ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I organized this event "Santa on a firetruck throwing candy canes" The light was low and ever changing. I used the following.......D7100, 50MM f/1.8, 1/30, auto iso fluctuated from 100-1000. I think the photos work for web posting and small images in an electronic newsletter. What would you suggest to fix the over exposed Santa's Beard? Techniques and how to's? I use Elements 13 and converted these jpeg's from my raw images. Any suggestions on how I should have approached this event differently?

Thanks so much,
A. Bruce Janes

Attached file:
(Download)

Attached file:
(Download)

bleirer

All you really can do is clone from a non blown part of the beard. I could tell you in Photoshop but not elements, but use your clone or patch tools or healing tools set to replace, whatever elements offers.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Yes, PS Elements has several tools for cloning and healing. Another thought: double-check in ACR that there is truly no detail in that area, rather than it being exacerbated by your editing an under-exposed image. If there is a little bit more in the raw file, you could do a new edit concentrating on just those areas, then in the workspace, cut/copy/paste some of the new edit to the ones shown here.

That may require more effort/skill (layers, masking) than you wish to deal with, in which case do cloning with very small pieces at a time, and vary the opacity of the brush.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

Thank you so much for your replies. I need to carve out some time for testing & trying. Even as a retiree time is at a premium. I took on a project involving fine selection removing my grandson from a shot and replacing the background with solid red. I pulled an all nighter but got it done. The photo is framed and on his bedroom wall. Phew.... :o\ I am hopeful that the 2020 version of Elements will make that task easier. As a candid shooter of our grandchildren that feature is high on my list for future projects. Unless I use a particular technique regularly, the skills evaporate in this ole brain.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Evaporating skills is something we are all familiar with. Best wishes to you!

medphotog Loc: Witness protection land

Man, you got Santa a ladder truck! I/we used to use our brush truck for Santa (after I left they did start using an Engine). Good, fun times but after awhile it sure got a bit nippy. I always wondered what the heck I'd do if there was a fire. Fight it in a Santa suit or take it off put on bunker gear and ruin it for any kids that would happen to be around. On a side note, there were always some Grinch that would complain about us using county money to drive around (same when they saw us at the drive thru) but actually we would check our run book for street signs and hydrants so it was all legal.

Sorry for the rant, I know it had nothing to do with the beard issue.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

Santa was a 15 year old 6' 200# volunteer. Our fire company told him if there was a fire he would be dropped with a cell phone to find a ride home. Fortunately, they are close by and nothing happened.