How to Post Process Smoke Images

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Shoot the image in the best possible light and with a very dark background.

   This will lessen the cleanup that you will have to do. , It isn't required, but it certainly can help in processing it. ,, The software here is Camera RAW. , Some of the steps that you may need to take are:
   Adjusting the white point.
   
   This will help bring out the white of the smoke if it is hard to see.
   
   Possibly bringing down the exposure Try adding to the contrast Adjust (increase) the black point Experiment with the temperature and tint, as well. , That will reduce the cleanup that you have to do. , To get an idea about how much cleanup you have to do, select the Selection wand, with a tolerance of about 20 or so, and click on the black.
   
   You will quickly see where the errant spots are. , Depending on your mood or the day, you may see different things.
   
   Some things that you can do are invert its color, mirror it, etc.
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   Step 2: Shoot in RAW

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   Step 3: if possible.

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   Step 4: Open your image in your software of choice.

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   Step 5: If shot in RAW

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   Step 6: process the image in your chosen editor.

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   Step 7: Adjust your file as needed.

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   Step 8: Crop your image the way you want it.

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   Step 9: Zoom in closer to your image and use a clone tool

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    Step 10: or whichever tool you prefer

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    Step 11: to get rid of the spots that you will see.

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    Step 12: Look closely.

Detailed Guide

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