Adjusting the Lighting in a Photo: Brightness and Contrast, Levels and Curves
There are 3 main options that Photoshop offers that will allow you to adjust the lighting in your photos. 1. Brightness and Contrast 2. Levels 3. Curves Most often students choose Brightness and Contrast because they are familiar with it, but it may not always be the right choice. Under each option below, I have attached a tutorial link and some information that may allow you to make a more informed choice for adjusting your photos.
Levels: -can adjust color and tone within the lighting situation by specifically choosing the highlights, midtones, and shadows. This is something you are unable to do in Brightness and Contrast. www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUjOs72c7wc
Curves- The Curves feature allows you adjust brightness of your photo. But rather than changing all values lighter or darker, curves allows you to target only the dark, mid range or highlights separately. Has pinpoint accuracy for more specified changes *Curves also allows you change color tone (ex. if you have a photo that looks a little blue, you can adjust this as well...learn more about this later or ask me to show you)