I didn't post anything Tuesday but I'll keep on attempting to spark a return to creative efforts here.
This is one worth looking at again. Kimi posted this six years ago ... something she learned in a class; it came off of the internet here: http://creativebits.org/photoshop/two_d ... st_masking
I quote Kimi's instructions:
The designer used a contrast mask to adjust his highlights and shadows. You can too by following these simple steps.
1. Open an image that has plugged shadows and/or blown out highlights
2. Duplicate that layer (Command + J)
3. Desaturate the duplicated layer (Shift + Command + U)
4. Invert the duplicated layer (Command + I)
5. Change the duplicated layer's blend mode to Overlay
6. Filter, Blur, Gaussian Blur (around 30)
The contrast mask will reduce the blown out highlights and open up the plugged shadows. You can then of course make further adjustments by changing the duplicated layer's opacity, changing the blend if settings in the Layer Style dialog box or by adding a layer mask to isolate areas.
I consider the last step optional. I have done this with and without Gaus Blur and, IMHO, can't see much difference.
This works great with plugged up, muddy shadows. Example, here's one of my chipmunks volunteering to participate in my relocation program:
See how this improved shadow detail.
This is not a Go To treatment for every image. If you have a normal exposure range to start with, this is going to make your image look worse than what you started with.
Rusty
This is one worth looking at again. Kimi posted this six years ago ... something she learned in a class; it came off of the internet here: http://creativebits.org/photoshop/two_d ... st_masking
I quote Kimi's instructions:
The designer used a contrast mask to adjust his highlights and shadows. You can too by following these simple steps.
1. Open an image that has plugged shadows and/or blown out highlights
2. Duplicate that layer (Command + J)
3. Desaturate the duplicated layer (Shift + Command + U)
4. Invert the duplicated layer (Command + I)
5. Change the duplicated layer's blend mode to Overlay
6. Filter, Blur, Gaussian Blur (around 30)
The contrast mask will reduce the blown out highlights and open up the plugged shadows. You can then of course make further adjustments by changing the duplicated layer's opacity, changing the blend if settings in the Layer Style dialog box or by adding a layer mask to isolate areas.
I consider the last step optional. I have done this with and without Gaus Blur and, IMHO, can't see much difference.
This works great with plugged up, muddy shadows. Example, here's one of my chipmunks volunteering to participate in my relocation program:
See how this improved shadow detail.
This is not a Go To treatment for every image. If you have a normal exposure range to start with, this is going to make your image look worse than what you started with.
Rusty