Aperture's Levels

[redrabbit]

So, I've always been pretty critical of Aperture. I have used both LR and Aperture, and always preferred LR for two reasons (besides performance): Curves editing and split-toning. With Aperture 2.0, the app is now blazing fast and I love it. There is still no curves editing, but I've been told Levels can get you very similar adjustments. Well, I've been playing around with it and I just can't figure out how they work. What are the differences between adjusting the arrows on the top and bottom, or adding more of those arrows? Any explanation would be REALLY appreciated as I would like to switch over to Aperture (how about a split-toning adjustment tool in Aperture 2.5? )

 

[redrabbit]

Anyone? I always see tons of Aperture icon's in the desktop screenshot thread, so I assume *someone* actually knows how to use it.

 

[iBallz]

Just use a good camera such as this...

and you'll get 'em right the first time!

 

[redrabbit]

sigh

maybe i'll stick to lightroom and its superior curves editing

 

[iBallz]

J/K, I too hope someone can explain this. Cause I really hate CaptureNX so far.

 

[M@lew]

I think levels really work on the fact that you have 3 sliders. Shadows, Midtones and Highlights. Then you have your Histogram. Then you drag the sliders towards peaks in the histogram to get the desired effect. That's the most basic run down I can give since I'm not totally 100% sure how to explain the whole thing but have a play around and maybe you'll pick it up.

 

[CalfCanuck]

I've seen a number of articles about this over the last couple of years. I just googled "Aperture levels controls" (imagine that!) and came up with these articles from last year - there will be others:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=867461&tstart=0

http://www.apertureprofessional.com/showthread.php?p=7748

 

[pprior]

So, I've always been pretty critical of Aperture. I have used both LR and Aperture, and always preferred LR for two reasons (besides performance): Curves editing and split-toning. With Aperture 2.0, the app is now blazing fast and I love it. There is still no curves editing, but I've been told Levels can get you very similar adjustments. Well, I've been playing around with it and I just can't figure out how they work. What are the differences between adjusting the arrows on the top and bottom, or adding more of those arrows? Any explanation would be REALLY appreciated as I would like to switch over to Aperture (how about a split-toning adjustment tool in Aperture 2.5? )

Go here: http://www.apple.com/aperture/tutorials/

and click on "setting levels" and "setting advanced levels"

 

[seany916]

Just use a good camera such as this...

and you'll get 'em right the first time!

I've gotten some really good pictures from disposables! Not the most artistic, but good, clean pictures.