The Bleach By-Pass Filter

Basic Editing Techniques, E FWP, ON 1

https://youtu.be/W8ICusRcGJI?list=PLxhX4-G2OWQdab7VxPoMUPveViGSMwTh8

Summary

This video tutorial explores the bleach bypass filter in On1 Photo RAW, a powerful tool for enhancing photos with increased contrast and a cinematic look. The presenter begins with a desaturated, low-contrast image to demonstrate how the bleach bypass filter instantly adds depth and vibrancy. The filter mimics an old film processing technique, skipping the bleaching step, which reduces saturation and increases contrast, popular in cinema aesthetics. Key adjustable parameters include amount, brightness, contrast, detail, and saturation, allowing users to fine-tune the effect. The presenter typically maximizes the amount slider and boosts contrast significantly, balancing intensity with the opacity slider. Saturation can be increased to compensate for the filter’s desaturation. The tint section allows color shifts, such as adding warmth, though it is used sparingly.

A standout tip involves creating and saving custom styles (presets) to apply consistent bleach bypass effects. Due to the lack of copy-paste functionality for effects in On1 Photo RAW, the presenter demonstrates a creative workaround: applying two instances of the bleach bypass filter and using AI masking to selectively apply settings to different parts of the image, such as separating an animal from the background for tailored adjustments. The video concludes with encouragement to experiment with the filter, and information about discounted pre-orders, training options, and additional resources for mastering On1 Photo RAW.

Key Learning Points and Key Insights

  1. Bleach Bypass Filter Basics
    Insight: This filter simulates skipping the bleaching step in film processing, reducing saturation and increasing contrast for a dramatic, cinematic effect.
  2. Initial Setup and Image Preparation
    Insight: Starting with a flattened, low-contrast image helps clearly demonstrate the impact of the bleach bypass filter, emphasizing its ability to add “pop.”
  3. Core Filter Controls
    Insight: The primary sliders—amount, brightness, contrast, detail, and saturation—offer intuitive control over the filter’s strength and appearance, enabling customized looks.
  4. Maximizing Contrast
    Insight: Pushing the contrast slider to the right deepens shadows and brightens highlights, creating a more dynamic range that enhances image impact.
  5. Saturation Adjustments
    Insight: Since bleach bypass reduces saturation, increasing saturation afterward can restore color vibrancy and balance the image’s overall tone.
  6. Tint Section Use
    Insight: The tint tool allows subtle color shifts, such as warming an image, but is often left unused unless a specific color mood is desired.
  7. Creating and Saving Custom Styles
    Insight: Saving filter settings as styles (presets) streamlines workflow, allowing repeated application of preferred bleach bypass adjustments across multiple images.
  8. Workaround for Lack of Effect Copy-Pasting
    Insight: By adding multiple instances of the bleach bypass filter and using AI masking tools, users can apply different filter settings selectively to parts of an image, enhancing creative control.
  9. Selective Masking with AI Quick Mask Brush
    Insight: The AI quick mask brush intelligently isolates subjects (like animals) for targeted filter application, increasing detail and texture on the subject while maintaining a different mood in the background.
  10. Balancing Filter Intensity with Opacity
    Insight: Cranking the effect to full strength initially and then reducing opacity allows precise control over the final look without losing the filter’s punch.

Conclusion

The bleach bypass filter in On1 Photo RAW is a versatile and user-friendly tool for photographers seeking to add cinematic contrast and mood to their images. By mastering its sliders and leveraging custom styles along with AI masking, users can achieve nuanced, professional results with selective adjustments. This tutorial not only introduces the filter’s core functionalities but also provides creative techniques to overcome software limitations, making it a valuable resource for maximizing image impact. Experimentation and consistent practice with these tools will enhance photo editing workflows and artistic expression in On1 Photo RAW.