Getting close to the Dave Hill Signature Look Pt.1
January 27, 2009 – 12:30 pm | by J. Rodriguez
Achieving this look is not a simple process!
Dave Hill has a technique that many have trying to get done for a long time now and very few have come close but still wonder “How does DH do it”?
I’ve come across several websites that offer Photoshop Tutorials on the “HDR” look and also tutorials on Photoshop 3rd party plug-ins that supply “close to nothing” looks like so.
If you look closely to the behind the scenes by Dave Hill you can actually see that his image results really and truly rely on the lighting…and then of course some photoshopping. I have come to notice that when trying to achieve this look the first thing most newbie’s aim for is the 3rd party plug-ins such as LucisArt, Dynamic-Photo HDR and/or Photomatix and the end results are way far from the DH Look, but if first you don’t succeed all you have to do is keep trying.
What most searchers don’t understand that this result is not a 1.2.3 step plugin. It’s actually a process that takes time, skill and a good eye!
Also a key element to this image result is shooting in RAW format and working in Photoshop Lightroom, being that in a RAW format you can control all the lighting, shadows, curves, hues and everything else. Working with a RAW format really helps allot. Remember, working in lightroom in a RAW format is just like working with a film negative in a darkroom…but only in reverse…err and digitally!
Then, after your done on working on your color toning, curves, etc, etc in LR you import the results into PS and work the rest out with some adjustments and sharpening. This process is time dedicated. Its why we call this procedure “Post Processing”, it really involves tons of image correction and lighting manipulation to get what you expect.
Above you will see something I consider somewhat close to the DH technique, but I know that its nothing like DH’s look. I put in some time in this image and came out with this result I’m actually content with. Though this isn’t my style of photography/art but I thought I’d give it a go and I’m happy with what I have produced here. I will be working on this technique more often considering that yes I have been curious on how the image was done and yes I would like to know how to do it too!
I’ll keep you all updated on this technique when I post part 2 of this blog entry.
Just remember to keep an eye on your work, photoshopping and shooting when you want this kind of result. Also remember, to get the Dave Hill look you’ll need to work countless hours like Dave Hill and that’s not an easy task.
Here is a cool Photoshop Lightroom Tutorial By Scott Kelby that’ll probably help you kick things off in the right direction.
P.s. – here is an interview Dave Hill did with Lightsource
TTYL – LataZ 
