Learn some quick tips for editing wildlife photos inside ON1 Photo RAW 2019.
1. Correct Your Color
Shooting in nature comes it’s challenges. One of those challenges is variable conditions which can mean different lighting throughout the day. This can cause some cool or warm photos when you come back home to edit. An easy way to correct for color is to use your Color modifiers in your Tone & Color Pane. Grab your color dropper tool and drop it on an area that should be gray in your photograph. This should automatically correct your white balance.
2. Level The Shot
We often talk about viewers being distracted in photographs but sometimes the photographer can be distracted with their own shot. A compelling subject can distract you from your background, which may need some extra attention. Don’t forget to use your Crop Tool (C) to level your photo, either by rotating or with the Level Tool.
3. Avoid Over-Saturating
Color plays a major role in wildlife photos but it can also be one of their biggest downfalls. Too much color can create separation from the viewer and the natural world the photograph was taken in. To stay natural, pull your saturation slider all the way to 0, then drag it up intermittently until you’ve reached your desired boost in color.
4. Applying Detail Selectively
Wildlife are inherently covered in a ton of great detail so adding detail is a common occurrence in wildlife editing. Most wildlife are also surrounded by many natural objects that have a lot of detail. So detail can sometimes be distracting to your viewer if it’s applied to strong on the entire photo. To selectively apply detail, head into your Effects tab and add a Dynamic Contrast Filter. Use your Masking Options to Invert your mask. Then just brush it on to your subject or whatever area you want to make pop.
5. Creating Your Own Light
Because lighting conditions vary from day to day, you may not get the best light on your subject. If you want to bring out some of the darker areas or to remove light from an area on your photo, use a Local Adjustment. Remember to use your opacity slider to blend the adjustment in with the photograph.