Soft serving ice cream

[Alis]

I shot this picture yesterday at a park, it was a very sunny day around 2 pm. Used fill flash but I think I've overdone it. It looks too shiny which I don't like. Any tips I can fix this in PP?

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Alis,

Yes, it is a bit OTT. (over the top)

For the kids, just a wipe over or two with a burn tool I'd say.
(and maybe a sponge for the ice cream! )

The shadow of them on the van might take a bit more work, but it's not too obvious if you don't go looking for it. Might get away with just blurring the shadow edges. Plus there are a couple of specular reflections to deal with on it.

Regards,

[Colin Southern]

I shot this picture yesterday at a park, it was a very sunny day around 2 pm. Used fill flash but I think I've overdone it. It looks too shiny which I don't like. Any tips I can fix this in PP?

On the bright side, I guess we won't be getting anymore commentary from you on "the evils of Western diets"!

[Alis]

On the bright side, I guess we won't be getting anymore commentary from you on "the evils of Western diets"!

Well, they are only 3 and 4! An ice cream once in a while is allowed, even for adults! Everything in moderation and lots of exercise. And if you don't get enough sunshine, and most likely you don't, don't forget vitamine D supplements

[Alis]

Hi Alis,

Yes, it is a bit OTT. (over the top)

For the kids, just a wipe over or two with a burn tool I'd say.
(and maybe a sponge for the ice cream! )

The shadow of them on the van might take a bit more work, but it's not too obvious if you don't go looking for it. Might get away with just blurring the shadow edges. Plus there are a couple of specular reflections to deal with on it.

Regards,

Thanks, Dave.

Blurring of the edges. I think that is a good tip. I have never tried that before...

[Amberglass]

What camera are you using, and was the flash shoe mounted or pop up?

[Alis]

What camera are you using, and was the flash shoe mounted or pop up?

I use Canon 5D MKII and flash was a 580EXII shoe mounted.

[Amberglass]

I use Canon 5D MKII and flash was a 580EXII shoe mounted.

Use a diffuser to soften and diffuse the flash instead of aiming it dead on. You can also try aiming the flash head at a 45 degree angle and use the pull out bounce card. Just like light, shadow/shade also has a fall off point; you can also have your kids walk towards you for better balance.