Lesson Description
Here you will learn how to use Art Gradient as your main tool for cleaning gradients and light pollution without destroying the Milky Way’s natural color. Work with a “subtle corrections first” approach: remove color casts gradually and make the background more neutral. You will learn why the ground can sometimes look muddy, and why that is not a problem if you apply it in the sky/starless layer. In the end, it is the integration with opacity when you see it all together.
What you will learn
- Apply Art Gradient by duplicating your starless cape and being patient with the process.
- Controlling the slider Soft to neutralize color casts while preserving the Milky Way.
- Use Fort with control to attack harsher gradients without “turning off” the sky/ground transition.
- Choose strategy according to the case: single shot, separate sky/ground, tracked photo with airglow, or heavy contamination.
- Adjust the opacity so that the result looks natural once you see stars and layers again.
Pro Tip:
Always start with Soft and find a balance that cleans up the image without leaving the sky dull and gray. Only then add Fort if the gradient is still present, and in very strong pollution, don't overdo it: it is better to stay short and end up integrating with opacity.
Practical Checklist
- In your cloak starless, duplicate and apply Art Gradient using first Soft to neutralize the background without losing the color of the Milky Way.
- Go to Fort gradually and check that you don't “turn off” the sky/ground transition too much.
- Re-display the stars and adjust opacity until the change is noticeable, but does not look artificial.
Technical Glossary
- Gradient: a gradual change in sky brightness or color caused by light pollution, airglow, or processing.
- Starless: starless sky layer, ideal for background correction without “breaking” stars.