I would like some feedback regarding the processing in the attached file. I'm not interested in feedback on composition or subject matter as these images were only taken as test images for capturing images that could be used to blend multiple exposures using channel masks from Tony Kuyper's luminosity mask actions.
I used a combination of methods from video tutorials that I have purchased from NPN members Sean Bagshaw, Chip Phillips, and Zack Schnepf as well as the famous Tony Kuyper actions and tutorials. Thanks, guys!!
This was a relatively simple blend of two exposures - I only pulled in the second exposure for the brightest highlights around the sun. However, I used Tony Kuyper's luminosity masks to brighten the foreground and darken the clouds in the main exposure.
After I blended the images, I made further adjustments using luminosity masks to further adjust the contrast of the blended image. I then added some of Tony's cloud sharpening and smart glow action with reduced opacity. I also added a slight vignette.
My goal was to create a believably natural looking image that approximated what I remember seeing. Please note that in the small version especially the fence posts appear to have no detail, but if you look at the larger version there is some visible detail. In the full resolution file there is more detail yet.
For comparison, here is the RAW file of the base exposure converted to JPEG and re-sized. In looking back at this I think the contrast adjustments that I made after blending the two images might have negated the work that I did to lighten the foreground. It might need to be lightened a little but I would appreciate any feedback that you can offer on this or any other aspect of the processing. Thanks!!
I think that this is just about perfect. Exactly as my eye would see it. The vignette is so slight as to be almost non-existent,
This image didn't really need one anyway.
*EDIT*
I was typing a reply when you posted the base image. I'm not sure why you even needed an exposure blend here as it appears that the base image was already exposed well for both highlights and shadows.
Thanks, John. I appreciate your reply. You are right that I really didn't need to do a blend. The only part that I blended in is the absolute brightest part around the sun. I had a darker exposure that had a little more detail so I blended that part in.
I wanted to start with a fairly basic blend so that's why I went ahead and blended in the area around the sun. You're right that I probably didn't have to.
By the way, John, I appreciate all of your feedback going back to one of my first posts a few years back. At that time I didn't even know what a curve was much less how to use one. I've come a little way since then!!
EDIT: Also, I noticed when I opened the base exposure that there was a little clipping of highlights in the base exposure in the red channel histogram - it wasn't major but there was some. So that's another reason why I blended in around the sun for more detail. It is very subtle though.
Posted by Dan Roberts on July 15, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Yes, it looks natural given a stand alone image, although pretty punchy. But I have to say, having looked at this a couple of times, I prefer the colors in the second image (the original) to the more saturated one. And the original does tend to make the top one look a little too amped up to me.
Although that's getting into photo critique, and I can't really find anything to fault with the blend, since it's not apparent that it is a blend (good ones aren't obvious )
Others have said the image looks natural. To me the second image looks natural. The first image looks a little oversaturated, especially compared to the second. That really isn't a pure exposure change.
In the field, the way I would deal with this image is by using a hard edge GND. Aesthetically, IMO, the foreground should be brightened. A GND will do this. The effect can be accomplished in PS without affecting the colors at all, just the tones. Then you can saturate to taste.
Discussion
9 repliesI would like some feedback regarding the processing in the attached file. I'm not interested in feedback on composition or subject matter as these images were only taken as test images for capturing images that could be used to blend multiple exposures using channel masks from Tony Kuyper's luminosity mask actions.
I used a combination of methods from video tutorials that I have purchased from NPN members Sean Bagshaw, Chip Phillips, and Zack Schnepf as well as the famous Tony Kuyper actions and tutorials. Thanks, guys!!
This was a relatively simple blend of two exposures - I only pulled in the second exposure for the brightest highlights around the sun. However, I used Tony Kuyper's luminosity masks to brighten the foreground and darken the clouds in the main exposure.
After I blended the images, I made further adjustments using luminosity masks to further adjust the contrast of the blended image. I then added some of Tony's cloud sharpening and smart glow action with reduced opacity. I also added a slight vignette.
My goal was to create a believably natural looking image that approximated what I remember seeing. Please note that in the small version especially the fence posts appear to have no detail, but if you look at the larger version there is some visible detail. In the full resolution file there is more detail yet.
Thank you for any feedback that you have.
This image didn't really need one anyway.
*EDIT*
I was typing a reply when you posted the base image. I'm not sure why you even needed an exposure blend here as it appears that the base image was already exposed well for both highlights and shadows.
I wanted to start with a fairly basic blend so that's why I went ahead and blended in the area around the sun. You're right that I probably didn't have to.
By the way, John, I appreciate all of your feedback going back to one of my first posts a few years back. At that time I didn't even know what a curve was much less how to use one. I've come a little way since then!!
EDIT: Also, I noticed when I opened the base exposure that there was a little clipping of highlights in the base exposure in the red channel histogram - it wasn't major but there was some. So that's another reason why I blended in around the sun for more detail. It is very subtle though.
Although that's getting into photo critique, and I can't really find anything to fault with the blend, since it's not apparent that it is a blend (good ones aren't obvious
In the field, the way I would deal with this image is by using a hard edge GND. Aesthetically, IMO, the foreground should be brightened. A GND will do this. The effect can be accomplished in PS without affecting the colors at all, just the tones. Then you can saturate to taste.