How to get these airy bright photos?

[photogirl1]

I'm trying imitate the effect achieved in the photos found on this site: Paris in Four Months |Paris in Four Months

I've been playing with the exposure on my camera and get pretty bright photos through that, but not as bright as I'd like them to be like that photographer's photos. Any photo editing suggestions?

 

[CarolynB28]

It's all about the lighting! Looks like natural morning light coming through the windows Also they tend to use a high key sort of style using mostly light colored scenes and almost overexposed (but not quite). Hope this helps!

 

[Proulxski]

^This

All about the lighting. Also, there is a good chance that some of it is 'bumped up' in post processing.

 

[photogirl1]

Thanks guys! I've been trying to do that too...wondering what do you mean by "bumped up" in post processing, specifically? I've tried to play with contrast and exposure on the computer, but it can be difficult to maintain the definition and sharpness of the images by doing such. :/ For example, in this image: https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14587849232_152c4b123d_o.jpg I haven't been able to get the text to to show up well in that kind of image. Do you think she adds opaque layers or any special filters afterwards?

 

[CarolynB28]

Maybe shadows/highlights, whites, and curves.

 

[Proulxski]

I wish I could write a definitive answer for you. But I myself, am learning. I also don't play around to much in photoshop/lightroom, minus some minor adjustments here and there. But just like there are a thousand different ways to photography the same thing, there is a thousand different ways of editing things going into the post processing phase!

If you're not already, shoot in RAW. You will have more versatility with your edits. I wish you luck, and if you do figure out the sweet spot, be sure to share it here

 

[photogirl1]

Thank you so much! I will keep practicing and will definitely let you know if I learn any tricks!

 

[photoguy99]

Look in to curves adjustments in your photo editing software. Lift up the middle part of the curve. Possibly push the bottom part down slightly to preserve the darkest tones.

 

[Braineack]

Something tells me the photographer accidentally set the camera to EV+2.0 and just went with it.

 

[pixmedic]

meh....
not seeing any real "high key" here.
all im seeing is a lot of overexposure and blown highlights.
she has lost all detail on everything white in every image.
good focus on most, composition is kinda iffy on a lot of them, poor exposure control on almost all of them.
maybe it was done in camera, or maybe she just jacked the highlight slider all the way up in post... i have no idea, but to me it screams "i just want bright pictures, and to hell with highlights and color".

if you want to replicate that, (for some strange reason) you can set your exposure compenstation to +2 or so, and/or you can adjust the exposure and highlights with an editing program. Fast lenses that let in more light will help as well.

 

[sscarmack]

I'm going with Braineack here. Just overexpose your images.

 

[Igtocru]

Be careful when you take a high key photo because you can overexpose it and lose information. Better you take it in RAW and use the post process to high the lights. It's my opinion.

 

[Braineack]

Be careful when you take a high key photo because you can overexpose it and lose information.

case and point: Paris in Four Months |Paris in Four Months

 

[photoguy99]

With all due respect, it's like you people can't see.

The darkest tones are placed normally. This indicates that the exposure is more or less OK, dynamic range considerations aside. The midtones are gone, hence my curves suggestion.

 

[pixmedic]

With all due respect, it's like you people can't see.

The darkest tones are placed normally. This indicates that the exposure is more or less OK, dynamic range considerations aside. The midtones are gone, hence my curves suggestion.

nobody said your curves suggestion wouldn't work.