Lightening images in Photoshop

[bhath19]

I have a picture where the sun was shining in a different direction and caused my brother to be dark on half of his body and face, how would I lighten just him in the picture?

[the_artistic_one]

using a filter in photoshop but i am sure it would be easier if u posted it and then ppl can see what type of filter is needed

[dunbar]

I'd use dodge and burn tools, but I'm not at all master 'shopper.

[the_artistic_one]

but still, i still need the image my friend

[scots]

Must admit I'd use the Dodge tool for this. Set the radius fairly high (so that it covers as much of the shadowed area as possible, and to start with I'd set a tolerance level of 2 or 3. If, after a couple of trys it's still not light enough, I'd think about increasing the tolerance to possibly 4 or maybe even 5.

I wouldn't go much higher than that though. It basically depends on the quality of the image: the lower the resolution of the original, the more chance of a foulup.

I honestly wouldn't recommend a filter (not unless you're willing to go to the extent of doing a selection or mask); the problem with a filter is that it's likely to raise the brightness overall, and not just on the part of the image you want.

Geo.

[OuTpaTienT]

Try this:

Mask off all all the area in the image except for the darker portion of the person...

Now, in the layers palatte,

A) - first, if you only have one layer and it's labelled "background", then double-click on it to make it a normal layer.

B) - Now, drag 'n drop that layer right onto the "New Layer" button. (see image) This will make a duplicate of the layer and place it over the existing layer.

C) - Now, for your new layer, goto the "blending modes" drop-down box, and choose "screen". (see image)

This should give a very natural looking lightening effect to the image. MUCH mo' better than trying use the dodge/burn tools

D) - If it's still not light enough, simply grab your new layer and drag 'n drop it on the "new layer" button. Another "screen" layer will be created and the lightening effect will be compounded, but should still look natural.

This effect can be done on the entire image (as my example shows) or if you use a layer mask on the screen layer then the lightening effect will only be in your designated area.

Just hollar if this still isn't clear and I'll (or someone here) will try to help.

[OuTpaTienT]

Don't bypass this tip people. Trust me. You'll never lighten images the same after you learn this little trick. It produces excellent results.

[DPA]

dang out, that is a fancy shortcut, ill have to try that.

i know who to go to if i need some quick whiz-bang info on the secret art of Photoshop Phinalizing

[Gait_Keeper]

I only have photoshop LE 5.0 came bundled with a HD 2 or 3 years ago

what can i do? no cash for the full version

[OuTpaTienT]

I just recieved my 5th email from a complete stranger thanking me for this technique. So I figured it was worthy of being bumped.