Post-processing is important and is not “cheating”. Film photographers/developers (i.e. Ansel Adams) adjusted light and dark on their photos, and it is much easier for us to do this in digital photography. Many of the photo programs allow adjustments to be made. Part of photographing is learning to do the post processing too.
I am learning how to use levels, and then the dodge and burn tools and am noticing a difference, especially in my landscape photos. When you use the Dodge tool, you can lighten parts of your photo. You have the choice of lightening the highlights, midtones, or shadows. When you use the Burn tool, you can darken parts of your photo. You have the same choice – you can darken the highlights, midtones, or shadows.
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| Before – SOOC (straight out of camera) |
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| After |
I went back through some of my former pictures to see if using some of the techniques I’ve learned lately would make a difference in the photo. The next picture is from 2007 when we were in Newfoundland, and we were able to see an iceberg up close. At the time I was shooting in jpeg, and had an 8 mp camera.
In the post-processing this time, I tried using the Curves tool too. Wow – every time I learn something new, I realize there is so much more to learn.
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| Before – SOOC |
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| After |
Both of these pictures are of amazing sights to see. God has made a beautiful earth for us to enjoy. I feel really blessed to have been in places where I could see these things. We have a great, big, wonderful God!