How to Use Post-Processing to Add Depth to Your Images

Clicking the shutter is often only the first step in creating an image. Mastering post-processing skills is crucial for new photographers. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use post-processing to add depth to your landscape images. 

Coming to you from William Patino, this great video tutorial offers valuable insights into creating depth and separation in photographs using post-processing techniques. Patino begins with a forest scene, demonstrating how to achieve tonal depth and make the image's elements stand out distinctly. This is particularly crucial in shots where multiple elements can blend into each other without clear tonal separation. The technique of adding a gray layer and gently painting in an atmosphere to create an illusion of depth is subtle but effective. Similarly, the sunrise image tutorial emphasizes the importance of balancing dynamic range and local adjustments. By adjusting the shadows, highlights, and dehaze settings, Patino brings life and depth to the image, showcasing how effective post-processing can transform a standard composition into a striking photograph, even by just manipulating the basic adjustment settings. It's an important lesson that a good eye for color and light is often much more effective than the latest and greatest trick. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!" 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments
2 Comments

Why do you have to do all that "post" stuff. Just take the shot you want, the way you want. These professionals telling you this and that. Ugh! FEEL the shot and what you want of it. Do it for yourself!
You never talk about action shots--sports, animal shows. No setting up, lights, etc., etc. there. Just take the shot. I don't feel you offer anything to those who do not do landscape or street photography.

I was a horse and mule show photographer for 10 years. In the arena with the animals. Try it sometime on the outside of the fence. Much more fun than "landscape".