When less is more II
20:53
This is a continuation of my article from yesterday about how to create image with defined area of interest.
As I wrote in it, one of the most common problem with photos is that there is too many object in the scene. At the time of capturing image our subconsciousness filter out unimportant ones out. A camera has not such a capability.
In a following example I will use an image from Richard Brouwer, with permission. His image is typical example. Example when nice moment is captured in environment which is impossible to control right a way. Post processing is only way how to filter out unimportant and disturbing part of the image and let important objects stand out.
I create image with the same dimensions as original image and call it mask. Different software has different ways of creating this mask. I will not describe these differences and details. I will try to describe just a principle. Using mask I made selection which part (black) is important and which is not (white) on the original photo.
Mask gives me possibility to adjust only part of the image. In this case I will adjust part which is white. My changes will be not applied on parts which are black.
Than by shifting levels (darkening) original image through this mask only parts which are white on mask become darker. It works like darkening image through filter. Very similar what is done in darkroom when by exposing more light to the certain places on image to make them darker (burning image).
When you look at resulting image it is clear that the observer focus is brought to the normal – lighter parts first. Image also become simpler and easier to comprehend. It is clear what author wanted to say. Disturbing elements are also filtered out.
Masks could be used for all modification which is relevant to only part of the image. Like sharpening only edges, blurring, contrast modifications. So in principle any operation you could do on whole image you could do on part of the image when applied it through the mask. Whole art is that to know which part and be able to create mask which covers it.
Good luck!
Very helpful Thanks:)