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.
Reader Comments (27)
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1333
http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2010/10/my-wish/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4904595300/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5063172413/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5071149869/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dontforgetthehorse/5094426541/
http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com
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/
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/
sometimes it turns a blah photo into something more magical.
We are so lucky the things we can do now.
:-)
http://www.nfljerseyonline.com/
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/
http://www.nfljerseyonline.com/
http://www.sportshoes007.com/
http://www.bagonhand.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bleach226/4217409474/in/set-72157622951026793/
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/
http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/storms-vignette/
Viele Gruesse, Kristina
http://le-fabuleux-destin-de.blogspot.com/2010/07/foto-focus-halong-bay.html
it struck me so.
beautiful.
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
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.