Does Experience Make us Better?

Does Experience make us better? I re-edited a photo to find out.

As I was putting some ideas together for my YouTube blogs, we thought I would be fun to re-edit an old image from 2013. It turned out to be quite a fun process, so we made a video about it.

In the video, I talk about a poll I did via instagram, the results were pretty interesting and different from what I expected. Personally, I much prefer the new image (below right) but, the results were pretty even as to which is better. (2013 edit is below left, images open in a lightbox)

Dave Kai-Piper – Original image from 2013

Reworked image from 2020

These are the other images that I made at the same time. Once the overall edit was done, I used the Infinite Colour Panel to colour grade them. The warmer of the images (below far left) is my overall favourite after the new blue version, but the Black & White image is quite striking too I think. Which image do you prefer & why, leave a comment on the YouTube comments section.

Since editing the image of Milly, I must have edited thousands of images. I have learnt new techniques and have new tools to help with the process. Here are some thoughts about the experiment.

I can edit much faster than I used to

This new edit took about 3 hours, which is about half the time it took me back in 2013.

Wacom tablets are amazing

I have used Wacom tablets since the start, but these days I use a Wacom Intous M. If memory serves me right I used to use the Wacom Bamboo.

Retouching Toolkit

The Retouching Toolkit is powerful & will speed up your workflow. Make sure you check out my article all about this amazing program.

Infinite Colour Panel

Just at the Retouching Toolkit saves me time, so does the Infinite panel range, make sure you check out the article about this too.

Good Hardware

Back in 2013, I had an OK computer, but now I have invested some cash and have something custom-built, which lets me run some pretty awesome dual monitor setups.

Experience

There is just no substitute for experience. Watching back on the timelapse I did of the old edit is crazy. I used some old techniques that I would never use today.

Getting Advice

If we are not learning we are not evolving. Find some amazing workshops or communities. Get involved and see what you can learn from other people.

Experiment

Never be afraid to fail. Trying new things is always tough, but, it is the best way to find out what works for you.

In short, I am very much a heavy user and a fan of Adobe’s platform. So, the question at large is why am I using the Toolkit when I know and love the tools that Adobe have provided. The answer is that the toolkit allows me to shape photoshop into a program more in line with needs as a photographer. It folds into my workflow very neatly, saves me time, effort and many cases technical know-how.

Learn more about the retouching toolkit here

If you are looking for the Survey that is mentioned in the video,

you can find that at www.davekaipiper.com/Survey

Check out this video which links to our article about Personal Projects.

This video/edit was made back in 2013 & recently reuploaded to YouTube. I have since re-edited this image and made a new video about what I have learnt over the years.

More of my work

Dave Kai Piper in serious accident

Regular Professional Photo contributor and photographer Dave Kai Piper suffered an horrific accident in mid-October when he was knocked off his motorbike. Friends have set up a Go fund Me Account to help Dave meet his immediate and future medical care.