Post your 'before' and 'after' pictures

I think I'm going to like this forum. Post-processing can make a dramatic change to a picture. Let us demonstrate it! Post your unprocessed picture (either a jpeg straight from the camera, or a RAW conversion using the standard profile and no corrections).

Here is an example. First, the standard uncorrected conversion using ViewNX 2 software:



and here is my interpretation of this picture:



I work with Photoshop CC and Nik Plugins, mostly using Nik. I don't remember all the details (though I could probably recreate the processing in about 5 minutes), but I think this is what I did.

First, I applied lens correction (geometric distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration) in ACR and changed the profile from 'Adobe standard' to 'Camera standard'. Then I switched to Color Efex Pro 4 and applied Pro Contrast to deepen and lighten the light, Brilliance/Warmth to increase saturation, a touch of Graduated Neutral Density to balance water and sky and the one I like a lot: Skylight Filter, to make the picture look like sunrise, though it was almost 10 am. I also cropped the image a little to improve (in my opinion) the composition.

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Good topic @Felisek. Lets see what I can come up with.

Originally Posted by J-see

This one I shot today and was fairly little work compared to others. I opened up fully and captured as much light as possible within my shutter limitation for these shots.

This is the LR import with zero editing.



Lens correction first. Then set the black and white point, kills shadows and highlights to get the tones out, adjust exposure, contrast and WB. Tweak vibrance and clarity while adjusting white and black points to prevent clipping. Apply gradient filters to tweak the sky and lower part separately. To finish; sharpen.

I hat to say it J-see, but i like the first one better.

Blended first 2 shots into 3rd shot using PS and Nik.

Originally Posted by J-see

The unedited version?

Next time I'll show you my originals first, it could save me a lot of time and effort.

While going back in the history to save the original version for this post I accidentally deleted the whole process history; which is all too easy in LR. Really; TOO easy. But since you like it unedited, I'll save myself the effort of processing it again.

LOL J-see. I'm with Ron on this one. The darker version adds a little mystery.
Sorry!

Have spent hours fiddling with some shots just to discover that i liked them better before I messed with them. That is the reason my keeper file gets reviewed every 6months. it is a chance to apply new things I have learnt or correct my past edits. Then, and only then, do i consider printing, which is my ultimate goal for all my better photos.
And remember, it does not matter what we think. You are the ultimate arbitrator of your work. it is your vision and only you can decide it's ultimate outcome. I would say that your low light photos appear to be on the right track and you produce some fine work.

Originally Posted by Felisek

I think I'm going to like this forum. Post-processing can make a dramatic change to a picture. Let us demonstrate it! Post your unprocessed picture (either a jpeg straight from the camera, or a RAW conversion using the standard profile and no corrections).

Here is an example. First, the standard uncorrected conversion using ViewNX 2 software:



and here is my interpretation of this picture:



I work with Photoshop CC and Nik Plugins, mostly using Nik. I don't remember all the details (though I could probably recreate the processing in about 5 minutes), but I think this is what I did.

First, I applied lens correction (geometric distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration) in ACR and changed the profile from 'Adobe standard' to 'Camera standard'. Then I switched to Color Efex Pro 4 and applied Pro Contrast to deepen and lighten the light, Brilliance/Warmth to increase saturation, a touch of Graduated Neutral Density to balance water and sky and the one I like a lot: Skylight Filter, to make the picture look like sunrise, though it was almost 10 am. I also cropped the image a little to improve (in my opinion) the composition.

I really like the "Tonal contrast" filter. Have you tried that one yet?