How can I enhance a weak reflection in post-processing?
Asked 9/1/2014
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I shot a RAW photo outdoors on an overcast day and later noticed a faint reflection in the scene that I’d like to make more visible. The image was taken at ISO 400, 1/180s, f/8, with no polarizer. I edit in Photoshop CS2.
What’s a good post-processing approach for bringing out the reflection without making the rest of the image look unnatural?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
1
]I got something a little bit better. First off I don't know what's going on with the color management when it's still in sRGB) butopefully maybe my workflow will give you some ideas.
What I did was convert to LAB and created a mask based on the a channel modified by curves. I.e. I isolated everything that was not green. I did some fussing around with the mask to get everything that was not the girl or the reflection black.
I then used an L curve to accentuate to girl on an adjustment level using the mask.![enter image description here]
I then did an apply image (subtract, offset 128, rato 2) and then applied that layer using linear light mode. I then repeated this. This step increases the difference between the original and the modified version.
I think the key is converting to LAB and creating the mask based on the a channel. Come to think of it, you might try darkening the green.
Originally by user29815. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user29815
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if the reflection is already recorded in the RAW file, you can usually strengthen it somewhat in post, though you can’t create detail that wasn’t captured.
A practical approach is to process the RAW file multiple times with different goals: one version optimized for the main subject, one for the reflection, and one for the rest of the scene. Then stack those versions as layers in Photoshop and use layer masks to reveal the best parts of each.
You can also try local contrast and tonal adjustments targeted only at the reflection area. One community approach used LAB color mode to build a mask from color channels, isolate the non-green subject/reflection areas, and then apply curves to boost luminosity contrast selectively. Blending modes and contrast-enhancing layer techniques can help increase the separation between the reflection and surrounding water.
The key is selective editing: mask the reflection area carefully, increase contrast/clarity there, and keep the rest of the image restrained so it still looks natural.
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