Behind the RAW: A Detailed Look at Landscape Photography Editing

Welcome to Behind the RAW, where I provide an in-depth exploration of landscape photography editing. In this series, I offer a transparent view of my editing process, sharing insights into the methods and techniques I employ to enhance raw images. Join me as I dissect recent captures, providing a detailed walkthrough of each step from start to finish.

Episode Overview:

In each episode of Behind the RAW, I meticulously dissect a recent image, unravelling the intricacies of its editing journey. From initial capture to final adjustments, I guide viewers through my approach, offering practical insights and strategies. Whether you're a novice seeking guidance or a seasoned photographer looking to refine your skills, this series is designed to educate and inspire.

This week’s Episode: be Fluid Light Rays

As we drove around Connemara letting the light be our guide, we were constantly seeing light rays dancing across the landscape, and when we pulled over not only did we have the chance of catching some, but Bernard had brought us to an absolutely stunning spot. A boat house sitting on a lake with mountains behind and all the while being caressed by the light as it moved across the sky. The image I chose for this week’s edit was a tough one to handle, mainly because of how the scene was when shooting it. I wanted to shoot for the highlights to keep some of the detail, and given that the light rays were the brightest thing in the scene it would mean that the foreground would be darker. I did take some shots of the scene however trying to merge them and a fleeting light would be a challenge I didn’t want to give myself, so I would just have to edit the image and bring up the shadows as best I could. When editing I took my normal approach to the main content, however for the lightrays I opted to use a brush to cover them and then adjusted the highlights and whites in that to only affect that part of the shot. This would bring out the intensity of the light rays and not cause the remainder of the image to go to mush. I also cropped the image in to bring the light more into the frame rather than off to the side as it was in the raw.

What to Expect:

Expect a thorough examination of landscape photography editing techniques, delivered clearly and concisely. Throughout each episode, I discuss composition choices, lighting considerations, and editing methodologies, providing actionable advice for viewers to implement in their work. By sharing my experiences and expertise, I aim to empower YOU to elevate YOUR editing proficiency.

Why You Should Watch:

Behind the RAW offers a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge and insight into the editing process. Each episode is packed with real-world examples and actionable tips, making it an invaluable resource for photographers of all levels. Whether you're looking to enhance your editing skills or simply curious about the creative process behind captivating imagery, this series has something to offer.

Watch the episode below

Behind the raw | Ep 15 Be Fluid Light Rays