Improving image colour

Messages
70
Name
Mark
Edit My Images
Yes
Quite often I don't get the colour I expect on some shots. Below shows the original that looks dull, then edits in PSP and NX 2 software.
Is there any software that can correct the original or is this more a camera setting issue


Original
750_zpsf27b9098.jpg


PSP
PSP750_zps5cb86716.jpg


NX2
NX2750_zpsd56bc7f4.jpg
 
I think your initial white balance is a little off, and then you've rather over-compensated with your edits.

Shooting into the shade with a bright sky behind hasn't helped but a few quick adjustments in Lightroom produced this:

lion_zps5b5292b0.jpg


There probably are some camera settings which you could change, but there's little wrong with the original shot in my opinion.
 
The edits are awful, to be blunt lol.

All the original needs is a touch of contrast added and maybe the highlights lowered a little.
If shooting in JPG, you can adjust the picture styles to suit, or if shooting RAW, then use Lightroom and you can adjust to your hearts content, although dont go overboard as it just looks unnatural.

SteelMagnets edit is pretty much on the money, I might have added a little more clarity slider, as I like my images to be a bit grittier, but its down to personal taste
 
Nothing wrong with the exposure as such, just looks like your white balance is out as previously said.
 
You can change the white balance in NX2 if you have the raw (NEF) file.
 
You can change the white balance in NX2 if you have the raw (NEF) file.

Or you could try this with the jpeg (in NX2):

  • Camera & Lens Corrections section - set Axial Color Aberration to 100.
  • Adjust menu/Color/Color Balance - red +5, green -5, blue -23.
  • Place a Color Control Point on the lion's fur - saturation slider to 36.
  • Adjust menu/Focus/Unsharp Mask - intensity 33 (ish), radius 5, threshold 0.
It looks ok on my monitor at these settings (except the sky which is still too powerful).
 
I did this one with FastStone image viewer (free download) just out of curiosity really. My monitor isn't calibrated so it could be rubbish (I added a bit of sharpening too).

Lionfaststone_zps4858eb36.jpg
 
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