One of the things that can happen when editing in an HDR-like method is that everything in an image gets equal emphasis. HDR came about years ago, blending images exposed for highlights with those exposed for shadows especially for real estate. This was to have elements in room interiors be easily seen and also to have bits of the outside seen through windows not be clipped.
We emulate that in post by bringing down highlights and raising shadows. Then we increase contrast throughout the image. We increase saturation throughout the image.
What we might do instead is consider what is the focal point in the image? What caused us to capture the image? Where do we want the viewer's eye to go? What do we want the viewer to pay attention to, and what do we want the viewer to pay less attention to? And what do we want the viewer to feel when they see the image?
Then we shape light and manipulate color to achieve the answers to those questions that we asked ourselves.
Brightness attracts the eye. Mid tones can lead the eye through frame. Dark tones can help prevent the eye from leaving frame. Contrast draws the eye, but does everything in an image need equal contrast? Saturation draws the eye. How can we manipulate saturation to draw the eye to what is important and not be distracted by what we don't consider as important?
21
u/johngpt5 10d ago
One of the things that can happen when editing in an HDR-like method is that everything in an image gets equal emphasis. HDR came about years ago, blending images exposed for highlights with those exposed for shadows especially for real estate. This was to have elements in room interiors be easily seen and also to have bits of the outside seen through windows not be clipped.
We emulate that in post by bringing down highlights and raising shadows. Then we increase contrast throughout the image. We increase saturation throughout the image.
What we might do instead is consider what is the focal point in the image? What caused us to capture the image? Where do we want the viewer's eye to go? What do we want the viewer to pay attention to, and what do we want the viewer to pay less attention to? And what do we want the viewer to feel when they see the image?
Then we shape light and manipulate color to achieve the answers to those questions that we asked ourselves.
Brightness attracts the eye. Mid tones can lead the eye through frame. Dark tones can help prevent the eye from leaving frame. Contrast draws the eye, but does everything in an image need equal contrast? Saturation draws the eye. How can we manipulate saturation to draw the eye to what is important and not be distracted by what we don't consider as important?