Behind The Scenes

AFTER

BEFORE

Ideally the background behind any subject should not be distracting, and should either enhance the subject or at least not detract from it. But sometimes you are in certain situations where getting the action is more important than the background. In those cases you can often use image optimization software to help minimize background distractions.

You can see in the Before image how light and sharp the background is, and how it detracts from the beautiful egret. The simplest way to handle the situation was to darken the background in Lightroom.

The background was easily darkened by using the Brush tool in Lightroom. The Brush tool has a built in feathering function which enables it to smoothly and easily darken or lighten specific areas without leaving a line or a telltale mark. It is another phenomenal tool in Lightroom, much better and easier to use than similar tools in other software.

The only other work done on this image was a little tweaking to enhance the green and orange colors on the bird’s head. Overall it was a quick and easy fix taking less than 5 minutes.

March will be here before you know it. Register now for the upcoming Lightroom class. Get a substantial discount if you sign up by January 15.  Details at  http://awakethelight.com/lightroom-2014/

TECHNICAL DATA

Shutter Speed  1/320 sec.  Aperture f/10.  ISO 800.  Lens: Canon 400mm f/5.6L.

Camera: Canon 40D. Gitzo tripod with ballhead and Wimberley Sidekick.

TODAY’S QUOTE: “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”  --Chinese Proverb