Arnold begins by shedding light on the misconception that vibrant colors and intense contrasts are the sole ingredients for making an image pop. Contrary to popular belief, achieving depth and realism akin to masterful landscape paintings requires a nuanced understanding of how light, color, and contrast behave across varying distances. Inspired by the techniques of renowned painters like Albert Bierstadt and Edward Theodore Compton, Arnold delves into the essence of creating a sense of depth in landscape pictures..

The key lies in replicating the differential treatment of light, color, and contrast based on the distance of objects from the viewer. Arnold introduces a groundbreaking method facilitated by a clandestine Photoshop feature, which automatically discerns between foreground and background elements, allowing for targeted adjustments.

The three-step process unfolds as follows:

1. Leveraging a neural filter in Photoshop to generate a depth map.
2. Creating masks for foreground and background elements.
3. Implementing adjustments tailored to each layer, adhering to the principle of distance-based differentiation.

In a digital realm saturated with generic imagery, Arnold's revelation offers hope for photographers seeking to elevate their craft. Through the strategic application of this clandestine Photoshop hack, practitioners can breathe life into their compositions, captivating viewers with a visual narrative rich in dimension and allure.

Image and video Steve Arnold