P: Improving the Graduated Filter

I don't think Rob's suggesting is any more "pixel level editing" then the current masks in the brush tool are. I can definitely see the usefulness of this FR (ie. to be able to drag the line at various points) but Rob also makes a valid point that changing the shape of the graduation would have a very different look than simply masking it out where you don't want to apply it. I think that both methods can be useful, but for the case of irregular shaped objects in particular, and even for landscapes in general, a mask might be a better solution.

Rob, how would you store this mask? And apply it with lens correction? I firmly believe your suggestion is in the realm of pixel level editing and would simply kill the computer trying to handle the computations on the fly, versus my suggestion, which is vector based.
Putting 'rapid' and 'automasking' in the same sentence is pure optimism. The Auto mask feature is in brush, and that it where it's appropriate. For complex areas, the brush tool is the better option. For relatively simply shapes, the Grad Filter is a better bet.

Rob,

Your suggestion sounds great, hopefully it will be heard. I have sometimes use the adjustment brush with the gradient to fill in some areas, but to have an automasking would be way better! ; ) (then there is opening it in P-shop and using the wand).

Extra maneuverability with the gradient would still be nice. Why choose only one?

My opinion:

As a way to make a lensbaby effect from two gradients: good.
As a way to shape a sky gradient to account for mountains: not so much.

I mean, doesn't one want the gradient to be uniform in the case of a sky gradient, and just cut the mountains out of it? Or am I misunderstanding.

It seems to me a better approach is to come up with an automasking technology that allows rapid and seamless separation of mountains from sky, and then tie a gradient modifier to it. This would look more natural and be able to handle the case of a tree or building or moon or cloud in there too.

(I had just posted this in another LR forum and it was suggested by the moderator to post it here as well, so here it is...)

Do More with the Graduated/Gradient Filter!

OK, I have two suggestions for LR to make it my "dream" program (there was a third, creating borders, but LR/Mogrify does that for me, thank you very much) (the second I will post separately). This one is about the graduated filter. I love this tool. It is especially great for landscapes in the prairies. But, what if you are in the mountains, and the horizon is anything but flat? Wouldn't it be great if there was more control with the shape of the tool?

I would love if you can use set a center point and then make "V" shapes by moving each end up individually. Or down! What if you have a mountain in the center of the image, you can create an inverted "V" to darken the sky on either side and above it, by starting the pivot point at the top of the mountain. Or, if ther are two mountains, one on each side of the image, with a kind of sky valley, you could create a "V" where the mountains meet (or down near there). With complete control of each side, creating different degrees in the angle. Also, being able to set that point anywhere along the line, not only in the center.

Also, a little more control in creating spaces between the three lines, maybe even allowing to fold one line into the center and just work with two lines.

Finally, while I am dreaming, maybe allow to make set points across the line where you can then make a craggly set of differing "V"s if needed (say there were several mountains in the image).

How cool would that be?????!!!!!!

Cheers,

Munene

This is a really excellent idea Sean. Simple but potentially very powerful. Particularly if more that one point was available to add.
Ultimately it could be like paths with multiple points you could bend to shape.

Without breaking current ability, I'd like to be able to change the shape of the center line. The outer lines would feather to this shape, feathered dependent on their distance to the center line.

So, you'd make all three lines configurable or just the center one?

It's about the shaping the centre line of the grad. The feather will follow the shape, dependent on the outside lines for hardness as currently.

I'm unclear, Sean, on what this would do.

Are you saying you'd bend the entire shape of the graduation, or that you'd leave the graduation straight and cut it off or feather it according to the curve?