Photographer Matt Thomas recently sent us a breathtaking image of elk in the early morning light. Before ordering a large canvas print, he wisely requested a smaller reference print to review the details. Based on that test print, he asked us to lighten the deep shadows on the right side of the image. This edit required more than the basic adjustments included in our basic image processing service.

Beyond the Basics: How We Handled Advanced Image Edits

We began with our standard edits, improving overall color balance, contrast, and tonal range. But even after those adjustments, the shadows still felt too heavy.

To address this, we created an additional adjustment layer targeted at the darker area. Using a gradient mask, we selectively lightened only the shadowed portion without affecting the rest of the photo.

Solving a Hidden Problem: Removing a Blue Flare

As we lightened the image, a blue smudge appeared in the newly visible detail—a likely result of lens flare from the intense morning sunlight. We selected the smudge and used Photoshop’s Content-Aware Fill to patch it with realistic texture. A few final passes with the Healing Brush Tool smoothed the edit, removing all traces of the flare.

The adjusted image with a blue smudge (above elk in river)

This edit allowed the elk and surrounding landscape to shine through as originally envisioned, with balanced lighting and no distracting artifacts.

Before and After

• Original Image: Beautiful, but overly dark on the right side.
• After Shadow Adjustment: A distracting blue smudge appears.
• Final Image: Balanced lighting with the smudge expertly removed.

Why Advanced Image Processing Matters

When you’re preparing your work for large-scale display, especially in gallery or canvas format, minor imperfections become more noticeable. Advanced processing ensures that your image looks its best at any size, with accurate color and balanced composition.

Want the same attention to detail on your prints?

Try our Advanced Image Processing Service and make sure your final giclée print is gallery-ready. Contact us to learn more or include a request when you upload your image!