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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Backlit Beester

I have learned the more I explore and learn about backlighting the more I LOVE IT!!
I have also learned, the more I learn about light, the more I realize, I know very little.

"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.  Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life."
-Henry J. Doherty


This week, Courtney did a post, "6 Steps to Create a Haze Effect"  If you like the photo above (slight haze) or the photo below (heavy haze and sunflare), you should read her post.  



AFTER


Shot with Nikon D90, 50mm1.8 lens.

Edited in PSE 8:  Started with clean edit (dec. tint -5, inc. blacks +10 which slightly dec. the haze, inc. contrast +4).  Cropped.  Duplicated Layer and applied Unsharp Mask. 

I took this photo for an assignment and originally thought it was underexposed; however, I learned the haze effect created by the backlighting can throw me off.  ADVICE:  If you like haze and sun flare created with backlighting, don't increase your blacks too much when editing.  

BEFORE


You may not be able to tell the difference, but I can.  Plus, that is the point, unless you are trying to salvage a photo.  Honestly, I just loved the SOOC and wanted to share it.  
Ashley wrote a helpful tutorial today on sharpening for the web.  Be sure to check it out.

18 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 10, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I love your hazy bokeh background!!

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  2. UnknownMarch 10, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    beautifully done amber!

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  3. Ashley SiskMarch 10, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I do see a different - it's subtle but really really nice. That haze is beautiful!

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  4. Angel RogersMarch 10, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Both are really nice. I love that soft sunlight. It makes everything look cozy!

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  5. Rebecca BMarch 10, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Oh I love that picture of Bennett!!

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  6. KaraMarch 10, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    I love that first picture! So sweet.

    and I can definitely tell a difference! The contrast/darkening in the edited one looks really good, but you're right - the SOOC is really nice too!

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  7. - Jessi -March 10, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Beautiful, I love it!

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  8. TaraMarch 10, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Love your edit!! I adore the first photo...such a keeper..a framer for sure.

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  9. Discovery School at First Baptist HeathMarch 10, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    YOu rock!!!! and yes.. lighting always changes... ao we must change and learn more.. Love the SOOC and the edit

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  10. JanellMarch 10, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Your son is too adorable! I personally love the hazy look. Not too hazy, but just enough. The first shot is super sweet.

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  11. koreen (aka: winn)March 10, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Nicely done. I love haze and sunflare!

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  12. Michelle RMarch 10, 2011 at 9:31 PM

    You rocked these!! I love how your sooc and edits were very close -- that means your doing your soocs right! :)

    I'm going to have to check out the tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

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  13. julieMarch 10, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    How sweeeet! Love the haze :)

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  14. KindraMarch 10, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    As I keep looking at the two versions, I can see a subtle difference. I really love this photo - and the one of B and Sam.

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  15. Charmaine PoulinMarch 11, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Beautiful hazy photo!!!! Great job!

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  16. ChelseaMarch 11, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    These are great! He's just too cute and I think you're doing a fabulous job with the backlighting...it scares me quite a bit! ;)

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  17. JaymiMarch 11, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    beautiful shots! I experimented with backlighting in my post today too! It can create such a lovely effect!

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  18. AnonymousMarch 11, 2011 at 3:53 PM

    Awww. So cute. Love the first one and your edit is great!

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