Robert Herb Photography Blog

Parrotfish with/without AI-Presets Underwater photography is an art that requires patience, skill, and a bit of technical know-how - and just as important as capturing stunning images is knowing how to edit them afterward. Even if you've just had a fantastic dive, encountering a curious turtle or a school of shimmering jackfish, it's common to find that your photos don't quite match the magic you experienced underwater. When you look back at those images, they can sometimes feel flat - with dull blue tones, a greenish haze, and distracting particles or backscatter illuminated by your strobes. That's the nature of shooting beneath the waves. Light behaves very differently underwater than it does on land. Water absorbs and scatters light, and even the top-of-the-line equipment can only do so much against these physical laws. For many Oceanic Explorers - whether recreational divers or professional photographers - the real challenge isn't just capturing the shot; it...

Editing Cell Phone Underwater Photos in Lightroom Mobile: A Complete Workflow First, I extend my sincere gratitude to some of my dive friends who generously allowed me to collaborate with them on this project. Their assistance was invaluable in creating this comprehensive guide. It's important to note that I do not currently own or use a smartphone specifically for underwater photography, which means I had to seek external help and insights to ensure the accuracy and usefulness of this post.   Underwater photography has long been regarded as a challenging and complex endeavor. The unique environment presents numerous obstacles, including shifting and often unpredictable light conditions, the pervasive dominance of blue and green hues, and the unexpected behavior of marine life, all of which can make capturing vibrant, engaging images challenging. Even highly experienced divers can come back from a dive with photos that appear dull or lifeless due to these environmental factors. His...

  Underwater photographers often tell me,  “I want my images to feel like mine.”  That desire is the foundation of a  signature editing style - creating a consistent visual look that instantly identifies your work, no matter the dive site, camera, or lighting conditions. Developing this unique style is both an art and a science, requiring a combination of technical skill and creative vision.   Thanks to the latest updates in Adobe Lightroom Classic (v14.5), Lightroom (v8.5), Lightroom Mobile (v9.5), and Camera Raw (v17.5), photographers now have access to some of the most advanced tools to craft and maintain their artistic identity. Features like AI Mask-aware presets enable quick, intelligent adjustments. At the same time, precise tools like Point Color targeting allow you to selectively enhance specific hues, giving you more control over your imagery.   Moreover, customizable Profile Adjustments help you create a consistent look across various file ty...