Correcting for exposure
Aug 7, 2016 11:25:51 #
Hello Photography Enthusiasts. I have just taken some very nice photos along the Atlantic beaches, and am seeking your advice on exposure correction. I got some group photos in the late afternoon, camera facing east towards the ocean, people facing west, and the exposure of the family group is perfect. However, the horizon is nearly lost, and the blue sky looks nearly white. I can correct the background with Elements 14, but then the skin tones change and look unnatural. Elements actually does a good job restoring the color to the background, using the "lighting" tool. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Aug 7, 2016 11:35:58 #
Aug 7, 2016 12:27:42 #
JimRPhoto wrote:
Hello Photography Enthusiasts. I have just taken ... (show quote)
If your sky is blown it is gone. Next time try to expose for the sky - issue solved.
Aug 7, 2016 13:55:56 #
You don't think about it when you are outside in the sun but, using a flash might have allowed you to expose both the people and the background properly.
Aug 7, 2016 20:57:12 #
Thanks to all who replied. All are lessons learned for future situations like this. Meanwhile, I was hoping someone would have a suggestion on post-processing, and if there is something that will do better than than Photoshop Elements 14. Thanks again.
Aug 7, 2016 21:04:21 #
JimRPhoto wrote:
Thanks to all who replied. All are lessons learned for future situations like this. Meanwhile, I was hoping someone would have a suggestion on post-processing, and if there is something that will do better than than Photoshop Elements 14. Thanks again.
Shoot raw, use Photoshop Adobe Camera Raw or Lightroom, or Capture One. Raw captures record more information, and 16 bit raw converters are better at extracting that information than from jpegs or the 8 bit raw converter in PSE. This high contrast situation is best handled by exposing for mild overexposure of the sky, and everything else underexposed - using conventional definitions of over and under exposure. When you process these images in a 16 bit raw converter, you can dial down the highlights, increase the exposure and shadow areas - to give you a more reasonable result.
Aug 7, 2016 21:21:44 #
Thanks to Gene51. I appreciate all the suggestions for next time. Meanwhile, the family gathering is over, I have the photos that I have in JPEG at 22mp, and was looking for suggestions on what I could do now, with those photos, on the computer. Thanks again to all for the great suggestions for next time. As I said, the photos I have are perfectly exposed for the family group of people, but the sky and horizon are barely visible. Was looking for a suggestion on a software that might do better in adjusting the background, than P/S Elements 14. When I adjust for sky and horizon, those parts look good, but the skin tones are not right. Thanks again.
Aug 7, 2016 21:42:45 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
JimRPhoto wrote:
Hello Photography Enthusiasts. I have just taken ... (show quote)
You might try posing your question along with a picture or two in the Post-Processing Digital Images section:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-116-1.html
Aug 7, 2016 23:09:30 #
JimRPhoto wrote:
Thanks to Gene51. I appreciate all the suggestion... (show quote)
Jim - You can expose for the sky and PP the shadows in post. Or you can expose for the people and blow the sky. If the sky is blown, it is blown. You can't fix it. Can you post the picture in question?
Aug 8, 2016 05:40:21 #
With the exception of RWR, it would be really helpful for Jim if you actually answered his question.
Aug 8, 2016 06:56:21 #
JimRPhoto wrote:
Hello Photography Enthusiasts. I have just taken ... (show quote)
I would use PS CC select out the sky and replace it
Aug 8, 2016 07:00:32 #
JimRPhoto wrote:
Hello Photography Enthusiasts. I have just taken ... (show quote)
The sky isn't always blue. The direction your facing and the location of the sun make a big difference. There are techniques for replacing one sky with another, but it's not a simple click and click.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=replace+the+sky+in+photoshop
Aug 8, 2016 07:02:13 #
tdekany wrote:
If your sky is blown it is gone. Next time try to expose for the sky - issue solved.
tdekany wrote:
If your sky is blown it is gone. Next time try to expose for the sky - issue solved.
Do not expose for the sky. If you do, there is a very good chance your family group will be silhouettes.
You expose for what's important and correct the rest in PP. Yes, perhaps the sky may be beyond repair but
the alternative is the family may be beyond repair. If necessary, there are relatively easy ways to replace
a sky; I've never come across a tool that can replace a family.
Rongnongno gave you the best advice for your situation.
Aug 8, 2016 07:13:08 #
Aug 8, 2016 07:13:54 #
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