I’ve found one of the strengths of RAW image manipulation is the ability to modify the picture style in the Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software provided with my Rebel XS.
The following styles are provided in the XS and DPP:
- Standard - set to produce the vivid colors and contrast level that people tend to prefer for general photographic subjects.
- Landscape - changes the color respectively; blue to a vivid and deep color, green to a vivid and bright color. This style also uses a stronger sharpness setting to bring out details in mountains, trees, buildings, and other things in the distance.
- Faithful - enables reproduction of images that are colorimetrically almost identical to the actual colors shot under standard daylight conditions.
- Portrait - adjusts the color tone magenta-to-yellow close to red range and adds brightness. Skin color is reproduced light pink with still the correct exposure. To keep the soft and natural feeling of skin, sharpness is set modestly.
- Neutral - suitable for expressing subtle nuances within vivid colors, even for objects with considerable contrast, when wishing to convey delicate textures. Contrast and saturation settings are moderated, so there is less risk of overexposure and color saturation compared to other styles, resulting in a more restrained and calmer expression.
- Monochrome - it’s a faithful successor to monochrome film. Sharpness is set relatively strongly. Sepia, blue or other toning effect is applicable to create a monochrome image in that color. Also, red, green or other filter effect can be applied to control the color.
Canon provides additional styles that can be downloaded and installed on your camera or used in post processing through DPP:
- Studio Portrait - Expresses the delicate features of the subject and translucent skin in smooth tones. Suitable for portraits in locations affording strong contrast, and wedding/fashion shoots where the feel of the fabric and jewelry should be expressed, as well as advertising shots. The final finish is slightly toned down in terms of sharpness and contrast.
- Snapshot Portrait – Expresses translucent skin with well-modulated contrast irrespective of whether the shots are taken indoors or out, making it suitable for casual portraits. Affords a reduced sharpness and higher contrast for the finish.
- Nostalgia - The “Nostalgia” Picture Style file sets the color tone umber in the whole, reduces blue and green saturation. Portrait and landscape subject is finished up in the impression of far memory, as shown in an old photograph.
- Twilight - The “Twilight” Picture Style file changes the sky’s color in purple drastically, and finishes up the overall photograph in fantasy.
- Clear - Telephoto shooting in cloudy and hazy conditions tends to result in flat expression. The “Clear” Picture Style file emphasizes the contrast, and expresses the subject clearly and a three-dimensional effect. It is also effective when shooting a subject behind a glass.
- Emerald - The “Emerald” Picture Style file expresses color of sea in coral reef especially vividly. Blue of the sky, pool, and the water of aquarium is finished up vividly and brightly. It is a Picture Style that specializes in the scenery of emerald green.
- Autumn Hues – The “Autumn Hue” Picture Style file stands out the beauty of autumn such as red maple leaves and maidenhair trees. Not only does it reproduce yellow and red vividly, but it also considers the balance of blue sky and greens and unites the colorfulness and delicacy.
You can download each style at the links provided above and find installation instructions here.
Autumn Hues has become a favorite of mine, especially at this time of year. I’ll post some examples soon.
Tags:
canon,
digital photo professional,
digital photo tools,
Digital Photography,
EOS Rebel XS,
picture styles,
RAW 
My son and I attended the taping of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) ECW and RAW shows last week at the Verizon Center in Washington DC. Professional wrestling is a sport that I’ve enjoyed following since childhood, growing up watching Mid-South Wrestling in Memphis, TN. My childhood hero, Jerry Lawler, is now a commentator for the WWE and still graces the ring with his presence when the youngsters get out of control. As an adult I consider wrestling one of my guilty pleasures. Continue reading »
