Rocky Mountain High

AFTER

BEFORE

I have arrived in the beautiful state of Montana. This is only my third visit to this incredible state, and each time I see and appreciate more of its unique beauty. I am currently in Glacier National Park with its spectacular peaks, beautiful blue lakes, and narrow winding mountain roads.

Today’s photo was taken on the drive through the park from the airport. It was late in the day and the air was a bit hazy, but this glacial valley was huge and beautiful, so I took a few shots.

I was disappointed when I downloaded it, but decided to see what Lightroom 5 could do. As is usually the case, Lightroom came to the rescue. With just a few quick modifications, the real beauty of the image was revealed. Here is what was done:

1. Decreased Highlights

2. Increased Shadows

3. Boosted Clarity (it is rarely necessary to raise Clarity more than 30 points)

4. Increased Contrast (this is only the second time I have ever used Contrast in Lightroom; usually it is too heavy handed and can over-do an image in a heartbeat; but because of the haze, it worked to cut through the mist and allow more of the color to show.

5. Graduated filter to darken the sky

So once again, Lightroom proved itself to be an invaluable tool. If you want to learn Lightroom or want to improve your skills, consider taking the next Awake The Light “Lightroom Unleashed” workshop coming up March 16 – 20, 2015, to be held in Richmond, Virginia. This is a convenient location, an easy drive from many places, and also with easy airport access. Details are not on the website yet, but if you are interested, please email awakethelight@charter.net for more information. This class generally fills quickly, so don’t delay.

TECHNICAL DATA

Shutter Speed 1/400 sec.  Aperture f/11.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS, set at 70mm.  Camera: Canon 5D Mark III.  Handheld.