Tutorial: Post Processing -1

This is the first in a series of posts that walk through processing images after they have been taken to modify the image.

The above image is the output of running three images together to create a higher Dynamic range photo.  This image also illustrates that in mid day with hard light, you can still capture images.

I typically shoot triplets when shooting landscape photos.  A triplet is 3 photos, a normal exposure, 2 stops under, and 2 stops over.  This is the input to the High Dynamic Range (HDR), that results in a TIF file with more color.

I use Photomatix for my conversion;

• I find it easier to use than Photoshop for the conversion
• I have lots of choices as to what the ‘look’ should look like
• I can run it as a batch program which is very nice after  a long day of shooting.

I typically use the ‘Compressor option” in Photomatix to expand the dynamic range and choose the sub option of ‘photographic’ for the syle.  Sometimes I use PhotoAcute  as well as Photomatix.

Sometimes I’m done at this point, although usually there is something else that needs to be done.  I start with the large impact changes first

• Cropping / rotation
• Major change to exposure or white balance
• Then moving to smaller things such as
  • selectively changing the color,
  • sharpening
  • burning 7 dodging equivalents

In the images there is vignetting that needs to be dealt with.

• Easiest way is with the LR ‘Lens Correction Profile’

Next up is the unevenness of the sky that could use some help.

• Use the HSL sliders and with Luminance chosen, choose the blue slider and darken the sky.  This also increases the contrast making the picture pop more.
• Next, with Orange & Yellow Luminance sliders, increase the brightness in the tree leaves.

Let’s adjust the Clarity & Vibrance next.  In this case, they don’t help the pic, and so I leave them alone.

The result is