Vignette: Some like it and some don't, but I use it to focus the attention to the main subject. How much is enough? One person commented recently, if you can see it, it is too much. I...

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Some like it and some don't, but I use it to focus the attention to the main subject. How much is enough? One person commented recently, if you can see it, it is too much. I guess he doesn't like vignettes. Appreciate your thoughts on how to use vignettes correctly.

Bill_de Loc: US

I prefer very subtle unless it is going to be used on something like a greeting card.

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I vignette all of my photos. It's like spice when cooking. If you can taste it, too much was added. One of the applications of vignette is to focus attention to a particular part of the scene. Otherwise, it's just a very gentle vignette applied generally to the image.
--Bob

Moose wrote:

Some like it and some don't, but I use it to focus the attention to the main subject. How much is enough? One person commented recently, if you can see it, it is too much. I guess he doesn't like vignettes. Appreciate your thoughts on how to use vignettes correctly.

Haydon

Ideally frame your subject with dark elements in the corners. This will create a NATURAL vignette. I also agree that subtle is the key.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Moose wrote:

Some like it and some don't, but I use it to focus the attention to the main subject. How much is enough? One person commented recently, if you can see it, it is too much. I guess he doesn't like vignettes. Appreciate your thoughts on how to use vignettes correctly.

If you like it, it's enough!

Moose Loc: North Carolina

That would be good if the elements were available. Something to consider when I'm composing the photo. Thanks for your comments.

Haydon wrote:

Ideally frame your subject with dark elements in the corners. This will create a NATURAL vignette. I also agree that subtle is the key.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Subtle seems to be the key. Since I wasn't quite sure what subtle means I looked it up. "So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe, understated, muted, subdued". That's the problem for me. If it doesn't show, why put it in there in the first place. However, I will take your advice and experiment with it. Thanks all for your comments.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks RWR, I like your answer. Perhaps I try too hard to please everyone. I think all of us like to have the perfect picture that appeals to all, so what is the right amount of vignette is enough, is difficult.

RWR wrote:

If you like it, it's enough!

Bill_de Loc: US

With just the right balance it will direct the viewer to where you want, but they won't know it was your influence that got them there. This one is real subtle.

https://www.on1.com/blog/on1-short-clip-customize-your-vignette/

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Moose Loc: North Carolina

It sure is subtle. I can't tell if there is one or not. Thanks for sending the example.

Bill_de wrote:

With just the right balance it will direct the viewer to where you want, but they won't know it was your influence that got them there. This one is real subtle.

https://www.on1.com/blog/on1-short-clip-customize-your-vignette/

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rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

My rule is, if it looks gimmicky, it's too much! Generally, I don't want the vignette to draw attention onto itself. Combining subtle vignetting with strategic application of dodging and burning can be a very effective means of directing the viewer to specific areas within an image, without being too obvious.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks rook2c4 for your comments. Good advice.

rook2c4 wrote:

My rule is, if it looks gimmicky, it's too much! Generally, I don't want the vignette to draw attention onto itself. Combining subtle vignetting with strategic application of dodging and burning can be a very effective means of directing the viewer to specific areas within an image, without being too obvious.

tsilva Loc: Arizona

dont use a dark vignette on a light subject, dont use a white vignette on a light subject

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Lots of varied and valuable advice - especially the bit about pleasing yourself

With your recently posted oceanside pic, I felt the vignette weighed down the sky, making the image more somber. For me it was not attractive, but that is only one opinion.

I also tend to like vignettes when there is a large central subject and not much at the edges. I find they rarely work with landscapes where you're blocking some of the "view." However, you can learn to subtly (ayuh, that word again) darken the edges so that viewers' attention remains within the frame. One pro, from whom I took some classes, called this a "tonal hug," and used with b&w photos.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks Linda. I agree I need to lighten up the ocean landscape. As it was, it was overcast, but I've made it too dark. Great comments from all.

Linda From Maine wrote:

Lots of varied and valuable advice - especially the bit about pleasing yourself

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