Part Four - Digital Editing and Retouching Basics
by Chuck Gardner
|
1. Open the file: [File - Open]
A file is opened by selecting it with the File - Open menu or dragging over an alias / shortcut of the PhotoShop application on the desktop. The file will appear in a window on the screen in the largest percentage which will fit. Change size of the window to a convenient working area: [View - (size) The window size can be changed via the View menu or by using keyboard shortcuts. On a Mac used the Apple & "+" keys to enlarge, and Apple & "-" to reduce. 2. Check and Adjust Levels: [ Mode - Adjust - Levels ] The levels adjustment is the quickest means to adjust the shadows, highlights, and overall contrast (controlled by the mid tone location). 
Opening the levels window displays a histogram of the tones in the photo. There are three triangular sliders under the histogram corresponding (left to right) to the shadow, mid-tone, and highlights. The overall contrast of the photo can be adjusted by moving the sliders. Ideally the shadow and highlight markers should align with the two ends of the histogram. If they don't, click on the marker, hold down the mouse, and drag it over until it does. You will see a corresponding change in the image on the screen. Moving the shadow marker to the right will darken the shadow areas of the photo. Moving the highlight marker will brighten the highlights. In this example I was satisfied with the highlights and shadows so no adjustment was required. Goto Next Page > Goto < Previous Page Goto Class Outline Goto super.nova.org my home page. |