Cloud with rays
Jul 9, 2017 17:38:47 #
I took this picture late afternoon yesterday. Is there a way to enhance the rays in PS without messing up the photo? Anyone willing to give me a few pointers? Thanks in advance!
Jul 9, 2017 19:38:31 #
It really depends on your skill level in PS and your patience 
I use PS Elements, but first I opened this jpg in the raw editor (it's a stripped down version of the "real" Photoshop ACR). I lowered the whites and raised the blacks + a few other tweaks.
Then in the main part of my editor I went to work with layers and layer masks, selectively lightening, darkening, working with levels to separately adjust whites and midtones, and even a bit of "dodge and burn" on some of the rays.
I also added detail via Topaz Detail and Nik Viveza, and a graduated neutral density filter (which included lightening the foreground) with Nik Color Efex.
Below is a quick edit, but there is much more that could be done by someone more skilled than I (and if you were shooting in raw).
A very challenging image for someone new to processing, but it's so stunning you might want to give it a go!
I use PS Elements, but first I opened this jpg in the raw editor (it's a stripped down version of the "real" Photoshop ACR). I lowered the whites and raised the blacks + a few other tweaks.Then in the main part of my editor I went to work with layers and layer masks, selectively lightening, darkening, working with levels to separately adjust whites and midtones, and even a bit of "dodge and burn" on some of the rays.
I also added detail via Topaz Detail and Nik Viveza, and a graduated neutral density filter (which included lightening the foreground) with Nik Color Efex.
Below is a quick edit, but there is much more that could be done by someone more skilled than I (and if you were shooting in raw).
A very challenging image for someone new to processing, but it's so stunning you might want to give it a go!
Jul 10, 2017 08:18:05 #
Thanks Linda. I can tell you are way out of my league. What you have done is great! I thought there was a good picture in there somewhere if I could just find it. I still have a lot to learn, but I will give it a try. Thanks for your input!
Jul 10, 2017 08:21:14 #
Bill Hancock wrote:
Thanks Linda. I can tell you are way out of my league. What you have done is great! I thought there was a good picture in there somewhere if I could just find it. I still have a lot to learn, but I will give it a try. Thanks for your input!
You're very welcome, Bill. I kind of stalled a year or so ago in my education with editing. More and more I'm finding I prefer being out enjoying nature and wildlife with my camera than slogging through a tutorial
Jul 10, 2017 22:58:15 #
Jul 11, 2017 10:42:08 #
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