I'm trying out some old software/editing techniques for comparison reasons to try to find out the best way of process photos from the MP ==> Getting the best results.
I used standard Adobe PS for one. Used Topaz adjust for one and Color effex pro on one. Will not tell you now but would appreciate some input from you guys.
Edit.

Based on some input already I realized that I was approaching this from the wrong direction. Uploaded two new photos with the same plugins for comparision.

N = Nik software
T = Topas
2 = Straight photoshop

(No color fix at all)

Thank you

Not having fully understood what is what now I can only share my personal impressions. This first looks quite ok, the second excellent and the third slightly overexposed or flaws in the grading or both. I hope this helps.

I think to really know what method is best you should post the same picture 3 times, but with a different edit, than it is easier to see the difference

The second shot is differently the best.

Would also say, that if you want a opinion about which editing technique to use, you should do the editing on one raw image.
Second one, nice colors in the FG, but the sky is slightly too over exposed. I would pull back the whites a tad.
Top one has a more natural and even balanced sky. Bottom one could do with a slight bit of sharpening. That is just a very fast look and opinion.
All of them good images, with nice colors and detail.

Wachtberger Posted at 2018-9-11 12:27
Not having fully understood what is what now I can only share my personal impressions. This first looks quite ok, the second excellent and the third slightly overexposed or flaws in the grading or both. I hope this helps.

Thank you Wachtberger. That is exactly the kind of response I'm searching for.

GhostWolf010 Posted at 2018-9-11 12:53
I think to really know what method is best you should post the same picture 3 times, but with a different edit, than it is easier to see the difference

That is a fair and very good comment. Thank you

B1houdini Posted at 2018-9-11 13:28
The second shot is differently the best.

Thank you very much John really appreciate your input.

Lasse

Charissa Posted at 2018-9-12 02:08
Would also say, that if you want a opinion about which editing technique to use, you should do the editing on one raw image.
Second one, nice colors in the FG, but the sky is slightly too over exposed. I would pull back the whites a tad.
Top one has a more natural and even balanced sky. Bottom one could do with a slight bit of sharpening. That is just a very fast look and opinion.

Charissa, I see the point of view here, and I will try do it the way that you and others have suggested.

Thanks for the input.

I like the last one the most, I know nothing about editing pictures, but if I have to choose, the last one is the nicest

I would suggest using lightroom for most color grades, if you have photoshop you probably have lightroom bundled with it. This guy does a lot of great tutorials about using lightroom in a easy to follow fashion.




I would also check out his other videos as well to expand your skill set if interested.

One of the key things I use when taking the shot is the histogram on screen.  I try to keep the bell curve as best as possible depending on the situation but you want to avoid crushing the blacks or whites.  Basically having the histogram bunched up all to the left or right.  If your not 100% sure what I'm talking about , google histogram and crushing ..

Of course any of the software you mentioned above work, shoot in Raw which I'm sure your doing then work with the raw image to set the basic white balance, exposure, contrast etc.

If you have a mac I would recommend this software as well Luminar https://skylum.com/luminar , they have some great tutorials..

Anyhow not sure if thats really answering your question just throwing out a few things for you!

thank you very much for that tip.

GhostWolf010 Posted at 2018-9-13 09:54
I like the last one the most, I know nothing about editing pictures, but if I have to choose, the last one is the nicest

thank you very much,

happy and safe flying

Nice pictures and all edits look nice to me.
Very natural.

Montfrooij Posted at 2018-9-15 08:44
Nice pictures and all edits look nice to me.
Very natural.

Thank you very much,
When you zoom you see a differnce, not big but...

Flybee Posted at 2018-9-15 10:04
Thank you very much,
When you zoom you see a differnce, not big but...

You're welcome.
Yes there is a difference, but all look rather good.

Yep, very natural looking captures - good work!

A CW Posted at 2018-9-15 13:09
Yep, very natural looking captures - good work!

Thank you A CW

Flybee Posted at 2018-9-27 04:06
Thank you A CW

You're welcome   

They all look good, but I would pick the 3.jpg as my favourite.

AIRQUAD Posted at 2018-9-27 08:00
They all look good, but I would pick the 3.jpg as my favourite.

Thank you very much for your input AIRQUAD, highly appreciated.

Happy flying

and for the record - the second is excellent

A CW Posted at 2018-9-27 09:16
and for the record - the second is excellent

Thank you so very much A CW you are so kind.

I like that one also a lot from a "photography" perspective, i'm a sucker for leading lines.

Happy and safe flying.

Flybee Posted at 2018-9-27 09:31
Thank you so very much A CW you are so kind.

I like that one also a lot from a "photography" perspective, i'm a sucker for leading lines.

Definitely the one with the best clarity IMO