How can I improve a washed-out landscape photo in post-processing?
Asked 6/17/2016
2 views
2 answers
0
I shot a landscape in bright overhead daylight (ISO 400, f/11, 1/320 s, -1/3 EV), and the image looks washed out, especially in the distant mountains. Using Auto Levels in GIMP helps, but I’d like to improve it further.
What adjustments or tools in GIMP, Photoshop, Lightroom, or similar editors are best for reducing haze and restoring contrast without making the image look unnatural?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
2
Recent Adobe Lightroom (& Camera RAW) versions have a feature called "dehaze", which is designed specifically for this sort of thing. It's a little more advanced than just levels adjustment. I've had mixed success with it - sometimes it looks good, sometimes the resulting image has excessively muddy shadows. I believe it works a bit like auto levels but doesn't treat the whole image the same. So in your case it would affect the mountains more strongly than the foreground that already has more contrast.
Originally by user6868. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6868
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A good starting point is increasing contrast, since the distant part of the scene looks affected by haze. Auto Levels can help, but more targeted adjustments usually work better.
Useful tools to try:
- dehaze: Designed for hazy, low-contrast scenes and often works better than simple auto levels.
- curves or levels: Increase tonal separation and restore contrast more precisely.
- brightness/contrast: Basic option, but use gently.
- clarity: Can add midtone contrast and make distant detail stand out.
- vibrance: Helps restore color without pushing everything too hard.
- slightly warmer white balance: Can make the scene feel less flat.
Apply these gradually, and if possible more strongly to the hazy background than to the foreground, which may already have enough contrast. Be careful not to overdo dehaze or contrast, or you may end up with muddy shadows or an unnatural look.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I reduce blue atmospheric haze in landscape photos during post-processing?
How can I reduce haze in long-distance mountain photos?
Can aerial perspective (distance haze) be corrected automatically in landscape photos?
How can I post-process a stitched landscape panorama to recover sky detail and balance shadows?
How do I convert an Android Ultra HDR JPEG to JXR for Windows 11 HDR wallpaper?