You can reduce the effects of atmospheric haze to significantly improve an image using the Clarity tool. When you want to preserve highlight detail, select either the Natural or Classic modes initially as these are the most effective. In addition, the Classic mode does not increase saturation like the others.
Before using the Clarity tool, it is a good idea to make a white-balance correction or go to the Levels tool and perform an Auto Levels adjustment, preferably by using the individual Red, Green, and Blue Channel mode to set black and white points and perform color correction.
The Structure slider is unlikely to make any enhancements, however, it does depend on the severity of the haze. Enhancements may be visible in more detailed images with low levels of haze.
If you want to creatively add haze, move the Clarity slider (and Structure slider, as an option) to the left using small increments and keep to low values.
- Select the image in the browser.
- Go to the Clarity tool.
- From the Method drop-down menu, select either the Natural or Classic option.
- Drag the Clarity slider to the right, while observing the effect in the viewer. With more extreme adjustments, zoom to 100% to check for haloing and other unwelcome artifacts in backgrounds and enable the Exposure Warning and check highlights.
- As an option, move the Structure slider to the right while observing the effect in the Viewer. With extreme adjustments, zoom to 100% and check both highlights and shadows for clipping.
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