Processing Help

I put a mist filter onto the lens this morning and took this shot. Im not good with photo editing and can I ask if some one could help and do a few tweeks to help me see what I should be aiming forRegards Ian

Depends what you want to end up with

Try this:
* Add new adjustment layer - "Levels"
* Click Auto for the levels
* Change the layer blend mode from "Normal" to "Luminosity" (this will keep the colours you have)
* Now click back on the adjustment layer - Levels - and I found a tweak of the mid point (to the left) produces a nice result. (around 1.65 - preserves the mist look but gives some more bite)

Thus:



Matt

Thanks Matt will try it out.

Regards Ian

I just added a little contrast:

And some Harry Potter magic

I think it's time to run!

More seriously, Photoshop can be an incomprehensible jungle (viz. the above instructions). If you need effective, but simple editing power, get a (free) copy of Faststone image viewer. I've got both but I use Faststone for preference.

I agree David,

I think it's that concept of diminishing returns, or flexibility. Photoshop allows you the ability to go to extremes, but in doing so it's potentially very complicated compared to something dedicated to only do a few things very quickly. Most of the basic things you want to do in Photoshop can actually be done quite quickly, but the interface can seem incredibly daunting considering you're not there to do too much.

As it stands the original image has a yellow colour cast/temperature, and mostly lacks contrast.
To achieve something a bit nicer in Photoshop you could do any of these to make quite an impact quickly:

a) Go to Image Menu and select Auto Contrast. Done.

or

b) Go to Image Menu, select Adjustments and select the Brightness and Contrast option which is first on the list.
There is an Auto box in here, or you can adjust this yourself.

or

c) Go to Image Menu, select Adjustments and select the Levels option which is second on the list.
There is an Auto box in here, or you can adjust this yourself.

etc...

It doesn't have to be difficult, but I agree it's imposing when you first get into it. There are options all over the place, and there are also many ways to achieve things, as shown above.

By contrast (haha photography pun) I find Lightroom far more photographer orientated than Photoshop. I use Lightroom for everything that comes off my Pentax DSLR, and only some of them go to Photoshop. The tornado above was 100% Photoshop alone, and I only use Photoshop for significant image manipulation. This is my personal workflow and I appreciate there are others, and other software also.

Good luck to the original poster by the way

Ian, as you used a mist filter, I assume you were going for a misty, ethereal look - so I prefer your version to Matty's, which looks 'normal' to me. The mist filter is flat though, whereas mist can vary in density.

I made the image subtly more 'misty' - less contrast and lighter. Then I copied that layer and really increased the lightness and dropped the contrast, making it look like dense mist. I then erased the upper part of that layer (using a feathered selection tool). So the upper part of the trees as closer to the original, and look like they are poking above 'mist level'.

Great stuff there

Ah, Will, Looks like you must have selected the Twister Eraser tool by mistake Never mind, I think you are on the right track with your low contrast enhanced version. As the photographer chose the mist filter effect it makes good sense to work with it, not against it. Very good idea also to mimic the effect of height with the tree top . Perhaps it would suit going right down to a full mono conversion also?

I like the other versions posted also (your PS compositing skills are impressive there Richard but overall the misty low contrast approach wins out for me.

Brilliant!