Have a really dark image? Well the best option is to re-shoot or re-scan. But what if that’s not an option? Well you could try the new Shadow/Highlight command to attempt image rescue. The purpose of the adjustment is to help salvage images where the subject is silhouetted due to strong backlight. It can also be used to improve subject who have been washed out by the key light.
1. Open an image that is too dark
2. Choose Image > Adjustmens > Shadow/Highlight… (there is no adjustment layer for this command). Since this is a destructive editing command, you should work with a duplicate file or layer so you can return to the original photo if needed.
3. Click the Show More Options box to expand the power of the tool. Be sure the Preview box is checked.
4. Adjust the Shadows and Highlights
- Amount- How intense of an adjustment is made
- Tonal Width- Small values affect a smaller region; larger values will begin to include the midtones. If pushed too far, you’ll have halos around your image.
- Radius- A tolerance setting that looks at neighboring pixels to determine the affected area.
5. Apply Image Adjustments to improve image quality.
- Color Correction- Modifies the saturation of the adjusted areas. This allows you to counterbalance washed out images.
- Brightness- If working with a grayscale image, Color Correction is replaced by a control for Brightness.
- Midtone Contrast- This command affects missing contrast in the midtones of an image. Negative values reduce contrast, positive values increase contrast.
- Black Clip and White Clip- Raises the black point of shadows and lowers the white point of highlights.
6. Click OK.