Snapseed NEW DEHAZE TOOL Explained with Masking & Stacking

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore Snapseed's new Dehaze tool, comparing its capabilities to Adobe Lightroom's Dehaze feature. You'll learn how to effectively use Snapseed to enhance your photos by removing haze, fog, and mist, and how to apply these effects selectively using masking. This guide will help you improve your mobile photo editing skills and assess whether Snapseed is a suitable alternative to Lightroom for your editing needs.

Step 1: Understanding the Dehaze Tool

• Open Snapseed on your device.
• Select the photo you want to edit.
• Navigate to the Tools section and find the Dehaze tool.
• Adjust the Dehaze slider to:
  • Remove haze by moving the slider to the right.
  • Add haze by moving the slider to the left.

Practical Tip

• Use the Dehaze tool in scenes with foggy landscapes, city smog, or backlit subjects for the best results.

Step 2: Applying Object Masks

• After selecting the Dehaze tool, tap on the Masking option.
• Choose Object Mask to apply Dehaze to specific areas of your photo:
  • Background
  • Foreground
  • Faces

Common Pitfall

• Overdoing the Dehaze effect can lead to unnatural images. Adjust the slider gradually to maintain realism.

Step 3: Stacking Dehaze Effects

• You can apply multiple edits in Snapseed. To stack effects:
  • Use the Edit menu and select Stacking.
  • Apply Dehaze, then make additional adjustments such as brightness or saturation.
• This technique allows for more natural edits by blending various adjustments.

Real-World Application

• Stacking effects is especially useful in complex scenes, where different areas may require unique adjustments.

Step 4: Comparing with Lightroom

• Open the same photo in Adobe Lightroom (if available) and locate the Dehaze tool.
• Compare the results from both applications:
  • Snapseed offers more flexible masking options.
  • Lightroom may have a more straightforward interface for basic adjustments.

Practical Tip

• If you're looking for a free alternative to Lightroom, experimenting with Snapseed’s features can be beneficial.

Step 5: Exploring New Features

• Snapseed has added new Film Grain presets and enhanced Color Controls.
• Experiment with these features alongside the Dehaze tool to add depth and texture to your photos.

Conclusion

Snapseed's new Dehaze tool provides powerful capabilities for enhancing images affected by haze or mist, especially with the added functionality of object masking. By mastering this tool and understanding how to stack effects, you can produce stunning edits on your mobile device. Consider trying these features in your next photo editing project to see the difference for yourself. Happy editing!