Shutter Sisters

the lighter side of vignetting

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Vignetting can be one of the most effective post processing tools there is. It can also be taken too far or used too much. At least that’s what I’ve heard some people say. Like with most things, I chalk it up to a matter of the photographers perspective and prerogative.

I feel that a subtle vignette often enhances my imagery and so in post-processing I’ll often try one on for size just to see whether it will be beneficial for the final image. And sometimes I slide it all the way to the opposite side of the spectrum to see what the lighter side of vignetting will offer.

Every once in a while it’s exactly what I think the shot needs. In the photograph featured above, the darker vignette revealed the true setting of the shot which was in the pumpkin patch (especially when it was left in color). Once I dialed out the color and added the lighter vignette, the entire image was transformed and the setting felt much more mysterious to me. The white glow that surrounds my subject now could even be construed as a snowy field. That for me is magic as we don’t get snow where I live! A few clicks of my mouse and my entire image was transformed. The story changed, mysteries deepened and I have an image I love more than the original SOOC.

Have you ever gone to the lighter side of vignetting. It’s not nearly as common or popular as the darker side but if you don’t try it, you’ll never know if it fits your shot!

Today share your favorite vignette, be it dark or light. We’d love to see (and hear) your take on the art of the vignette.

Comments

  5. this is so nice…i would ever have guessed you to be at the pumpkin patch here. definitely looks cold & frosty!

  13. I will have to try the light vignette. I've blown out a background to make it high-key, but never in a soft gradual way. I am a recovered vignette addict, so I'll have to be careful. I still wince at some of my older photos. Was it en vogue like 3 years ago, or was I just crazy?! (I like to blame popular culture whenever possible).

    That said, I still employ it, though with a lighter touch…usually for black and whites. Hm, maybe not that light of a touch.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/5027045673/

  14. sometimes it is just perfect.
    sometimes it turns a blah photo into something more magical.
    We are so lucky the things we can do now.
    🙂

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  16. I use vignetting on probably 75% of my images. But, as mentioned above a little goes a long way. Some are so subtle you wouldn't know it was there unless I told you. I like the way a Vignette draws the eye inward. I've experimented with light vignettes, but find myself drawn to darker tones. I think I'll make a point after seeing this lovely portrait to go the other way. Maybe I'm guilty of staying within my comfort zone.

    Here are few examples of vignettes I've used:
    http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/october-2-2010/
    http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/10/01/october-1-2010/
    http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/september-24-2010-2/

  24. Oh yes, I absolutely do the 'lighter' side of vignetting. I have a couple on my website but since it's flash I can't give a url that goes directly to the image. But, no matter, I agree that vignetting to the other end of the scale is very effective on some images.