Alan Kaplan
About the Image(s)
This is only one image which I processed using the steps outlined below. It's not a bracketed series of three shots post processed with HDR software.
I used Adobe Camera Raw to tone map this composite. One can use Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw Basic to tone map which creates an image with a high dynamic range. The whole process attempts to bring out details in the darkest shadows and in the whitest highlight making the high dynamic tonal range. It's easier to understand if you try the following steps. Spoiler Alert: each step below is "to taste." If you're interested in trying Tone Mapping, experiment with each slider. Different photos require different amounts of "sliding" in each process. Only Photoshop Camera Raw and Nik Software were used to create this image.
In Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw Basic, move the "Exposure" slider to the right making the whole image brighter with less detail. Now move the "Contrast" and "Highlights" sliders to the left to reduce more details. Move the "Shadow" slider to the right bringing out details in the shadows but reducing details elsewhere. Now move the "Clarify" slider to the left to remove some more detail and further expand the dynamic range. Last, move the "Saturation" slider to the left to reduce the color. Remember, this is "to taste."
Now, open Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro 4 "Detail Extractor" filter to bring back the details. Use "Tonal Contrast" to manipulate the contrast. These sliders have the potential to put back more color and more detail . . . to taste, of course.
Once you finish with Nik Software, open the Black and White Adjustment Layer. It opens its own Layer Mask. Use the sliders to manipulate the colors look as they look in black and white. Then use a black brush on the Layer Mask to bring back any colors you want. Reduce the Opacity of the brush to bring back softer colors. You can correct any mistakes by changing your brush to white and painting over them. Enjoy the trial and error.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
I've attached a Goth from last weekend - she's had Portrait Pro, Redfield Barbiedoll, Redfield Quad Pencil, B&W adjustment, Saturation adjustment and Topaz Studio 2 impression plugins, all with layer masks of course. A lot more than you've used, but who's to say which is the better outcome? As long as we're happy playing and happy with the result!   Posted: 11/08/2021 16:58:42
(Group 54)
(Group 54)
I really admire your image with its heightened detail and skin textures.   Posted: 11/15/2021 17:16:53
(Group 88)