This is a continuation of
my article from
yesterday about how to create image with defined area of interest.
As I wrote in it, one of the most common problem with photos is that there
is too many object in the scene. At the time of capturing image our
subconsciousness filter out unimportant ones out. A camera has not such a
capability.
In a following example I will use an image from Richard Brouwer, with permission. His
image is typical example. Example when nice moment is captured in
environment which is impossible to control right a way. Post processing is
only way how to filter out unimportant and disturbing part of the image and
let important objects stand out.
I create image with the same dimensions as original image and call it
mask. Different software has different ways of creating this mask. I will
not describe these differences and details. I will try to describe just a
principle. Using mask I made selection which part (black) is important and
which is not (white) on the original photo.
Mask gives me possibility to adjust only part of the image. In this case I
will adjust part which is white. My changes will be not applied on parts
which are black.
Than by shifting levels (darkening) original image through this mask only
parts which are white on mask become darker. It works like darkening image
through filter. Very similar what is done in darkroom when by exposing more
light to the certain places on image to make them darker (burning image).
When you look at resulting image it is clear that the observer focus is
brought to the normal - lighter parts first. Image also become simpler and
easier to comprehend. It is clear what author wanted to say. Disturbing
elements are also filtered out.
Masks could be used for all modification which is relevant to only part of
the image. Like sharpening only edges, blurring, contrast modifications. So
in principle any operation you could do on whole image you could do on part
of the image when applied it through the mask. Whole art is that to know
which part and be able to create mask which covers it.
Good luck!
