My photographic style is constantly evolving when it comes to my portrait and personal work. Since I have started shooting professionally, my style changed quite a few times. Whether this is normal for a photographer, I do not know! It seems like my style changes as software updates brings functionality to RAW processors. With each new feature, I try what new changes I can make to photos, and implement them to more shoots. Also, my editing eye gets fatigued in putting the same effects to photos which is probably why I do not have many Lightroom Development presets any longer. My favorite slider that I am using more and more is the Clarity slider under “Presence” in the Develop module.
Adobe Lightroom
Clarity is a tool that has long been a part of Lightroom, but I have not used it much until version 4. It is a mid-tone adjustment which when applied to portraits, can give images a crisp edge that makes it look sharper overall when the value of the slider is increased. There is a contrast adjustment component to this slider that really focuses on edges as opposed to the entire frame making it less harsh than the Contrast slider when pushed to the limit. This works especially well with male portrait subjects or landscapes. On the other end of the scale, pushing the Clarity slider down will decrease edge sharpness and will soften edges. This was can easily be overdone resulting in a vaseline-on-the-lens look from vintage television programs.
For the image above, the image on the left is with the default settings out of the camera. The image on the left is the same image with the Clarity slider adjusted to +83. It gives a grittier more edgy contrast that brings out more details in the portrait subject.
Pet Portraits
Just like every other slider that you can use on an image, it can be overdone. Just move the slider until you can see the Clarity effect start to show in hair, or around the eyes, then stop moving. For the most part, you can push it all the way to 100 without it having it destroy the photo, but it may become a muddy mess with dark areas that are crushed to nothing, and having it creep to areas that you do not necessarily want too dark. If printing the images, I use the default output print sharpening settings after adjusting sharpness with the Clarity slider. I have been pleased with the results so far!
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