Christmas Family Portrait Rescued from poor lighting and posing technique

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by roostabunny

I’ve seen Kelby’s “Light it, Shoot it, Retouch it” book. This was more like Light It, Shoot It, Try to Fix it in Post, Wish you’d lit it better and shot it differently.

Scott Kelby is the "Photoshop Guru". Of course it's gonna be like that.

[roostabunny]

Originally Posted by D Alishouse

Very funny and so true! Many is the time I have wondered why I didn't shoot it differently, what was I thinking? Thank goodness for post!

This is great, though. A real positive difference. Vignette is a great tool. In this picture the way it effected the tree and added the gradient on the background is really nice. You're right, good recovery!

Don't know what happened to my notifications, but I'm finally seeing these replies, and thanks! I appreciate the comments! Discovering that I can use this vignetting technique to do more than darken the corners was a breakthrough. I love using it to create shadows in the background that strengthen the composition.

[JudiRose]

You did a really nice job here. Much better than the original photo.

This couple sure doesn't look old enough to have a teenaged son.

Judi

[Naala]

I really like what you did, wow what a change!

[CX500C]

Much better than the original!

[cerenatee]

Awesome recovery. I would definitely pay for the large frame over the fire place.

[Flat Cat]

A pretty commendable recovery job. Looks heaps better than your original.

[ucfmat]

Impressed, the color tone is much better after the edit. Good work!

[MattJohnRobinson]

wow, great job. TFS the process.