EA Sports Cover Effect, Photo editing

K
Posted By
kylegarzia
Jan 19, 2009
Views
1590
Replies
17
Status
Closed
Hi everyone-
This is something that I have been curious about for years. On the covers of the EA Sports games, the images that are used of the current pro on the cover are great images, but seem to have a highlight effect and graininess to them. I have been trying to figure out exactly how it’s done, and figured it was just using layer masks and painting in highlighs and playing with the blend modes. Does anyone know the exact way on how it is done?

Here are a few examples of what I mean;
< http://assets.espn.go.com/media/videogames/photo/2007/0621/M adden08_cover_450.jpg> < http://www.ripten.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/brett-the-j et-madden09-cover.jpg> < http://www.metal-forever.it/forum/imagehost/1/cover/d69c8816 30e99415c640f3d2babc8986.jpg>

Thanks for your help and suggestions!
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cover edit effect

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JJ
Jim_Jordan
Jan 19, 2009
Of the 20+ ways to do this, try going to Lab color mode and increase contrast in the lightness channel.
NK
Neil_Keller
Jan 19, 2009
kyle,

See this recent thread: "How do i get this photo effect" </webx?14/0>

And this suggested software: <http://www.topazlabs.com/topazlabs/03products/topaz_adjust>

Neil
K
kylegarzia
Jan 20, 2009
Neil-
Thanks for the reply! I am liking the topaz software and will be giving it a try. They should be giving you a little kick back from their sales!
NK
Neil_Keller
Jan 20, 2009
$$$

<g>

Neil
B
Buko
Jan 20, 2009
I didn’t know you worked for topazlabs Neil.
R
Ram
Jan 20, 2009
Good grief!
AS
Ann_Shelbourne
Jan 20, 2009
The Topaz examples are quite the most horrible thing that I have seen in a long time.

🙁
B
Buko
Jan 20, 2009

B)
B
Buko
Jan 20, 2009
its interesting. Its sort of that video game look or something that looks like it was 3d animated. Its not a bad thing. its just a look. Not something you would use much, theoretically.
R
Ram
Jan 20, 2009
The Topaz examples are quite the most horrible thing that I have seen in a long time.

Ditto.

That’s what I meant when I typed "Good grief!" in #6.
RG
Rene_Garneau
Jan 20, 2009
It’s called the Dave Hill look – the one who started it. <http://www.davehillphoto.com/>

<http://www.diyphotography.net/creating-that-dave-hill-look>

It has a lot to do with the right lighting otherwise you’ll have difficulty the get the right effect.

Scott Kelby just did a shoot to get that effect and he explains how he did it. <http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/2946> <http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/2968>
JJ
John Joslin
Jan 20, 2009
Not my taste either but, if you have customers, you have to go along with their taste!

Nothing is "horrible" and the customer is always right.
K
kylegarzia
Jan 20, 2009
Thanks to everyone who responded! It’s definitely a unique look that has it’s pros and cons. I have had a couple clients request something like that so hence the curiosity.

Thanks again everyone!
NK
Neil_Keller
Jan 20, 2009
Of course, I have no relationship with Topaz-Whatever software, or with any commercial software developer beyond my voluntary hosting within these forums. But it does seem to offer a solution that the OP can use.

I consider the Topaz results an effect that can work in some posters, "art", or in advertising — but it is not something that I would use in my personal photography.

Neil
NK
Neil_Keller
Jan 20, 2009
Of course, I have no relationship with Topaz-Whatever software, or with any commercial software developer beyond my voluntary hosting within these forums. But Topaz does seem to offer a solution that the OP can use.

I consider the Topaz results an effect that can work in some posters, "art", or in advertising — but it is not something that I would use in my personal photography.

Neil
NK
Neil_Keller
Jan 20, 2009
Of course, the key thing to remember with this or other effects, is that to have them come off well, the original photo has to be properly planned, composed and lighted.

Neil
B
Bernie
Jan 20, 2009
I think the effect can be very interesting.
However, with the introduction of LucisArt and Topaz, it is getting over used. Just like the Dragan effect and the illustrated look before that.

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