Post Processing Techniques

Msmoto

In photos of vehicles, especially automobiles, I like to add a bit to the image and make it look more as if it were sitting with "engine running" or that something special is happening. So, I will often add lighted headlights.

Original after post processing


Initial lights on


Final with "parking lights on"


I do this by fist creating a "brush" in LR which has large feathering, so as o have light spilling out over the edge of the headlights and create a bright spot inhere the bulb would be seen. I erase the area where in the real world the light would not be seen, like above the headlight on the fender. A second feathered bright spot is done, this time to simply create more brightness where the bulb might be, and possibly some glow around the headlight which might be the way we would see it as if glare were present.

Finally, the parking lights are turned on.

The above is done with three or four different brushes, intensity, saturation, and color temp of each adjusted for personal preference.

Maybe some other examples can be offered from members who like to play in post processing…

henrik1963

@Msmoto: Wow it does "wake the car up". I wonder it this trick will work when you take pictures of sleepy teenagers :-)

Vipmediastar_JZ

Thanks for the tip. I have done your technique similar in Nik software by brightening and upping the saturation. It makes the lights pop especially the tailights. I haven't done it in LR but you just woke up the creative sleeping giant and gave me an idea for a car I shot at the Chicago auto show. I'll start sketching some ideas.

Photobug

MsMoto - it's nice to see you share that technique. When I saw your new trailer with the lights it was very impressive as well as some of your older car post with lights on. It really makes them stand out. Cudoo's to your creative side.

Msmoto

a couple more ideas

Starting here:


And, ending up here:


Background darkened and desaturated. Wheels, develop better contrast. Headlights, on, of course. Paint (lighting) evened up.

donaldejose

Very good work! Digital is so much better than film.

Photobug

Excellent work. The wheels really pop.

snakebunk

Nice! Think I am going to try a little bit of this with bird eyes.

Msmoto

On eyes, I usually will brighten up and desaturate the whites (people), then run a high contrast brush around the edge so as to subtly add eyeliner…LOL A female touch….. :-*