the lighter side of vignetting

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

[Marcie]

I'm a big fan of vignetting. Just enough to smooth and soften the edges:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1333

[Puna]

I add vignettes to many photos but have started using it a little more judiciously. A little goes a long way.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/10/my-wish/

[Jennifée]

I really like vignetting as well. The light vignette *can* be extremely cheesy I think, but I totally agree that it fits perfectly sometimes, like in your beautiful image up there. I've used the light vignette succesfully exactly *once* myself - it contributes to the dreamy and classical atmosphere I wanted here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4904595300/

[Brandi]

I do a slight (dark) vignette to all my photos just to draw the eye inward.

[Aia]

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

[Misty]

I've never tried the lighter side. I will now! Great shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5063172413/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5071149869/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5094426541/

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

I agree.... it can definitely be used too much, but can be tastefully done and totally transform a photo too. Funny you posted this. I just started experimenting with the "lighter side" yesterday with a black and white photo!

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

[spread your wings]

you image is striking. such a strong and gorgeous face.
i rarely use light vignettes and only every once in a while a dark one, but my iphone cover was creating a sort dark vignette that i didn't always mind too much.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/4842681872/in/set-72157624601833310/

[Trude]

Hmmm I haven't really worked with a light vignette, but I do apply a super subtle dark one to nearly every photo - and I love it when my 50mm does one for me! :) Like this one, a subtle darkening really helped bring the eye to her ridge: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/5074153646/

[elk]

i know you will cherish this image ..it is so lovely

[Brooke]

I always like it for portraits - makes me feel like the focus is on the people a bit more. But here is a recent one I took at my cousin's wedding: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterboo502/5080033362/

[sarah]

Gorgeous picture! The other day I went totally overboard with vignetting, but I wanted the picture to seem suffused with light ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/shorelinesphotography/5091131257/

[BlessedMess]

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/

[Aubrey]

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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[Doris]

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/

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[Breanne]

I'm a fan of vignetting... sometimes heavy (or as some would say... overused) and sometimes soft. I've done both light and dark, but I can't seem to spot any of my light vignettes in flickr with ease. Here's one with a darker vignette. I love how it ages the image. :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bleach226/4217409474/in/set-72157622951026793/

[Stephanie]

I've never tried light vignetting but I definitely will now. I feel like vignetting is kinda like Goldilocks - it has to be juuuuuuust right!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4747166927/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4798698213/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4986941529/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4924723032/in/photostream/

[humbird]

Heading home in the driving rain last spring, around a bend and saw this natural storm vignette highlighted this little ranch.

[humbird]

Whoops. Driving too fast apparently :)
http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/storms-vignette/

[Kristina]

Until now I only worked with the dark vignetting, but the lighter one also looks great! GIves a totally different feelin to the picture, I like it. I have added some dark edges to my pictures from Halong Bay / Vietnam, to underline the sense of mystic of this place...
Viele Gruesse, Kristina

http://le-fabuleux-destin-de.blogspot.com/2010/07/foto-focus-halong-bay.html

[kristin]

my goodness tracey is that your eldest daughter? wow she looks so grown in this. wise eyes.
it struck me so.
beautiful.

[Diane]

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.

[Vanessa]

this portrait of your daughter is just stunning, tracey.
i gave it a try here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanessa_r/5104127529/ and i like the result
thank for inspiring me in so many ways!
Vx

[Heather]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/htekmo/5101096242/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/htekmo/5037156229/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/htekmo/5100402879/in/photostream/


I am going through a light vignette phase...this too shall pass...lol!

enjoyed your post.

[littlepurplecow]

Wow, Tracey. She is so you. Beautiful.