Need some PP C&C...

[ChristopherCoy]

For this particular image I wanted the orangish purple colored sunset sky in the background, but I didn't have a flash to illuminate the rider. So in the original, the horse and rider have a highlight on their backs, but the front of them is nearly a sillouhette. When I upped the exposure, I blew out the sky, so I went back in with some graduate filters and spot exposure to tone it back down.

I'd like to hear (A) how you like this picture overall, and (B) what you would do, or think I could to improve this picture.

Thanks!

(added the second edit for comparison.)

[T. Adam Martin]

If you shot in RAW and processed in LR, you can open as a smart object in PS. Create a second layer with a smart object via copy. Double click the top layer and the image will open in ACR. Raise the exposure by 2 stops or until you get the correct exposure for the subject. You can also lower the exposure on the second layer too the same way. Add a black layer mask to the top layer. Now use the paintbrush to bring your subject forward on the mask. You're dual processing the image.

[ChristopherCoy]

oooh... didn't think of that! Thanks. I'll go try it.

[Debbi]

I would have upped the exposure and then masked the original sky (painted it back in). As far as the pic goes, it's hard to say because the blown-out areas behind the rider draw my attention too much. I do like the fact the the horse's (Appaloosa?) ears are both forward.

[T. Adam Martin]

In general, I'd recommend exposing for your subject first and foremost, largely for the noise implications. You can always lower the exposure on the sky in post without raising too much grain (you could even do some gamma processing to make it more dynamic). Raising exposure, especially on key parts of the image, will introduce a lot of noise.

[ChristopherCoy]

Here is a quick redo... I dont know how to get it to open as a smart object, mostly because I dont know what a smart object is, but i took it from Lr into Ps and did the layer thing, then back into Lr. Better?

[T. Adam Martin]

It's better, but it's not there yet. I'm away from my editing computer right now, but I'll try to carve out some time tonight to work on it. I'll log my actions too so you can see the steps I take. I'll also try to avoid using any plug-ins.

[T. Adam Martin]

Chris:

You weren't kidding. After seeing the native file, what you did with it was about as good as you can get. With so little detail on the subject, it's hard to raise it without the halo, fringe and noise. Here is my interpretation. I did some gamma adjustments to maintain detail in the clouds and enhance the colors some. I also did a high pass on your subject to bring a little more clarity.

I followed the same process that I described above. The masking is not perfect, and I'd spend more time with it if the output was for a client, but this should give you an idea of the techniques.

[ChristopherCoy]

That looks pretty good! Thanks!

When you say 'high pass' what are you referring to? Is that along the lines of HDR because you got some really vibrant colors out of that pic.