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:

Unknown said...

I love your hazy bokeh background!!

Unknown said...

beautifully done amber!

Ashley Sisk said...

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

Angel Rogers said...

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

Rebecca B said...

Oh I love that picture of Bennett!!

Kara said...

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!

- Jessi - said...

Beautiful, I love it!

Tara said...

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

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

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

Janell said...

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

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Nicely done. I love haze and sunflare!

Michelle R said...

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!

julie said...

How sweeeet! Love the haze :)

Kindra said...

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.

Charmaine Poulin said...

Beautiful hazy photo!!!! Great job!

Chelsea said...

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! ;)

Jaymi said...

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

Anonymous said...

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