How to Remove Smog

braddersmd

braddersmd

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Mark
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Hi All,

Recently back from a China trip with work. Took quite a few shots in HK, and as usual these days, they all suffer from a smoggy type of haze effect.

Is there anyway to remove / clean the shots to allow the detail to come through PP, or would the only way be to shoot with a filter at the time (which I didn't!!).

All help and suggestions welcome. Example below...

Cheers, Bradders.

 
I had a quick go with some contrast adjustments in photoshop which helped a bit :

68373186.jpg


You'l have more luck recovering some detail with the RAW file if you shot in RAW.
 
My version. Brings out the evening sky a bit more, I think.

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Cheers for all the input. I think my favourite is yours NuttyBoy - what steps did you take on that one?

Cheers, Bradders.
 
I like Nuttyboy's, but having said that I also like the original. The smog somehow adds to the oppresive atmosphere of the shot. Certainly don't bin the original, maybe keep two masters.
 
Visited the Grand Canyon recently, way too much light and found that a lot of my pics had this hazy look about them which I didn't really like. So I've been experimenting ways of getting rid of it.

What I did here was to increase the black levels and contrast levels in LR2. Then used the graduated filter on the top and bottom to bring back the colours which have gone dark when the blacks were raised. A touch on the exposure slider to bring it to the level you want.

Playing with the RAW will give you much better results. Hope this helps.
 
Squawk said:
I like Nuttyboy's, but having said that I also like the original. The smog somehow adds to the oppresive atmosphere of the shot. Certainly don't bin the original, maybe keep two masters.
Click to expand...

I agree that the smog adds to the reality of the shot. But you have to remember that you are probably looking at one of a whole range of shots that the OP has taken. You wouldn't want that on every photo you have from that point.
 
Cheers NB. You are correct, I have quite a few shots with the smog/haze on them. Will have a play around with the RAW this week, and see what I can come up with.

It's quite frustrating - I get to HK about 3 times a year, en-route to either China, Taiwan or Korea (I quite like using HK as a hub for a day or so stopover). In the last 5 years, I've only seen HK without the smog on one occasion - before then, most trips were relatively clear (I've been going regularly for 12 years now). While I see what you mean Squawk about the atmosphere created by it, it's always a shame never to see the place with clear skys.

Thanks for all the input.

Cheers, Bradders.
 
Thanks Swanseamale47 - what did you do with this one? HDR?

I am attempting to get to grips with how changes effect the image.

Cheers Bradders.
 
Yes quick hdr/tonemap and a bit of burning/dodging the mid ground.
 
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