The image on the right side of this article is one of Harry’s most celebrated photos on social media, with over 100,000 likes. To help you understand the success of this photo, Harry has provided a step-by-step guide to the image and its color grading, including presets for you to easily follow and try!
I captured this series en route to Vancouver Island for a hiking trip with friends. While most passengers on the early morning ferry were tired and half-asleep, I seized the opportunity to capture the stunning light and take as many shots as possible.
In this series, you can find some of my favorite shots from that sunrise and the editing breakdown I followed to give them my style, taking as an example the first image of this series:
Step 1) Camera settings
The camera settings I used were 1/125 seconds, f/2.8, and ISO 100.
Step 2) Understand the unedited colors
The RAW file already had an atmospheric palette with a dark brown/black (120E0E), a dark brown (3E3026), a muted blue/grey (7D8894), a muted brown (665447), and a light beige (C6B8A8).
My vision was to create a color palette that enhanced the essence of the sunrise. I looked for a harmonious blend of warm and cool tones to add vibrancy and contrast. To do so, using Lightroom, I adjusted the image as follows:
Step 3) Basic adjustments
3.1) White Balance
Temperature 4,523
Tint +1
3.2) Tone
Contrast -46
Highlights -64
Shadows +46
Whites +37
3.3) Presence
Texture -10
Clarity -10
Dehaze -10
Step 4) Tone Curve
Below I demonstrate how I worked on the RGB channels for precise control over tonal values. This approach helps correct color casts and enhance specific colors more naturally.
Step 5) Color Mixer
5.1) Hue
Red +10
Orange +10
Green +10
5.2) Saturation
Red -19
Yellow -10
Green -46
Aqua -10
Blue +10
Purple -10
Magenta -10
5.3) Luminance
Red -28
Orange -10
Yellow -10
Green -19
Blue -19
Magenta -19
Step 6) Calibration
Red Primary
Hue +19
Saturation -10
Green Primary
Hue +19
Saturation -28
Blue Primary
Hue -10
Saturation +19
Step 7) Color theory
As a result, I obtained a split-complementary color palette with an accent – the yellow provides a striking focal point. The deep green (10130D) and the earthy brown (573725) add significant depth and contrast, grounding the overall composition. The muted blue-gray (676D90) and the soft pale blue (C2CCDF) add tranquility, balance, and a touch of vibrancy compared to the original. The bright golden yellow (F5C871) serves as an accent color, adding contrast to the otherwise analogous palette.
Mazur’s journey intertwines his love for travel with a deep commitment to capturing the world’s fleeting beauty. His work often reflects his awe of nature, such as in his image of the jungle that won Best of the Week at Nomadict, taken from above at sunset with perfect timing and serendipity.
From the wild beauty of Vermillion Cliffs to the depths of Mexico’s cenotes, Katarina’s work reflects a deep connection with the environment and a love for visual storytelling. With 18 years of experience and the co-founding of her production company, HiishiiPhoto, Katarina continues to evolve her craft. Katarina’s photo of the Vermillion Cliff was chosen for Best of the Year 2023 by the Nomadict community.
In this article, Alex Pantela shares strategies to deepen your connection with nature through content creation, his favorite environments to stay creative, techniques for storytelling, the vision behind his work and editing style, and most valuable lessons!
Arnaud’s journey into photography began in 2023, inspired by a friend’s breathtaking road trip photos. Starting with a basic drone and a desire to capture the beauty around his home, his passion quickly grew, leading him to invest in a camera and fully immerse himself in the craft. Though still early in his journey, Arnaud’s dedication to practice, patience, and embracing mistakes has already shaped his evolving style. One of his images won the Best of the Week at Nomadict.
From his early days experimenting with a DSLR to capturing breathtaking drone shots in the mountains, Cuno’s work reflects his love for storytelling through images. In this article, he shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his career, from winning awards to balancing his creative pursuits with family life.
In this article, photographer and creative director Harry shares his journey from a college hobbyist to a professional creative, rediscovering his passion during the pandemic. He delves into his approach to capturing authenticity, his techniques for brand promotion, and the tools he uses to achieve a distinct, film-like aesthetic.
Derrick is a photographer from the Navajo Reservation (New Mexico), a member of the Navajo Nation tribe, and an electrical engineering student. A recent highlight was capturing his dream shot of Shiprock surrounded by fog, a photo that won the Best of the Week at Nomadict.
Liam Alford is a self-taught nature and wedding photographer with a passion for capturing the special moments in the world through his lens. In this article, we learn about his journey, valuable lessons from his outdoor experiences, and his shooting + editing approach to the image that won the Best of the Week 33, 2024.
© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
