Ask Jim

Every month, Jim will answer a question from his online students, from people who participate in his tours and workshops, or from subscribers to this magazine. If you have a question you’d like Jim to answer, please drop him a note at photos@jimzuckerman.com.

Q: Jim . . . I took this picture of a church in New England during autumn last year, and unfortunately the sun was very bright. I worked the highlights and shadows sliders in ACR to reduce the contrast, but the shadows on the building seem really distracting to me. Is this picture salvageable? Janice Burk Birmingham, Alabama A: I would say no, it’s not. There is nothing you can do about the shadows. The picture isn’t bad, but it’s also not great largely because of those shadows (and the overhanging branch). You did a good job at mitigating the contrast, but the pattern of the shadows on the church is pretty distracting. Autumn colors are always better photographed on overcast days or when the sun is so low on the horizon and contrast is minimal. §