Get Creative

BEFORE

AFTER

Get creative with your photography. Use all the tools in your arsenal to make your work better and more appealing. Look at the Before image  -  it is too dark and not terribly exciting. The colors are too muted and there is no detail in the shadows.

But Lightroom came to the rescue once again. Hands down, Lightroom is my favorite image optimization software. There are other options out there - Nik, Topaz, Photoshop, Elements, and more. For me, Lightroom is foolproof and lightning fast.

It took virtually no time to transform the blah Before image into the more exciting After image. Here are the steps I used. (Remember that each image is different and will need differing amounts of tweaking, so be sure to evaluate each image individually.)

First, I lightened the shadows using the Shadows slider. Then I used the Blacks slider to fine tune the blacks. I then increased Clarity to enhance the mid-tone contrast. The next to last step was to increase Vibrance so that the colors had more punch.

The final step was to use some creative license and flip the image. When photographing abstracts it is OK to experiment with different orientations to see if the image becomes stronger. After trying different directions, I liked this orientation best.

So consider reviewing some of your old images and see if a change in orientation helps make an image stronger. You might surprise yourself with what you create.

Interested in learning Lightroom, or improving your image optimization skills? Then consider taking the upcoming Lightroom Unleashed Workshop in Richmond, Virginia on March 16-20. This in-depth and hands-on class will give you all the skills and guidance you will need to become a Lightroom expert. Information here  http://awakethelight.com/lightroom-2014/   Just a few spaces left. Small group setting, personalized attention.

TECHNICAL DATA
Shutter Speed 1/10 sec.  Aperture f/20.  ISO 400.  Lens: Canon 17-40mm f/4L set to 40mm. Camera: Canon 5D Mark III. Gitzo tripod with Really Right Stuff ballhead.

TODAY'S QUOTE: "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."  --Franklin D. Roosevelt