If you read my breakdown on what a Look Up Table (LUT) is, you know the theory, or at least the basics on how they might work. Now, let’s talk about results you can get. Here is exactly how a subtle look up table adjustment can quickly elevate your cat photo editing (called the ‘workflow’) and fix dull colors.
Do you remember how I said a LUT could bring a sense of unity or cohesion to a series of cat photos? Let me show an example of what I mean so you can see if this would work for you.
The LUT I am using here is ‘Rich and Radiant’ from Luxe Lens. They are a reputable company with a clear and easy to use web site and often have special offers making a LUT more affordable.
Check the cute collage for a sample of some of DashKitten blog’s finest ginger photos. Can you see how different each ginger is? How the range of coats, the strength or type of lighting, or the location makes a difference.
Now look at these images of our senior cat Jack. I have tried to improve my dark background settings so I have more successful white in the captures and less bleached out whites. Sometimes it had worked, other times I have added a little ‘burning’ to the white’.
The one thing I have erased is the mark on his nose. The mark is part of his solar eczema and people always worry it is a fight mark or an injury. It is not, it has been there for years now.
- If you scroll through the images, you can see that the ginger colouring is consistent because I used a LUT. This adjusts the autumnal gingerness of his coat so each image has a quiet glow.
Health update. Jack is back from the brink after his fall and, although he has a slight limp, he is eating well, and eats his Thyronorm twice a day (2.5ml of clear fluid) and also his Astro’s Oil to help his kidney function.
Jack was snapped for those shots doing what every senior cat does best, bathing in a sun puddle and having a power nap or two (or three).
Catching a cat in this sleepy state is a great way to catch them off guard so be ready of you want to take some sneaky ‘Aww-worthy’ shots like this one of Jack yawning sleepily.
So, go on, grab your camera and see if you can catch a cat at rest or just waking up.
You can find the history behind Astro’s oil here.
Check the Dash Kitten post.’What is a LUT? How do I use one?
You can find their LUT page here or browse the site.
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
Mancat JACK iss so reegal an cute. Yore fotoss REELLY showcase his feeturess Miss Marjorie.
***nose kissess*** BellaDharma an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Wonderful images of Jack! He sure is enjoying his sun puddle!