Part 2: Editing in Camera Raw

I kept the original image darker and slightly underexposed because it reflects how the scene looked before any adjustments were made in Camera Raw. In this version, the subject blends more into the background and the overall lighting appears flatter, which makes the cup less visually prominent. Showing the image in this state helps demonstrate the starting point of the edit and why improvements in exposure and contrast were needed to better separate the subject from its surroundings.

In the edited version, I adjusted the exposure, contrast, and tonal balance in Camera Raw to make the subject stand out more clearly from the background. I increased the brightness and refined the highlights and shadows so more detail is visible in the cup and tabletop while still preserving depth in the scene. I also straigntened out the image so that the table wasn't tilted and the composition felt more balanced. I made these changes to create a more balanced and visually engaging image where the cup becomes the clear focal point and the overall lighting feels more natural and intentional.