Learning the Art of the Subtle Hand

How much editing is too much editing?

Over the last several years I have critiqued over 3000 photos between f64 Elite, my old site HDR insider, and the various conferences I have attended.  One thing I see more often than not is the “Hammer Approach” to image editing.  This approach is fast. However, it usually does more harm than good. 

I am routinely asked, “How do I get rid of this halo?” or  “When do I know when enough editing is enough editing?”

While these may seem like easy questions for a pro to answer from the perspective of a budding photographer, they are actually challenging.  I have been thinking about how to discuss this concept for a long time and think I have finally found a way to visualize it. 

It has to do with learning “The Art of the Subtle Hand.”   When you practice this form or photo editing you understand that the global hammer approach is far less effective than deliberate local adjustments.

 

In today’s lesson, I am going to show you what an image looks like that has been taken too far.  We will analyze what we like about it and then we will discuss ways we can get achieve them without being so heavy-handed.

Free Live Event

Want to see me edit some more photos from Yosemite next week? 

If so, join us on Wednesday, April, 17th at 2 PM Central!

Blake Rudis
f.64 Academy and f.64 Elite are the brainchildren of Blake Rudis. While he is a landscape photographer, he is most passionate about post-processing images in Photoshop and mentoring others.

For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
Blake Rudis on EmailBlake Rudis on FacebookBlake Rudis on InstagramBlake Rudis on PinterestBlake Rudis on TwitterBlake Rudis on Youtube