From Flight to Frame: Post-Processing Tips for Drone Photographers

Shoot in RAW – Always capture images in RAW format. It retains more data, making color correction and exposure adjustments easier and more effective.

Correct Lens Distortion – Drone lenses can warp edges. Use lens correction tools in Lightroom or Photoshop to straighten horizons and fix curves.

Adjust White Balance – Fine-tune the color temperature to ensure accurate, natural tones, especially during golden hour or cloudy conditions.

Tweak Exposure and Contrast – Bring out details in the shadows and highlights to create a balanced, dynamic image.

Enhance Colors Selectively – Use HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) sliders to adjust specific colors without oversaturating the whole photo.

Sharpen Details – Apply sharpening to enhance textures like rooftops, trees, or waves. Avoid overdoing it to prevent noise.

Remove Distractions – Clone out unwanted objects like birds, wires, or shadows that may draw attention away from the main subject.

Use Graduated Filters – Balance bright skies with darker landscapes using graduated filters or masks to control exposure across the frame.

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