"Polarising" effect

[StuartR]

Just been processing some pictures taken at Kew Gardens yesterday. With this particular shot, I was unhappy with the overall lightness of the scene so I applied my favourite technique to approximate having used a polarising filter (I forgot to take one :o).

The method entails making a duplicate layer, using blend mode "Multiply" and then applying a layer mask on which you use the gradient tool to gradually reduce the effect as it goes down the picture. The results can be seen in the 2nd version of the picture.

For the third version, I applied the same effect a second time but reduced the opacity of the layer to 75% because the result was too intense at 100%.

Once you're happy just merge the layers.

What do you think?

http://dpnow.com/galleries//data//500/MG_7943a.jpg

http://dpnow.com/galleries//data//500/MG_7943b.jpg

http://dpnow.com/galleries//data//500/MG_7943c.jpg

[lumix]

That's a very effective change you have made. I don't have much in the way of editing software, but had to have a go to see if I could get a similar effect. This is it. Hope you don't mind me playing.:D

http://dpnow.com/galleries//data//717/MG_7943a.jpg

[Autumn]

Here's my effort Stuart, it shows up a lot of artefacts amongst the leaves, but I expect they were there to start with.:)

http://dpnow.com/galleries/data/776/th_Kew_Gardens_polarising_effect.jpg

I am not really sure whether or not it is an improvement or even if it is too much. Perhaps it is too dark. What do you think?

[StuartR]

That's a very effective change you have made. I don't have much in the way of editing software, but had to have a go to see if I could get a similar effect. This is it. Hope you don't mind me playing.:D



Don't mind at all!

Your method is a bit more contrasty than mine but there's more than one way to skin this particular cat and I guess it will depend on what software you're using.

I forgot to mention I'm using PhotoShop CS2 - appreciate not everyone has access to that (I get mine through work luckily). I daresay Elements will give a similar option but I've never used it so I can't be sure.

There's another use for this method if you just want to get some contrast into the whole picture; when you've duplicated the layers and blended using "Multiply" again, just use the opacity control to get the amount of extra contrast you're looking for.

[StuartR]

:D Here's my effort Stuart, it shows up a lot of artefacts amongst the leaves, but I expect they were there to start with.:)

I am not really sure whether or not it is an improvement or even if it is too much. Perhaps it is too dark. What do you think?

Looks like a really threatening sky now! Not sure about the artifacts though, I've never noticed any issues with this method in that area. There are some artifacts in the original pic so perhaps you re-processed that and the jpg is a second (or third) generation?

We were lucky with the weather yesterday, even had a couple of hours of real sunshine, including when we ate lunch outside at the café near the Chinese tower thingy (can't recall what it was called :o ). The coffee sponge was one of the best I've ever had - and that's saying something :D , washed down with a nice ginger beer!

Here's 'er indoors sitting outside the same building as in your shot (the Temperate House) again using the same method as in the original post to give the sky a bit more colour (although it was pretty good to start with). I wish I'd paid more attention to the angle I shot at though - should have been a bit more "square on" I think (as you were).

http://dpnow.com/galleries//data//500/MG_7878_DXO_1_.jpg

[Ian]

Just been processing some pictures taken at Kew Gardens yesterday. With this particular shot, I was unhappy with the overall lightness of the scene so I applied my favourite technique to approximate having used a polarising filter (I forgot to take one :o).

The method entails making a duplicate layer, using blend mode "Multiply" and then applying a layer mask on which you use the gradient tool to gradually reduce the effect as it goes down the picture. The results can be seen in the 2nd version of the picture.

For the third version, I applied the same effect a second time but reduced the opacity of the layer to 75% because the result was too intense at 100%.

Once you're happy just merge the layers.

What do you think?



Hey Stuart, what an interesting thread - I somehow completely overlooked it too. t-up

Ian