What is a vignette and why you should use them.

In my last article I discussed how you can use depth of field to isolate a subject and draw the viewers eye to where you would like it. In this short article I would like to show you another way - a vignette. 

A vignette is essentially where you darken an image around its edges to draw the eye in. Apps such as Instagram offer this feature in their filters or in the editing section but with limitations. The vignettes they create are very uniform which can look fine, but to take your images to the next level, I always look for non-uniformality (is that even a word). Let me show show you using the images below.

Image 1 - No vignette

Image 2 - Circular vignette

Image 3 - Non-Uniform vignette

You can see in the third image (both the 2nd and 3rd images have been overdone to illustrate this effect) how it looks more natural. I think it is prudent to think of this aspect of image editing much the same way you do with seasonings or spices. It is all about balance, nuance and creating synergy. 

It may take some extra time and effort but the results are certainly worth it and will help you stand out in a world where attention for your eyes is everywhere.