How can I create a rich, high-contrast, detailed portrait look in post-processing?
Asked 12/23/2013
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2 answers
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I’m trying to understand how to achieve a portrait style with very strong local contrast, lots of detail, and a dramatic, almost painterly 3D look. I don’t think the effect necessarily comes from multi-shot HDR, especially if the subject is moving and the image is handheld. Is this mainly done with tone mapping, local contrast, sharpening, or a pseudo-HDR approach from a single file? What Photoshop or similar editing techniques are typically used, and how much of the look comes from lighting and composition versus post-processing?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
4
Photomatix 5 Enhanced preset comes very close to this look. Adding a bit of high pass filtering in "soft light" mode seems to finish off the effect nicely. But for me it was all about the lighting here. Notice he has captured the viewers attention very well with the compositional light. So if you're looking to catch a judge's eye in competition, look more at the compositional tricks used than the photo effects. Those will produce a winner every time.
Originally by user21926. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user21926
12y ago
0
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This look is likely a combination of lighting and post-processing rather than classic multi-shot HDR. Based on the community answer, a tone-mapped or pseudo-HDR style can get you close: software like Photomatix with an "enhanced" type preset can produce that strong local contrast and detail from a single image. From there, adding high-pass sharpening on a Soft Light blend mode can increase crispness and edge contrast.
That said, the most important part is probably the lighting. The dramatic, dimensional feel comes from directional light and careful control of where the viewer’s eye goes. Good composition and light placement create the depth; post-processing mainly enhances it.
So in practice, aim for:
- strong, intentional lighting
- local contrast/tone-mapping adjustments
- restrained high-pass sharpening in Soft Light
- careful composition to emphasize the subject
The effect is not just a filter—the lighting is doing much of the heavy lifting.
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