A great way to use graduated filters for spectacular horizons
When you’re out taking photos of horizons (oceans, beaches and landscapes etc) you really have to think twice before you take the shot. With an incorrect measurement in the camera it’s hard to get the right exposure on both sides of the horizon. Sometimes you don’t even have the time to adjust your camera to get the perfect exposure. Lightroom is just the tool for you when it comes to horizons and exposure problems.I’ve made a preset for you all to play around with to get more familiar with how “Graduated filters” work in Lightroom. I call it “PH Graduated Horisont”.
In my example photo, the lower part of the photo is very dark. Almost to dark to see the details at all. I could lighten it up using brightness and contrast in Lightroom, but that would affect the whole image and result in a very bright sky instead.
To fix this issue I use graduated filters which can be found under the “Develop” tab in Lightroom.
See the preset in action:
SOOC/ORIGINAL:
PH Graduated Horisont:
Graduated filters can be used with the same effects as the “Adjustmen Brush“. With this in mind I have added a blue color tone on the filter for the sky to make it more dramatic.
Play around
Your horizon might be on a different position in the photo. Luckily you can replace the graduated filters to fit your own horizon.
If you would like to change the brightness or contrast (or any other effect) you can easily do that too.
Finally you might want to change the color of the sky…
Hi and welcome to my heaven! If you are a Lightroom lover like myself you probably going to adore this place. It's the paradise for all people who are looking for Lightroom presets. Make sure you subscribe to my posts to be first with the latest contributions. I wish you a very pleasant stay. Regards, Pierre
May 7th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Another great one. Thanks, Pierre.
May 7th, 2009 at 6:28 am
Thank you Sunny!
May 8th, 2009 at 7:36 am
txs so much!
May 8th, 2009 at 9:02 am
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I am loving the presets but want more and more, have not had time to ready but you have so much info, really appreciate it!
thanks
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Thank you Feuza!
I’m so glad you like my work.
Take care and have a nice day!
June 1st, 2009 at 5:48 am
I love this preset, but I was wondering if there is a similar preset that applies the brightness of the bottom half of the photo to the entire image. Do you know of any?
Thanks,
Leah
June 1st, 2009 at 6:52 am
Hi Leah,
To achieve this effect, you just have to move the graduated filter around in your photo (upwards in your case). You can even rotate it to flip the brightness effect vertically (if needed). If you can’t make it, just mail me the image and I’ll give it a try
Have a nice day!
April 29th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
I downloaded it but can’t get it to work
April 29th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hi Wayne,
What is the problem? Can you be more specific please?
//Pierre
May 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
OMG!!! I love this website!!! Thank you so much for giving us a site that gives you free presets!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Thank you Tiffany!
I’m glad you like what you found
//Pierre
May 21st, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Thanks.Nice filters.