However, the above is no longer my default option for how to render photos. Yes, it’s full range and true to life. Instead, I now favor a lighter - brighter look such as shown in the below alternate rendering:
Brighter rendering of the same image, providing a more energized look.
With this brighter look, everything is more uplifted. The emotional impact is 10X, and Ellie loved it!
Let’s try another image:
Here’s the normal, balanced rendering of this striking foyer also by Ellie Mroz Design. The brighter rooms left and right really don’t need to be any brighter. Unless …
Unless, of course, we’re willing to break some rules and go after that same brighter aesthetic. Then you get the marvelous look below:
Wow. It’s easy to be content with the first one until you see them side-by-side. Only this lighter one works for me now.
Does it work under every circumstance? Can you just lighten-up any photo and energize it like the above? Perhaps not, but let me try a photo that’s less summery white and tan to start with, and see how it goes …
Here’s my original full contrast range and average brightness rendering of a colorful living room I photographed for Katheryn Cook Design. Nice, rich, and pretty …
Let’s compare it to one with the treatment I used above. The below image was more difficult to keep from going out of bounds, but here’s the result:
And here it is lighter and brighter. What a difference!
They both work, but the brighter image seems to have more emotional energy resulting from the glow in the room. However, not all photos will benefit from this post-processing. Darker, richer interiors than the above need to remain true to their spirit - Dark and rich. However, lighter styles seem to benefit most clearly.
I’d love to hear what you think! Please feel free to leave a comment below.