Can This Photo be Saved

[Ericaschwartz]

I took this photo to try to be dark and moody, but it's just dark and muddy. Still, I'm wandering if this is a total toss or if something can be done to save it? TIA, Damien.

[Damien Symonds]

Hi Erica, did you shoot it in raw?

[Ericaschwartz]

Hi, Damien. Yes, I did. Here's what I have come up with so far. But I know it's still terrible. But here is the RAW image (linked): https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2abhp1odei9hos/Omar%26Stephanie(Engagement Session)-43.psd?dl=0

Edited April 10, 2018 by Ericaschwartz

[Damien Symonds]

Great.  Then PLEASE don't wait any longer to join the Raw Class.  This is a really basic edit once you know how.

[Ericaschwartz]

I KNOW, I KNOW!! I literally just told my husband that!!! 

[Ericaschwartz]

So Damien, this edit isn't wasted? I just lack the skills to process it? I'm still wondering if I should have tossed it versus trying to be creative. Sometimes I can't tell how far RAW can go or if I just shot a beyond junk photo. 

[Damien Symonds]

1 hour ago, Ericaschwartz said:

But here is the RAW image (linked): https://www.dropbox.com/s/s2abhp1odei9hos/Omar%26Stephanie(Engagement Session)-43.psd?dl=0

No it's not, it's a PSD. May I have the raw file?

[Ericaschwartz]

Oh gosh, duh! I'm sorry to be wasting your time. I have three boys, 4 and under and I get do distracted. Here is the RAW. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w573m98td58r0db/IMG_9598.CR2?dl=0

[Damien Symonds]

Thanks.

Before we persist any further with discussing editing, are you aware that the focus is quite poor?  This could only ever be a photo for editing practice, not to actually use.

[Ericaschwartz]

Yes, yes!!! Super aware. I really just wanted to see how much of it can be brought back. I do know I could not give this to a paying client. I was hoping to play around with shooting darker, but obviously that caused a lot of issues. However, if you are thinking it's a total wash, please don't spend your valuable time on it. I just need to sign up for your RAW class. It's decided!!!! 

[Damien Symonds]

As I was already partway through playing with the photo before I saw your response, I pressed on anyway.

[Ericaschwartz]

Uh that’s amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m a believer!!!!!! And my husband’s now ok’ing me money for the class!!! Wow. I’m speechless. 

[Ericaschwartz]

Newbie question, but do you sell these edits you do for students? I’d love to have this. It’s for a friend; I know she’d love it being salvaged so beautifully!!!

[Damien Symonds]

Well, sure!  Hold on, I'll send you an email.