Sunsets are among the most popular scenes photographed by landscape photographers, but sometimes it’s difficult to get colors and exposure just right. In the tutorial below you’ll learn several pro editing tips and pick up powerful free presets for getting the job done.

French photographer Serge Ramelli has a portfolio of stunning landscape, travel, and cityscape imagery, along with a large following on his instructional YouTube channel. He’s also an acclaimed image-editing expert, and the techniques described in this episode work wonders for enhancing both sunset and sunrise photographs.

You can follow along by downloading the demonstration Raw files with a link beneath the video, where you’ll also find Ramelli’s free presets. As he explains, Lightroom has some great tools for editing these types of images, and Ramelli demonstrates how these “secrets” work.

Ramelli is working with images captured on the beach during a recent trip to Iceland. While the originals aren’t bad, they become truly epic after the processing techniques he applies. You can either use the settings that Ramelli describes or let the presets do the heavy lifting. As he says, “sunset photos are among the most difficult images to edit.”

The trick, according to Ramelli, is perfecting the yellow and orange tones, and he admits that “it took me years to develop this workflow.” His first shot on the beach has dunes in the foreground, water in the midrange, and mountains in the distance.

Adding to the challenge is that the sun is setting in the left side of the frame, while the other compelling objects are far to the right. That’s why he made a panoramic image of the scene. His beautiful transformation requires both a proper rendering of the colors and careful adjustments to exposure.

Ramelli’s other images present different challenges, requiring an equally different approach, and he walks you through every step of the process. He uses a one-click preset to transform a dull shot of Matador Beach into a masterpiece, and another preset that’s “right on the money” for the next image in the lesson.

So pull up the demonstration Raw files and edit along with Ramelli. You’ll be very impressed by what you’re able to accomplish. All you have to do to find more powerful tips like these is pay a visit to Ramelli’s instructional YouTube channel.

And if landscape photography is your thing, be sure to watch the recent tutorial we posted from another accomplished pro who explains how to shoot awe-inspiring photos of the snow-covered winter wonderland.

This tutorial from the internationally popular PiXimperfect YouTube channel begins with a provocative question: “How do you recover blown-out highlights when you have no data to recover from?” It turns out that what was once impossible is now easily within reach, thanks to the latest mind-blowing features in Photoshop.

Instructor Unmesh Dinda is an image-editing impresario who teaches workshops across the globe and has almost five million subscribers to his instructional channel. As you’ll see, recovering highlights is now super easy, even when details are totally missing, thanks to the remarkable capabilities of Photoshop’s Generative Fill.

In less than seven minutes Dinda demonstrates how easy it is to target and precisely select severely clipped highlights and then employ Generative Fill to fill in the blanks. He also explores techniques like Blend modes and Masking to get the job done to perfection. Dinda’s method is so impressive that even AI naysayers will be intrigued.

Dinda begins with a casual portrait of a subject whose white t-shirt is devoid of detail because the shot was intentionally overexposed. He demonstrates how the conventional methods of dropping exposure or decreasing highlights simply doesn’t work for this extreme example—even when working with a Raw file that provides the best chance of success.

Thus, it’s time to go to Plan B and let Generative Fill work its magic. The first step is targeting the specific areas where you want lost details to appear. To do this Dinda clicks on the Select tab atop the screen and chooses Color Range from the dropdown menu. Another window then appears, and in this case Highlights is the option you want.

The next step is choosing Black Matt in the Selection Preview dropdown. By doing this everything selected will be shown (namely the blown-out areas of the shirt), while all other areas will appear black. Dinda explains how to fine tune this result to suit your needs.

The preliminary selection is still very harsh, but you’ll see how to significantly smooth the transitions by dragging the Fuzziness slider. As the video proceeds you’ll notice other imperfections and Dinda makes short work of those too. Along the way he provides helpful keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.

At this point there’s still four minutes to go for perfecting the transformation, and Dinda carefully walks you through the steps that are necessary for getting the job done. Even a cursory glance at the before/after images reveals the power of this technique. Once the video concludes be sure to take a look at Dinda’s robust YouTube channel where there’s much more to learn.

And don’t miss the tutorial we posted from another image-editing expert who demonstrates how to use Photoshop’s Gradient Map tools for landscape photos with stunning color.

Outdoor photography in winter requires doing things a bit differently, especially when fluffy fresh-fallen snow paints the landscape white. This behind-the-scenes tutorial from the First Man Photography YouTube channel discusses exposure settings, composition and other important considerations that will help you get the job done.

Instructor Adam Karnacz is a professional British pro specializing in landscape and macro photography. In this episode he provides a number of great tips while hiking through stunning snow-covered hills and woodlands with interesting light, sparkling hoarfrost, and other elements we only see in winter.

Karnacz says “I’m almost struggling for words” as he stumbles upon one breathtaking scene after another. His goal is to capture “print-worthy photos,” and you’ll be able to do the same by following his straightforward advice. He hurriedly mounts his camera atop a tripod on the banks of a small lake, fearful that the epic condition will soon fade into the mist.

He’s scouted the location during more inviting weather, something he advises all photographers do so they’ll know what to expect upon their return on a challenging day. Thus, he had a preconceived notion of how to compose his shots to take advantage of ethereal fog, reflections on the water, ducks floating past, and snow-laden trees framing the entire scene.

You’ll see how Karnacz employs both telephoto and wide-angle lenses to capture images with a variety of looks from the same camera position. He also demonstrates the power of negative space for making the most of minimalist locations like this.

After explaining how he captured several amazing photos during this moment of solitude, Karnacz continues his hike and demonstrates his techniques for dealing with different, but equally impressive, winter locations. The clouds begin to clear, revealing a slice of blue in the sky that requires modifying exposure and other camera settings.

There’s a moment of humor during Karnacz’ stroll through the winter wonderland because of his “irrational fear” of a small group of cows that calls for a quick detour as he heads for the next spot. He explains that “I don’t like them because they’re bigger than me.”

Regardless of  how you feel about shivering bovines, you’ll prick up some great tips for photographing the winter landscape wherever you live. Just be sure to dress warmly, protect your gear, and you can’t wrong. And after returning to a warm home, be sure to check out the First Man Photography YouTube channel where there’s much more to learn.

We also recommend watching the time-appropriate tutorial we posted recently from another accomplished pro, explaining how to capture festive Christmas photos at night when sparkling lights and colorful decorations are everywhere you look.

Winter’s arrival transforms the world into a mesmerizing, frost-kissed realm, offering a unique canvas for photographers. Imagine the enchanting snowscapes, where the world turns into a serene, frosty paradise. Picture the delicate frost patterns on windows, the pristine snow blanketing the landscapes, and the quiet beauty of bare trees against a pale winter sky.

This season also presents a perfect chance to upgrade your photography equipment, and one noteworthy company, Tamron, offers enticing promotions on their high-quality lenses. We’ve put together a guide to assist you in selecting the ideal lens to suit your winter photography style. Whether it’s capturing the sparkle of ice-covered branches, the soft glow of a winter sunset, or the playfulness of snowflakes dancing in the air, your new Tamron lens will help you seize the unique splendor of winter. Get ready to explore and document the mesmerizing scenes this season offers.

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (model A057)

Product description: The 150-500mm F5-6.7 lens has a focal length of 500mm on the telephoto end, yet it provides remarkably compact size and extremely high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. It lets users enjoy spontaneous shooting in the ultra-tele realm where conventional wisdom once dictated a tripod. The ultra-telephoto zoom is equipped with the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) precise and high-speed linear motor autofocus mechanism and TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization mechanism. At the 150mm end, this versatile lens offers an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.6m (23.6in) for powerful and dramatic close-ups.

Price: $1199 Sony E / $1299 Fujifilm X after $200 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023; $1199 Nikon Z

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Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (model A067)

The 8x zoom ratio of the Tamron 50-400mm ultra tele zoom lens provides an unparalleled level of versatility. Starting at a wide 50mm focal length, it proves valuable for capturing sideline sports, animals, and other subjects that may come closer during shooting. Remarkably compact at 7.2″ and 40.7 oz., with a 62mm filter size, it boasts a VXD linear motor AF, VC image stabilization, and 1:2 half-macro photography capabilities with a 9.8″ MOD at the 50mm end. Additionally, it features moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating. The Tamron Lens Utility™ introduces a novel “Focus Limiter” function for this zoom, and there’s also an optional Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount available.

Price: $1199 after $100 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023

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Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (model A063)

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, model A063 designed for Sony mirrorless cameras, delivers exceptional resolution and overall performance in a compact and lightweight zoom lens. It also provides captivating soft bokeh effects, characteristic of fast-aperture lenses. Featuring Tamron’s VXD autofocus motor, it ensures rapid and precise autofocus. With remarkable close-up capabilities, the lens has a 7.1” MOD at the 28mm wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. The exciting 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is equipped with the innovative Tamron Lens Utility™, allowing easy customization and firmware updates directly from the lens Connector Port to your computer.

Price: $799 after $100 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023

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Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (model B061)

The Tamron 18-300mm VC is the world’s first APS-C mirrorless lens with a 16.6x zoom ratio, covering 27mm to 450mm full-frame equivalent, making it an ideal travel zoom. Designed for Fujifilm X-mount and Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, it features Tamron’s VXD linear motor for quiet, agile autofocus. Specially arranged lens elements maintain high resolution, making it the top all-in-one zoom lens. With an MOD of 5.9″ at 18mm and a 1:2 max magnification ratio, it excels in close-up shots. The VC mechanism reduces image blur in low light or during ultra-telephoto shooting. Compact with a Ø67mm filter size, it offers a versatile range for diverse photographic experiences.

Price: $599 after $100 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023

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Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071)

The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is the first all-in-one-zoom in the world to achieve a maximum aperture of F2.8 at the 28mm wide-angle end. To assure superb optical performance, it features a precise arrangement of special lens elements that accommodate the increasingly high resolutions of today’s digital cameras. When combined with a compact, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera, it allows photographers to capture virtually every scene they encounter in daily use, travel, sports and nature.

Price: $699 after $100 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023

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Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070)

The Tamron 17-70mm features a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire 4.1x zoom ratio that covers the focal length range of 17-70mm (full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm), and superb optical performance. It is a small, lightweight lens equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to minimize camera shake. The VC mechanism leverages AI technology when shooting video. It is also equipped with the quiet RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) AF motor and has minimal focus breathing. These features enable videographers to shoot comfortably when using a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera.

Price: $699 Fujifilm X / $699 Sony E after $100 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023

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Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065)

The Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 G2 marks the further evolution of the 1st-generation model that earned high acclaim in the marketplace and incorporates several enhancements. Leading the list of improvements of the new G2 lens is the incorporation of TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism. The lens maintains the maneuverability of class-leading compact size and weight1 while enabling shooting with greater stability.

Price:  $1299

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Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens for Sony E-mount & FUJIFILM X-mount

The Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens features a constant aperture of F2.8. Even with its fast F2.8 aperture, the lens is very small and feels perfectly balanced when attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body. With the full-frame equivalent zoom range of 16.5-30mm, it’s the ideal lens for everyday use. At the 11mm ultra wide-angle end, the lens allows for stunning close-range shooting performance, with its MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9 in) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. This feature invites creative wide-angle macro shooting that exploits the unique perspective that only ultra wide-angle lenses can provide. 

Price:  $699 Sony E after $130 Instant Savings thru Dec 31, 2023; $829 Fujifilm X

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Tamron 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD (Model A068)

This groundbreaking lens zooms from 17mm ultra wide-angle to 50mm standard, the world’s first1 with such a dynamic zoom range for full-frame mirrorless cameras. TAMRON’s new 17-50mm F4 for Sony mirrorless cameras is a wide-angle zoom with a constant F4 aperture covering ultra wide-angle to standard focal lengths, a zoom range ideal for both still photography and video recording. This lens achieves excellent optical performance across the entire zoom range, with crispness from edge-to-edge.

Price:  $699

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Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A062)

Tamron’s 20-40mm F2.8 is an unparalleled new fast-aperture standard zoom lens that can be easily carried around for everyday shooting for both still images and video. Designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the lens was created in aggressive pursuit of portability that is ideal for everyday use. Starting from 20mm at the ultra wide-angle end and covering up to 40mm in the standard focal range, it is the smallest and lightest in its class1. The 20-40mm F2.8 delivers beautiful images across the entire zoom range and is great for still photography and for creating vlogs and other video content.

Price:  $699

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