If you’re unfamiliar with an in-camera technique known as “Expose to the Right” (ETTR) this tutorial explains the concept and demonstrates how one of our favorite pros uses it to nail exposure every time and get the best possible image quality out of every shot. The pro hack takes less that nine minutes to explain, and it will prove invaluable for every image you shoot in the great outdoors.

Instructor Simon d’Entremont is a noteworthy nature and wildlife photographer based in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. He kicks of today’s episode with this question: “Do you find that your photos look noisy, lack clarity and don’t look sharp?” If so, you’ll learn how easy it is to increase quality and impact by understanding how ETTR works.

Before explaining this important trick, Simon describes a few problems that it’s intended to fix, and he begins with a quick overview of how exposure affects the noise performance of a camera. As he says, “noisy images lack dynamic range and often appear soft.” He reviews the difference between color noise and “read noise” from the circuits on your sensor.

Perhaps worse of all is what Simon refers to as “shot noise” that, unlike the aforementioned issues, can’t be eliminated by today’s advanced camera sensor technology. So what’s the fix? According to Simon it’s as simple as using ETTR so that the sensor captures more photons.”

Simon explains how to modify shutter speed and aperture to get the job done. As he says, “Longer shutter speeds increase the number of photons collected by collecting them over a longer period of time, as does a wider aperture by having a larger hole through which they can enter.”

The foregoing explanation makes it easy to understand why and how the ETTR technique is so powerful. One key factor is that image noise doesn’t increase or decrease proportionally as exposure is modified. This fact helps determine the best exposure settings to use, and the ultimate image quality you’ll achieve.

Simon illustrates all this in two interesting ways. First you’ll see the difference between two versions of the same shot and why one is significantly better than the other. But he also demonstrates how noise levels change from area to another within a single image.

Be sure to visit Simon’s popular YouTube channel where you’ll find numerous instructional videos for improving your nature and wildlife photography skills.

We also recommend watching the earlier tutorial we featured with another highly acclaimed outdoor shooter who demonstrates how to use Lightroom’s powerful Tone Curve tools to add intense colors in photographs with dull skies.

What if we told you that in the next four minutes you’ll learn how to use a “secret” Knock-Out tool that will greatly simplify your Photoshop workflow and delver precision results faster than you thought possible? If this piques your interest, pay close attention to this video from the Photoshop Tutorials Pejiz YouTube channel.

As the name suggests, this oft-ignored tool enables you to “knock out” the contents of a particular layer from the layers below. You’ll learn how to make an appropriate selection, depending upon the type of element that needs to be removed.

Our instructor named Pejman is an accomplished designer who specializes in tutorials for inexperienced Photoshop users who want to up their game with straightforward post-processing techniques, photo-retouching tricks, and making the most of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). Most of the methods he describes work wonders for landscapes, portraits, wildlife images, and more.

Pejman demonstrates how to employ the Knock-Out tool when dealing with an unwanted Text layer. While watching how easy this is to do, keep in mind the myriad of other ways to put this method to use. The lesson begins with a quick demonstration of how to create a Text layer in the first place, just in case you ever want to do that.

Once you’ve imported an image here’s all you have to do: Press the “T” key to bring up the text window, type in you text, and hit “enter.” Then simply follow Pejman’s tips for refining various characteristics like font type and size, style attributes like italic or bold, and whether you want the type centered, flush left, or flush right.

Now that you’ve created a text layer it’s time to knock it out, and Pejman describes the simple step-by-step process for maintaining perfect balance in the photo with the use of simple Photoshop tools. This portion of the video runs barely three minutes so we’ll let the expert demonstrate exactly how it’s done rather than summarizing it here.

Be sure to visit Pejman’s instructional YouTube channel where you’ll find many more post-processing tips and techniques.

And for another basic primer don’t miss the Beginners Guide we featured recently with another image-editing expert who explains everything you need to know about Focal Length Blending in Photoshop and Lightroom.

Imagine this: you’ve just wrapped up an all-day wedding shoot. Exhausted, you upload your images to Aftershoot before heading to bed. When you wake up, the bulk of the work has already been taken care of – your photos are culled, edited, and well on their way to being client-ready.

While every workflow is unique, and photographers often add personal touches to their edits, Aftershoot is making feats like same-day previews possible.
 

By handling the heavy lifting, it empowers photographers to spend less time on post-processing and more time doing what they love – whether that’s shooting more weddings, spending time with family, or simply unwinding after a busy shoot.

How They Make It Happen

Effortless Culling with AI

Aftershoot’s AI Culling takes the guesswork out of image selection. In just minutes, it analyzes photos based on 30+ technical factors to identify the best shots. Features like Survey Mode and Spray Can Mode make refining your selections a breeze, letting you focus on creativity rather than tedious tasks.
 

AI Editing With Your Style in Mind

Aftershoot’s AI isn’t just fast; it’s personal. You can build a Personal AI Editing Profile and Aftershoot will learn your unique preferences, allowing you to apply tailored adjustments across your entire gallery. Or choose from 30+ editing styles from top photographers in the Aftershoot Marketplace.
 

Unlimited AI Retouching (Coming Soon!)

Aftershoot’s upcoming AI Retouching is set to make your workflow even smoother. Imagine removing blemishes, stray light stands, or other distractions in seconds. While most retouching workflows require manual fine-tuning, Aftershoot automates the basics, giving you more time to perfect the final look.

 

Unlimited Processing, Flat Pricing

Aftershoot eliminates the guesswork of pricing. With unlimited culling, editing, and retouching included in all plans, you can handle any volume of photos without worrying about per-image fees or hidden costs.

Exclusive Black Friday Deal

This Black Friday, Aftershoot is offering 20% off all annual plans! Starting at just $8/month, photographers can enjoy a complete AI-powered workflow that saves time, enhances creativity, and makes delivering client-ready photos faster than ever.
 

 

Aftershoot is redefining post-processing workflows for photographers. Whether you’re wowing clients with same-day previews or simply reclaiming more time for yourself, Aftershoot empowers you to create and deliver like never before.