Recovering blown highlights - is there such a thing as a correct way?

@olyfan

Since I didn’t have your raw file handy, I took a screenshot, converted it to a TIF file, and edited it in PL 8.

As said, the burnt-out areas cannot be repaired (nothing to restore).

I brightened the shadows (luminance), warmed the image a bit and then continued with local adjustments.

Olyfan_Screen Shot.tif (1,4 MB)
Olyfan_Screen Shot.tif.dop (76,0 KB)

note
Colors are always very subjective, but you have to pay attention to contrast. The upper section with the burnt-out sun initially draws the eye. However, because it’s out of focus, it doesn’t feel like the subject itself, but rather describes the location. At the same time, it creates a (pleasant) atmosphere and evokes memories.

Following this idea, I tried to focus on the car …


ADDENDUM
You may want to watch this video, which deals with the differences between LR and PL and the successful transitioning. → check e.g. at 40, 42, 45:55 minutes.

There is no “right way” (i.e. no golden rule), but it helps to experiment and explore so that you can convey / express what you want in your images – and have fun.

4 Likes