Have you ever noticed ugly banding artifacts in the gradients you create in Photoshop? Well, here’s the good news: There’s a quick Photoshop fix that you’ll learn in the four-minute tutorial below from the globally popular PIXimperfect YouTube channel.

Instructor Unmesh Dinda is perhaps the world’s most popular image-editing instructor, with almost five million subscribers to his channel. He’s known for simple solutions to common processing problems, and this one is about as quick and easy as it gets.

In today’s episode Dinda explains a “hidden setting” in Photoshop that will help you avoid banding when creating a Gradient Fill layer or using the Gradient tool. He explains how to turn on the special setting, and then demonstrates two techniques that, when used in combination, make banding a thing of the past.

Dinda notes that unsightly banding in gradients isn’t always obvious until you zoom in on a photo, at which point it smacks you in the face. And if you make large prints it’s right there for everyone to see. The lesson begins with Dinda selecting the Gradient tool on the left side of the screen and creating a simple gradient to demonstrate the problem and solution.

To make the banding easier to discern, Dinda then opens the Curves tool, moves the left slider to the right, and the right slider to the left. This increases contrast, and there you have it: really hard banding. So how do you avoid it?

First, go to the top of the screen, select Mode, and change the option in the dropdown menu from 8-bits to 16 bits per channel. The banding still appears because it’s “burned in” the pixels. But now go back to the Gradient too and create the gradient again. Surprise: the banding is gone!

Keep in mind that if you’re working with JPEGS they can only be saved as 8-bit files. As you may suspect, Dinda has a solution for that too, using the magic of the Dither tool at the top of the screen. As he explains, “what Dither does is that it introduces a noisy blend between colors.” Take a look at his before/after images to see how this works.

Dinda provides a couple other tricks for making this technique work to perfection. By following his simple tips, you can forever forget about banding in gradients, and move on the to next problem you encounter.

And when it comes to simple solutions to whatever stumps you next, there’s no better solution than visiting Dinda’s comprehensive YouTube channel.

We also suggest you watch the tutorial we posted recently from another expert, explaining several pro editing tips that will change your processing workflow in Photoshop and Lightroom.

We’ve all been in situations when shooting landscapes or outdoor portraits when the images we capture aren’t quite as dramatic as we would like. Sometimes that ‘s because lighting conditions could be far more interesting.

The quick tutorial below from one of our favorite image-editing specialists explains a straightforward Photoshop technique for adding simple “atmospheric effects” that will really boost the impact of images that need a bit more pizazz. This lesson demonstrates these tricks with an image of a pretty model, but you can use what you learn on all sorts of photos shot in the field.

Nino Batista is an image-retouching specialist with an enthusiastic following on his YouTube channel. His demonstration image was made on a hazy day in Hawaii, and Batista has already completed most of the edit. What you see in this episode is often his final step; namely, refining and adjusting the shape and intensity of the light.

With enhancements like these it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the illumination in a scene, so the effect you add is a good match and creates a realistic look. In this particular shot the light was coming from above. Here’ the catch: adding a light effect in Photoshop may impact the earlier edits you made, so some minor adjustments may be necessary.

One such problem according to Batista is that certain atmosphere effects tend to reduce contrast in the image, so it may be necessary to bump that up. But as you’ll see, increasing contrast at this point can result in unappealing oversaturation and a shift in color tones that need to be addressed. You’ll learn how to easily compensate as Batista walks you through the process.

This is but one aspect of the step-by-step edit that Batista demonstrates in just 11 minutes that significantly improves his original photo. You’ll watch him throw some nice light into the scene and enhance colors in the jungle canopy—all without adversely affecting the perfect skin tones of his model.

Bottom line, the transformation looks great and retains a very realistic look. While watching the episode you may want to think about other ways you can apply these techniques when shooting in the great outdoors.

When you’re done, head over to Batista’s instructional YouTube channel where there’s much more to learn

And be sure to check out the tutorial we posted recently from another Photoshop expert, explaining how to use Layer Blending modes for more compelling photos.

3 Legged Thing (3LT) just announced Freya, an L-bracket designed to fit the popular Fujifilm X-T5 specifically, and Shutterbug received a sample to evaluate several weeks before launch date. Here’s our rundown.

Purpose of L-Brackets
If you didn’t know, the main purpose of an L-bracket is to provide an Arca-Swiss compatible pair of rails (a base and an upright) to facilitate camera attachment to a tripod in horizontal and vertical orientations. The L-bracket is used instead of the mounting plate supplied with the tripod head.

Most examples have been refined to accommodate the attachment of various accessories, e.g., microphones, field monitors and lighting devices. They’re very handy, especially if you shoot a lot of video.

The Problem with Ordinary L-Brackets
Although L-brackets are extremely convenient, they remain slightly underutilized by photographers and video shooters. Part of the lack of popularity stems from their sometimes one-shape-fits-all design. In too many cases, L-brackets interfere with the battery compartment cover and/or articulated camera monitor—users must remove the bracket to change batteries and in some instances the memory cards as well. There goes the convenience aspect.

The Solution
3 Legged Thing, working in cooperation with Fujifilm UK, has resolved these issues for users of Fujifilm X-T5 cameras in a grand way. Following the success of its Gracy L-bracket for Fujifilm GFX 100S and 50S II cameras, 3LT created Freya, a dedicated L-bracket that does not impede camera accessibility or function. (3LT gives brackets, tripods, and other accessories anthropomorphic names, hence the Gracy and Freya monikers.)

The Arca-Swiss compatible Freya L-bracket gives X-T5 users unfettered access to the battery cover and side I/O ports. Additionally, cut-outs along the base and in the upright allow the rear screen to be opened and angled. An indent in the upright accommodates the camera’s strap lug. The  shape of the base ensures a secure fit, and a 1/4-20 stainless steel camera screw attaches the L-bracket securely to the camera. In addition, 3LT supplies an adapter that allows the use of Peak Design’s popular v3 Capture Clip system

Versatility
Made from aerospace-grade magnesium alloy, Freya features a 1/4-20 threaded hole in its upright for the attachment of the aforementioned accessories. The base section of Freya can be extended for use with cables when in portrait orientation. 3 Legged Thing supplies a cable management bracket that slots onto the upright. Also, the base can be used alone if the sole intent is to attached to a tripod in landscape orientation.

Conclusion
As a frequent Fujifilm X-T5 user, I attached Freya to my camera and still haven’t taken it off. It attaches securely and provides just enough extra grip on the lefthand side (a bonus beyond original purpose). Freya is very high quality and attractive as well. Highly recommended.

Price & Availability
The 3 Legged Thing Freya L-bracket comes in these 3LT signature colors: Copper, Metallic Slate Grey, and Darkness matte black. Freya is available directly from 3LT and many camera retailers. It has a suggested retail price of $119.99. For worldwide availability information visit 3LT Store Locator & Stocklists.

Other 3 Legged Thing Dedicated L-Brackets
3 Legged Thing makes award-winning tripods, monopods, tripod heads, camera bags and brackets, all with interesting names.

In addition to two universal L-brackets, the 3LT bracket lineup includes these models:
Alfie for Sony Alpha A7 IV and certain other models,  Gracy for Fujifilm GFX 100S and 50S II, Ollie for OM System OM-1, Roxie for Canon EOS R5, R5 C and R6, Zelda for Nikon Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Zaara for Nikon Z9.

Become a Member of the Shutterbug Community
Register for a free account. Sign up for our newsletter. Spend five minutes (or less) uploading your best shots once every week or so. Potentially become a Shutterbug Photo of the Day winner. Enjoy viewing the fantastic work being done by thousands of photographers all over the world—and add your images to the enduring collection.

—Jon Sienkiewicz

The number of AI editing tools has taken an upswing. But with this advent of new tech comes a debate among photographers about striking a balance between efficiency and preserving their artistic vision. 

In this article, we’ll explore what AI editing tools are here for, the challenges and benefits of using these AI tools, and how to achieve a harmonious balance between efficiency and creative expression.

What Do AI Editing Tools Do?
AI editing tools use algorithms and machine learning to automate and thereby speed up various aspects of the editing process. 

These tools can perform tasks such as image selection, color grading, retouching, and even content generation. 

By analyzing patterns, recognizing objects, and learning from large datasets, AI editing tools can assist photographers in enhancing their images more efficiently.

The main attraction to using these tools is that they offer fantastic time-saving benefits.

AI editing tools can save photographers many hours of manual labor, freeing them up for more personal time and more opportunities to focus on other aspects of their business, such as shooting more frequently and nurturing client relationships.

In short, AI editing in photography is not about replacing photographers; it’s about streamlining workflows.

Why Are Some Photographers Skeptical?
Despite the time-saving benefits of AI editing tools, some photographers remain skeptical about their use. 

One of the main concerns is the fear of losing the personal touch and creative control that defines their artistic vision. 

They worry that relying too heavily on AI tools may result in a generic aesthetic, eroding the uniqueness and authenticity of their work. 

Additionally, there is a concern that AI editing tools may lead to a lack of skill development, as photographers may become overly reliant on automated processes instead of honing their craft. 

These reservations highlight the need for a careful balance between efficiency and preserving the photographer’s individual artistic expression when integrating AI editing tools into their workflow.

Keep in mind that photography as an art form is deeply rooted in human emotion and creativity. 

The human touch won’t be replaced where it matters most – scouting those perfect shots and capturing them with your unique vision.

AI alone cannot replicate the unique perspective and personal expression that photographers bring to their work. 

Therefore, AI should be seen as a supportive tool that speeds up certain tasks while the photographer’s artistic vision still drives the final decisions.

How to Preserve Your Artistic Vision
Ultimately, it’s up to every photographer to ensure automation does not compromise their unique style and creative decisions. 

By using AI tools with the mindset of “this is the starting point of my creative vision,” photographers can maintain control over important creative decisions and ensure the final edits align with their creative intent.

The key is to view AI as an assistant rather than a replacement, using it to enhance your creative process and achieve efficient results without sacrificing your authenticity.

Using AI to Enhance Your Creative Vision
The power of AI extends past saving time. AI editing software’s power also lies in its ability to enhance a photographer’s skills and creativity.

Take Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill AI tool as a prime example. 

This tool uses AI algorithms to intelligently fill in areas of an image based on existing content, seamlessly blending colors, textures, and patterns. 

It opens up new possibilities for creative expression and experimentation while giving you greater control over the final output, allowing you to maintain your artistic vision while achieving impeccable results. 

Keep in mind, you should consider whether the generated content aligns with your creative vision and whether it enhances or detracts from the intended message.

The Benefits of Using AI Editing Tools
There are two major benefits of using AI editing tools: saving time and keeping your editing style consistent across your portfolio. Let’s talk about both.

Saving Time
AI software offers truly remarkable time-saving benefits because it automates one of the most time-consuming manual processes in the post-shoot workflow: editing each image to perfection. 

Tools like Aftershoot EDITS, for example, can produce 1,000 edited images in your personal editing style in less than a minute with a quick click of a button.

Just imagine what you could be doing with all that extra time – book more clients, add more shoots to your calendar thereby generating more income, or simply enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Keeping Your Editing Style Consistent
AI tools don’t just speed up the editing process, they also help to maintain a consistent visual style throughout your portfolio. 

Again, Aftershoot’s AI-powered editing tool comes to mind. The software keeps a photographer’s editing style consistent by letting them create their own personalized presets, known as AI Profiles. 

You simply upload previously edited images from your Lightroom catalogs to “teach” the AI how you went about editing those images. 

Aftershoot will then create a distinct AI Profile based on that information to ensure it edits images according to your preferences.

The result: The images Aftershoot edits for you will reflect your unique editing style with 90%+ accuracy!

The best part is that you retain creative control over your final edits with the ability to make further adjustments as you see fit. 

The AI will continue to learn from your adjustments, ensuring your AI Profile only becomes more reliable the more you use it.

Conclusion
The rise of AI editing tools has sparked concern among photographers about finding the balance between efficiency and preserving their artistic vision. 

While AI editing tools offer significant time-saving benefits, some photographers remain skeptical about their use, fearing the loss of personal touch and creative control. 

However, it’s essential to view AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement, using it to enhance the creative process while maintaining artistic authenticity. 

By using AI tools as a starting point and ensuring that the final edits align with creative intent, photographers can strike a harmonious balance between efficiency and preserving their unique style. 

AI editing software, such as Aftershoot, not only saves time but also helps maintain consistent editing styles across portfolios. 

Embracing AI as an assistant rather than a replacement empowers photographers to streamline their workflow, unlock new creative possibilities, and achieve efficient results while keeping their artistic vision at the forefront.