Applying ND Grads in CS4

[horrocks]

I have seen several references on this forum concerning the digital application of 'virtual' ND Grad filters within PP software, rather than having to carry these somewhat delicate and cumbersome things around with you. I have gained the impression that this can be done with dedicated automated presets either within CS4 or Lightroom. I have the former, but can find no sign.

Can anybody point me in the right direction, or have I just misunderstood things?

 

[Chappers]

In Lightroom it's dead easy. In the develop module ( LR 2.X) just below the histogram you'll see a range of tools. The "Grad" option is the 4th one in. It's a simple drag operation. You can adjust the amount of correction applied in real time to see the effct. One of the best tools in Lightroom.

Don't forget these are also available in ACR for Photoshop.

Google LR Tutorials. Develop Module for more info

 

[will69]

I do use the "soft" ND grad approach to tweak an exposure balance during PP, sometimes it is more than just a tweak. Hoever remember that you can not put back what is not there in the first place, so it is still worth keeing a couple of grads in your bag.

 

[swanseamale47]

A quick and easy way is to use the rectangular marquee tool, select a fair bit of the sky area, feather the selection by a good amount (to soften the edge) then copy and paste it back in the same place, now change the layer blend mode to muiltply and ajust opacity to suit your taste.