When it comes to post-processing, I like to stick to the basics. If I can’t make a photograph more aesthetically pleasing within a minute of dabbling in levels/white balance/spot removal adjustments in Lightroom 4, then I don’t see the merit in wasting time attempting to make a “good”photograph out of a”bad” one. In that same vein, I won’t even attempt to correct a photograph that I feel may take a lot of computer work (aside from critical portrait work on occasion); shame on me for not getting the majority of it right in-camera!
That said, this kind of light post-processing doesn’t usually find its way into the “My Mind’s Eye” series. In these posts—the few instances where I do take the time to show what my mind’s eye sees that a camera cannot immediately capture—it can be a refreshing change of pace to find that only a little PP work is all it takes to bring a photograph to life. Spring is in the air, and I’m catching up photographing all the flora that comes with the season:
In this straight-out-of-camera shot, I like the creamy bokeh and contrasting blue against washes of green. However, everything is a bit flat–as is typical in unadjusted JPEGs of colorful scenes.
So, how much good can adjusting contrast and saturation do to this photograph? A lot, as it turns out!
The Little Ones
85mm, ISO 100, f/2, 1/400
Taken with the 85mm f/1.4 AI-s, I’m still in the middle of testing this fine telephoto, and also have more to share from some recent sporting events. Until then, thanks for dropping by, guys and gals!
