew will first give an overview of the camera settings you will be using during the workshop and will discuss the variety of compositional techniques you can use to enhance your images. Over the following two days we shoot in a variety of locations within 20 miles of Exeter where there are many opportunities for photography of wildflowers, insects and other wildlife.

Once the course is over and you have had a chance to reflect on your workshop experience, you will have an opportunity for a 1:1 critique / discussion session with Andrew via Zoom, during which you can discuss your images. This is part of the workshop teaching package and is free of charge.

Equipment requirements:
• A DSLR or Mirrorless camera together with a macro lens (or extension tubes/close-up dioptre) for insects and plants, as well as a wide angle and telephoto lenses (or a zoom) for landscapes, and a sturdy tripod – preferably one with a removable centre column.
• Spare memory cards and sufficient batteries to carry you through a full days shooting.
• We have limited kit for hire if you don’t have all of this equipment yourself; Let us know in advance if you have any specific requirements and we will do our best to help.

Clothing and fitness level:
• We will be working outdoors, possibly in wet conditions, so appropriate clothing including a waterproof jacket and trousers, are highly recommended.
• Late May can be very warm so lightweight clothing, a sunhat, sunscreen, a water bottle, midge repellent and a tick removal tool.
• We will need to walk reasonable distances (up to four miles) on potentially wet / muddy and uneven ground, so we also recommend stout boots and wellingtons, with a good grip and are fit enough to negotiate uneven and rough terrain unaided.
• Nature photography can involve lying on the ground, however whilst this is optional it often results in a better image!

If you have any queries about your experience level, fitness, equipment suitability or our approach to Covid19 security, please contact Andrew to discuss at info@andrewmccarthyphotography.co.uk.

Price and venue:
£400.00 per person non-residential

Purchase tickets

Nature photography workshop – Tuesday May 24th to Thursday May 26th 2022 Read More »