Unlocking The Pros Hottest Post Processing Techniques

Post-processing is a crucial step in photography that can elevate your images to the next level. It involves various techniques and tools to enhance the overall look and feel of your photographs. Professional photographers have mastered these techniques and are able to create stunning images that captivate their audience. In this article, we will explore some of the pros' hottest post-processing techniques that can help you take your photography skills to new heights.

1. High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging

HDR imaging is a technique that combines multiple exposures of the same scene to create a final image with a greater dynamic range. This technique is especially useful in situations where the scene has a wide range of brightness levels, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds. By capturing multiple exposures and blending them together, you can achieve a more balanced and visually pleasing image.

To unlock the pros' HDR post-processing technique, start by capturing a series of exposures, typically one correctly exposed, one overexposed, and one underexposed. Then, use specialized software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to merge these exposures into a single HDR image. Adjust the tone mapping settings to your preference and voila, you have a stunning HDR photograph that showcases the full dynamic range of the scene.

HDR Book, The: Unlocking the Pros' Hottest Post-Processing Techniques

by Rafael Concepcion(2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	87616 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages

FREE

2. Dodging and Burning

Dodging and burning is a classic post-processing technique that involves selectively lightening and darkening certain areas of an image to create depth, dimension, and emphasize certain elements. It can be used to draw attention to a specific subject, sculpt facial features, or enhance the overall composition of an image.

The pros' dodge and burn post-processing technique is all about finesse and subtlety. Use a combination of adjustment brushes, layer masks, and opacity adjustments to carefully paint over the areas you want to lighten or darken. Take your time and experiment with different levels of opacity and brush sizes to achieve the desired effect. Remember, less is often more when it comes to dodging and burning, so make sure to exercise restraint and avoid overdoing it.

3. Color Grading

Color grading is the process of enhancing or altering the colors of an image to create a specific mood or atmosphere. It can completely transform the look and feel of a photograph, making it a powerful tool in post-processing.

To unlock the pros' color grading post-processing technique, start by understanding color theory and the emotions certain colors evoke. Experiment with different color grading presets or create your own by adjusting the hue, saturation, and luminance of specific colors. Don't be afraid to be bold and creative with your color choices, but also keep in mind the message or feeling you want to convey with your photograph.

4. Sharpening and Noise Reduction

Sharpening and noise reduction are key post-processing steps to enhance the overall clarity and detail of your images. These techniques can make your photographs appear crisper and more professional.

For sharpening, the pros' technique involves using the Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen filter in programs like Photoshop to selectively sharpen certain areas of the image while preserving others. This helps bring out the details without introducing artifacts or oversharpening the entire image.

When it comes to noise reduction, the pros' technique usually involves using specialized noise reduction software or plugins to reduce unwanted noise while preserving the important details. Experiment with different noise reduction settings to find the right balance between noise reduction and preserving details.

5. Creative Cropping

Cropping is a post-processing technique that involves removing unwanted elements or adjusting the composition of an image by trimming the edges. It can improve the overall composition and visual impact of your photographs.

The pros' creative cropping technique involves thinking outside the box and experimenting with unconventional cropping ratios and perspectives. Don't be afraid to break the traditional 3:2 aspect ratio or explore different compositions by cropping in unexpected ways. This can create unique and visually striking images that stand out from the crowd.

Unlocking the pros' hottest post-processing techniques can take your photography skills to new levels. By mastering techniques such as HDR imaging, dodging and burning, color grading, sharpening and noise reduction, and creative cropping, you can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your photographs and create stunning images that captivate your audience. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Happy post-processing!

HDR Book, The: Unlocking the Pros' Hottest Post-Processing Techniques

by Rafael Concepcion(2nd Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	87616 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages

FREE

When it comes to HDR, only three key ingredients are needed: hardware, software, and post-processing technique. Hardware is simple–there are only a few things you need to set up and shoot an HDR series. Software is vastly improved, making it easier for anyone to create an HDR image. The hard part is the post-processing technique. There are only two options: hours and hours of experimentation or The HDR Book.

Featuring real-world interviews with passionate HDR photographers, this updated edition of the popular The HDR Book, by Rafael “RC” Concepcion, is more than a how-to and different from any other HDR book out there. While other books on HDR tend to lean toward the esoteric or formulaic, this book takes another approach. It's a complete and total HDR workshop that teaches you the one thing that most other books miss— once you've tone mapped your image with HDR software, you're still not finished.

Within the pages of this book, you'll find 10 projects–now updated!–shot with everything from a point-and-shoot to a 37-megapixel, medium-format camera. The projects are designed to show you how the subtle differences in each scenario (lighting, subject, environment, etc.) dictate the post-processing needed to achieve one of the many final looks covered. You'll learn not only the different tone map settings RC used, but you’ll also learn the final steps taken in Photoshop to complete each image. Then, you'll recreate these looks your self using the exact same RAW files that RC used! Plus, you get four bonus images to play with and create your own look. The end result: a more intrinsic understanding of the nuances of HDR that will help you create the images you’ve always wanted.

Best of all, The HDR Book is written using the three top HDR processing programs in the industry today: Photoshop’s HDR Pro, Photomatix Pro, and HDR Efex Pro. No matter which program you use, you'll be able to follow along and create your own stunning looks in no time.