Ever wished for warmer (New Zealand), or cooler (European and US) temperatures? Well, it’s a chilly winter’s day here in New Zealand and I wanted to bring back some warm memories and show you how a photo you might give up on can be made to work!
My family was enjoying a summer evening out in the garden last year, and I was trying to improve my captures of cats in motion. All of the cats, including our angel Jack, enjoyed the sunshine in the garden and the chance to chase a wand toy is irresistible. I thought you would like this photograph of Toulouse as a before and after.
Here is the original image I captured.
Improving a Photograph
Toulouse is jumping energetically after a butterfly cat toy that is a busy blur. There is a lot of bright foliage behind and around him so, I wondered how I could improve it a little, even if I couldn’t make it perfect. The grass and foliage are bright and darken Toulouse. I needed to balance the lights and darks.
It will never be a prize winner but it is a lovely special moment and, like you, I want to preserve my cat’s special times.
Making Editing Magic Happen
This screen capture below shows the image with a list of the edits made on the right hand side of the software window.
- I used Luminar Neo’s Develop tool to tone down the image. It will look a bit less bleached out.
- I used a mask to Sharpen Toulouse’s body so the fur has more definition. This sets him part from the busy grass and foliage.
- I added sunbeams! This is a fun Luminar Neo tool that I have tried to use with care. The Sunrays tool can add a directional sunbeam with a variable number of rays and brightness. I added the sunshine where there is a bright spot I can’t disguise in any other way.
- I used the Dodge and Burn tool to lighten Toulouse’s fur on his body and face so he is more visible against the grass background.
- Finally I added a touch of a Vignette using a mask to keep the light focused in the middle.
The finished portrait with all the edits in place.
The photos don’t look as sharp on the blog as they do in ‘real life’ because they would take up more space, but I hope you can see that a few small adjustments have allowed me to rescue a disappointing image and give it a sense of joy as Toulouse leaps after his butterfly toy.
I have helpful tips here!
There is a quick explanation of dodge and burn here.
Let me show you a quick and easy way vignettes work.
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
I see the subtle difference which makes him stand out more vs blending in with all the foliage. Such a cute photo!
It always amazes me what you can do with a photo and your posts really opens up mt eyes although am scared to try them LOL. Great photo of Toulouse
She is a beauty and what a lovely photo! I really love how you made the photo pop with the edits. I can see it be award-winning! On another note, when you upload photo to your blog, do you have an option to upload it at “original” size? That will keep the sharpenss for photos and text (at least on Blogger it does). 🙂
Marjorie, Oops – excuse the typo on the word sharpness! I hit send too quickly!
Toulouse is a cute kitty! I love the edits on the photo. It really made Toulouse stand out a lot more. I hope you all feel better soon.
I can definitely see an improvement. It’s nice to learn these little tricks to improve the photos of our pets.
Fantastic work, Marjorie! We can learn so much from you💗Soft Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend🐾😽💞
Wee can see THE changess of Toulouse’ss foto! You did grate Miss Marjorie!!! Wee hope you an hubby an Toulouse are feelin a bit bettur…’angel’ Jack lookin down on youss’ with Love <3
~~head rubss~~BellaDharma~~ an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
What an amazing photo, before and even better after!!! Happy Tuesday to mew all!!! 😻✨🐾✨😻
Even I can see the difference!
That’s a lovely picture!
Those are wonderful and terrific explanations too! Your photo magic is lovely.
Brian’s Home ~ Forever
Yes, it looks amazing! Actually, both do!
That is a great action shot. I think it was perfect even before you edited. XO
You really made Toulouse ‘pop’!