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We will start
with the most simplest method for correcting over and
underexposed photographs by using brightness/contrast.
This method is not very flexible but is good for simple
tasks.
Step
1:
Open the image you will be using for this tutorial.
Step
2:
With your photograph open in photoshop go to (Image >
Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast). This will open
the Brightness/Contrast window. The controls are pretty
straight forward. Drag the brightness slider to the right
to increase brightness or to the left to decrease brightness.
Step
3:
As you increase the brightness the contrast will decrease
so to compensate, drag the contrast slider to match.
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Method
2 Levels - Photoshop Tutorial
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Most photographers
will ignore the Brightness/Contrast method and go straight
for the levels tool. Using levels lets you adjust the white,
black and gray tones in the image.
Step
1:
Click on (Image > Adjustments > Levels). This will
open the levels window. If your photo is underexposed
you will leave the black slider alone. Look below on our
example at how far the white slider is over. Move the
white slider over to where the black graph begins. This
will lighten your image slightly. Notice the gray slider
will move with the white as you move the white over. Our
image still needs to be a little lighter so all you have
to do is slide the gray (middle) slider to the left a
little more if your image is underexposed or to the right
if it is overexposed. Play around with the sliders until
you are happy with the results.
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Method
3 Curves - Photoshop Tutorial
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If you have
an image where parts are overexposed and parts are underexposed
you would use the Curves method. Levels won't work effectively
on this type of situation.
Step
1:
Click on (Image > Adjustments > Curves). This will
open the Curves window.
The brighter
parts of our image is defined along the top half of the
diagonal line and the darker parts of the image defined
along the bottom half. Clicking anywhere along the line
will make a point. Move these points up and down to see
what they do. For our image we used the settings below.
Because you are working with your own image you will have
to adjust the curves to suit your own. Remember "Practice
makes perfect" so keep playing around with the curves.
You will soon become familiar with what they actually
do.
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Method
4 The Exposure Command in Photoshop CS2 - Photoshop
Tutorial
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If you are
one of the lucky people who use Photoshop CS2 you have
a more powerful and intuitive tool to use.
Step
1:
Click on (Image > Adjustments > Exposure). This
will open the exposure window. Drag the exposure slider
to adjust your image exposure. The slider is measured
in stops just like it is on a camera. For underexposed
shots drag the exposure slider to the right and for overexposed
shots drag the slider to the left.
Don't forget
to save your work when you are done.
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Correct
over and Underexposure - Photoshop Tutorial
