A lot goes into making landscape images that look as spectacular on the computer as they did through the viewfinder, and one common challenge is capturing foliage with realistic, vibrant colors.

For a variety of reasons, it’s often necessary to enlist Photoshop’s help to get the job done, and in today’s tutorial from the f/64 Academy you’ll learn why using the Selective Color tool is the best approach to take. The video below walks you through a step-by-step process that really works.

Instructor Blake Rudis explains why true yellow/green separation for foliage is a difficult task without the proper tools. He puts it like this: “ACR and Lightroom can only take you so close, and you need Photoshop’s Selective Color tool to go all the way.”

Rudis discusses why the color of foliage is often “brutalized” by the white balance of our cameras. In other words, they may be yellow and far from green. Alternately, the other side of the white balance spectrum can make foliage too blue, with the yellow “forgotten.” And that results in dull, washed out colors.

He then demonstrates why Selective Color is the secret sauce, explaining how this tool works, and demonstrating it in action with illustrative images. He says, “Every time I see a foliage image there’s something that’s missing missing.” And proper yellow/green separation is frequently the culprit.

Making the appropriate adjustments can be difficult and complicated, unless you turn to Photoshop’s Selective Color tool and follow Rudis’ advice. After a brief discussion about why this tool is so powerful, Rudis explains how to use the simple sliders involved.

Rudis also demonstrate4s how to precisely target foliage colors, and answers the question, “why yellow for green?” He even created a “foliage action” to help you get the job done.

Rudis’ YouTube channel is full of image-editing tutorials, so be sure to pay a visit after watching this video.

And don’t miss another video tutorial we posted, explaining how to create landscape photos with a unique, eye-catching look.

Photographing birds is a great way to try your hand at shooting wildlife because traveling to exotic locations isn’t required. All you need is a nearby park or nature reserve, and you can even get started in your own backyard.

Another advantage with this genre of wildlife photography is that numerous opportunities abound throughout year, regardless of where you live. It’s also exciting that as the seasons change, so do the interesting species you’ll discover. And you can get the job done with the gear you already own

Experienced bird photographers use a myriad of techniques to capture compelling images of our feathered friends, but in the tutorial below from the Wildlife Alaska YouTube channel you’ll learn one easy and effective tip that will set you on the right path toward capturing stunning photos.

Instructor Scott West is a professional wildlife photographer specializing in birds. The video below demonstrates how a simple shift in the perspective from which you shoot will dramatically improve results. Along the way you’ll pick up valuable tips on exposure, camera settings, gear, and much more.

This behind-the scenes lesson takes place in Homer, Alaska, and West proudly says, “I have the luckiest opportunity to live and work in one of the greatest regions for nature and wildlife.”  But even if you love in Poughkeepsie, the advice he provides will be a big help. So watch how West uses perspective to capture great images of two amazing bald eagles.

Smith says that by perspective, he means moving around and experimenting with different (i.e. unique) camera angles from which to shoot. As you’ll see, this can mean positioning yourself appropriately relative to the sun to achieve a unique effect, shooting from a high or low vantage point, and other perspective-changing methods that deliver compelling photos that stand out from the crowd.

He begins by shooting directly into the sun (not the typical approach) for a dramatic backlit shot with the eagles in silhouette. The then tries slide light for another epic photo. The other tips he provides deliver equally spectacular images.

There’s much more to learn about wildlife photography on West’s instructional YouTube channel, so head over there and see what else he has to offer.

On a related note, we suggest you also take a look at the tutorial we posted earlier, explaining how to use light and shadow for better photos of birds and other wildlife subjects.

Congratulations to Hi il Lee for winning the recent Patterns Of Winter Assignment with the image, “Looking at the Sky.”

View the winning image and a selection of submissions below. And be sure to check out our current photography assignment here and enter your best shots!

The post Patterns Of Winter Assignment Winner Hi il Lee appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.