Exposure Help: Hello Tonight I will be returning to the location of this photo. Is there a method to expose the lower portion to obtain a more even look, or is is something that can be...

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Hello
Tonight I will be returning to the location of this photo.
Is there a method to expose the lower portion to obtain a more even look, or is is something that can be handled in post?
I don't have a graduated filter available.
Thanks
Jim

(Download)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Post processing is relatively easy. If you shoot raw it is even easier.

ND filters are iffy in my opinion as the transition is relatively sharp.

Quite honestly, I do not see why you would change this....

If you use PS CC (Windows instructions for key short cuts)
Use Shitf-Ctrl-Alt-2 twice to create a RGB luminosity selection (the x2 adds to the selection)
Create a level layer - A mask corresponding to your selection will be created.
Adjust the mid tone
Use the level layer opacity slider to complete your edit if needed.

No big deal.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Nice! I'll be heading to Philly tomorrow. Mt daughter is taking me to the number one restaurant in Philly tomorrow night, Zahav. I like your view down Broad Street. I think it would be easy to handle in post. there's definitley a difference in the area just below the streetlights, but I might take the entire thing down a stop, maybe a half stop.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

Hamltnblue wrote:

Hello
Tonight I will be returning to the location of this photo.
Is there a method to expose the lower portion to obtain a more even look, or is is something that can be handled in post?
I don't have a graduated filter available.
Thanks
Jim

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Take two shots so you have a good exposure of both halves and then blend them in post.

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Thanks, I'll give it a try.
Jim

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Tripod or handheld?
Ahoot an exposite compemsated group of 3 images?

Something like
Shooting in raw
One properly expoaed
One 1 stop under exposed
One 1 stop ovet exposes.
Then feed them into LR and under Photo tab select Merge
Then select HDR
LG will produce a single hrd image uaing the bwst of the 3

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

WDCash wrote:

Tripod or handheld?
Ahoot an exposite compemsated group of 3 images?

Something like
Shooting in raw
One properly expoaed
One 1 stop under exposed
One 1 stop ovet exposes.
Then feed them into LR and under Photo tab select Merge
Then select HDR
LG will produce a single hrd image uaing the bwst of the 3

The long exposure with the movement of the cars will make HDR problematic, you won't just have three different exposures, but three different images. and really HDR is when you want to extend the dynamic range, what you want to do is compress it. Easy enough to adjust the exposure in LR using masking.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

If you wish I can post a sample of what you can do w/o implying this 'the solution', just a variation.

bleirer

Another option is the graduated filter in lightroom or using the cwmera raw filter in photoshop, with the exposure slider. Use the mask to hide areas you don't want affected.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If you have to go with an exposure as shown it looks as though it would be easiest to select and work on the dark areas. You could darken the entire image quite a bit and then bring up the dark areas via the selection.

Shots like that usually respond well to generous amounts of contrast and sharpening.

Since you're happy to go with motion blur you could use exposure bracketing and switch off anti-ghosting for the merging. You could do that hand held but a tripod would be better.

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

A simple quick fix would be to just increase the saturation.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

A graduated filter is of no help here but HDR photography is. The exposure could be tried for the bright areas and the shadows opened in post BUT the possibility of more noise is always present.
This image can be considerably improved depending on your taste. The foreground could be burned-in to taste. contrast lifted a bit and perspective improved.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

camerapapi wrote:

A graduated filter is of no help here but HDR photography is. The exposure could be tried for the bright areas and the shadows opened in post BUT the possibility of more noise is always present.
This image can be considerably improved depending on your taste. The foreground could be burned-in to taste. contrast lifted a bit and perspective improved.

With motion HDR is not the answer and the foreground is the part he wants darker. It would be “dodged” rather than burned in.

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

Hamltnblue wrote:

Hello
Tonight I will be returning to the location of this photo.
Is there a method to expose the lower portion to obtain a more even look, or is is something that can be handled in post?
I don't have a graduated filter available.
Thanks
Jim

Easily done in Lightroom using the Graduated Filter. Example attached. bwa

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Thanks again for the feedback.
The graduated filter looks like the way to go.
Haven't downloaded the pics from last night and this AM yet.
I leave the camera in the bag for a few hours during the winter to allow time for the temp to equalize..