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Landscape photos are characterized by high dynamic range scenes. Bright highlights, like the sun, and deep shadows. Sunrise and sunset images inherently push the spectrum of light and shadow. Often this means your images need an amount of exposure balancing. Shadows need to be opened and highlights need to be tamed.
The exposure slider certainly works. For a more natural and refined balance, try using a curves adjustment. With a curve you can adjust shadows, midtones, and highlights selectively without extensive masking.
Watch this short video tutorial for an example.
Shooting into the sun leaves the foreground in deep shadow.
A curves adjustment to raise the brightness of the lower midtones in the foreground balancing the image.
Sunrise Over Thor's Hammer, Bryce Canyon, Utah
Contact Scott to commission a print or license this image.
A vignette can help guide the viewer toward your subject, but lowering exposure around the edges of a black and white photo can quickly bury important shadow detail.
In this quick tutorial, I’ll show you a more controlled approach using a radial gradient and the Whites or Highlights slider. You’ll still get that visual nudge toward the subject without making already-dark areas disappear.