brightness/contrast compresses the existing image data, whereas the Levels tool expands the image data.
What do I do to fix underexposed images?If you have an underexposed image in photoshop, what is wrong with using brightness/contrast?
Think of it this way.
Brightness / contrast treat every pixel the same. Every pixel gets brighter or darker, etc.
Level divides the pixel into about 3 broad category: shadow (dark pixel), midtone (middle ';gray';), highlight (bright pixels). But even then it isn't abrupt 3 groups but gradual division.
Curves treats the pixels as 256 different categories.
So you can see that levels are better and curves are even better. To get started use level to understand what you are doing. Then try the same with curves. There are time (many times) that levels are good enough. But then there are time when nothing but curves will do.
Since levels is easier to describe, here it goes: load the picture in Photoshop.
Go to Image%26gt;adjustments%26gt;levels.
Drag the right most triangle to the end of the histogram (drag left).
Drag the right most triangle to the end of the histogram (drag right).
Drag the middle triangle to the left or right until the image look good
This is all assuming that your monitor is somewhat calibrated.
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Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.
FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWERIf you have an underexposed image in photoshop, what is wrong with using brightness/contrast?
Use LEVEL man, it's better than using Brightness%26amp;COntrast... because by using Level, you can decide either increasing the shadow, mid shadow, or highlight level... its easy and better result... or other option try using Curve (Ctrl+M on PC or Cmnd+M on Mac)... and start tweaking the individual RGB / CMYK channel (on top of the panel) or just use this shortcut:
ctrl+` = RGB channel (all channerl)
ctrl+1 = R / C
ctrl+2 = G / M
ctrl+3 = B / Y ... and so on and so forth...
Curves is really the best tool for correcting the exposure of an image... Levels is an easier method, you don't have as much control but if you don't understand how curves works yet you may just want to start off using levels.
When using levels, you'll notice that there are three little triangles at the bottom of the histogram, a black triangle, a grey one, and a white one. The black one controls the shadows, the grey the midtones, the white the highlights. The midtones are what you'll probably be adjusting the most. For an underexposed image, you'll want to click on the grey triangle and move it to the right some (towards the white triangle). That will lighten the image, adjust it to where it looks correct. If you notice that the picture doesn't have enough contrast then, play around with the black and white triangles to bring out the shadows and highlights.
I don't think I can explain how to use Curves without being completely confusing and unhelpful, so I'd suggest searching for tutorials on how to use it if you're interested in having more control over the image. Or just open it up and try playing with it, personally I've always found that just experimenting with different photoshop features was one of the best ways to learn it.
I try really hard not to have them but they do happen. First, never work on your original. Always make a duplicate copy.
Then in click on Layers/New Adjustment Layer/Curves.
I generally start with 'curves' and bring the dark up to pretty light; sometimes adjusting the light end to the left as well. Then I will go into Image/Adjustments/Brightness-Contrast and adjust there.
It's just easier to make sure your lighting is accurate. I know that doesn't always happen. The problem with adjusting underexposed images is that they often look grainy. Also you may have to go into Image/Adjustments/Selective Color and adjust the yellow.
Once last thing, if you shoot in raw you can make cleaner adjustments. Give it a try.
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