Post Processing

Post Processing — Tips & Tricks

Photography is a form of storytelling, and being able to make that story come alive is a challenging but essential step in becoming a great photographer.

In the shot above, we have an evocative photo that illustrates the austerity of an early morning hike. The sun is low, golden, and bright. The photo takes on almost a monotone feel, further emphasizing the singular feeling of adventure.

The trick to this shot is getting the lighting, opens in new tabright. I always say that it’s much easier to lighten dark areas than to darken light areas. Thus, this photo was significantly underexposed to begin with.

Post Processing 2

Here is the original photo – rather dark. However, when upping the exposure in post processing (ie, adding more light) the entire scene gets brighter while the sun does not become severely overexposed. Instead, it takes on a nice golden glow, radiating out and coating the entire scene with a mysterious morning light.

If your shot isn’t “sunny” enough, consider changing your white balance slider to inject more yellow into your shot.

Go forward and give it a shot,

Court

More from Learn by Example

All Learn by Example stories
  • Learn by Example

    How to Get This Shot – A Monarch among Monarchs

    Oct 27, 2026 · Court Whelan

    This photo combines two of my favorite things to photograph on any Monarch Migration Photo Expedition. First, I love getting that “layered” look of monarchs absolutely covering a tree trunk.…

  • Learn by Example

    How to Get this Shot – Eye of the Elephant

    Aug 19, 2026 · Court Whelan

    There’s something special about elephants and we all know it. We connect with them on a deeper level and nothing takes you even deeper than focusing on the eye and…

  • Learn by Example

    How to Get this Shot: Sunset in the Tetons

    Jun 19, 2026 · Mike Hillman

    There are certain photography locations that have become so iconic that they almost work against you. You arrive, set up your tripod, look around at the twenty-seven other photographers standing…