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This lesson demonstrates how to optimise flat, lifeless photographs. To work along, download the anchor photograph Here. Unzip the file and open the image onto Photoshop’s workspace.
Note
Images always react uniquely, therefore, when using your own, it is important to experiment with different settings.
Undo and Navigation Steps
Two ways of undoing steps are from the top menu, Edit then Step Backwards.
Alternatively, click a previous snapshot in the History Palette.
Navigate (zoom in and pan) your image using the Navigator Palette,
or the Zoom Tool. 
Activate The Hand Tool by tapping the Spacebar, keeping the Spacebar pressed, pan your image in the usual way. 
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Open your start image onto Photoshop’s workspace.
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Then from the top menu, choose Image then choose Adjustments then choose Auto Levels.
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Then again from the top menu, choose Image then choose Adjustments then choose Auto Contrast.
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Now, press Ctrl then M. And in the subsequent Curves editor box, create the following curve - then click OK. Adjustment Curves Lesson, Here, Here and Here.
After applying Auto Levels, Auto Contrast and an Adjustment Curve, you are ready for the next step.
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From the top menu, choose Image then choose Adjustments then choose Shadows/Highlights. Accept the default settings, or experiment, and when you are happy with the result, click OK. I chose the following settings.
My Shadows/Highlights command tutorial can be found here.
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Now, activate the Polygonal Lasso Tool. Lesson. And with a Feather setting of approximately 26, isolate the following area with a selection marquee. Feather settings are dependant on your image’s resolution.
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Press Ctrl then L. And in the subsequent Levels editor, lighten the isolated area by adjusting the Grey and White Point values - as demonstrated below, then click OK. Click Ctrl then D to remove the marquee.
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From the top menu, choose Filter then choose Sharpen. Now, experiment with different Sharpening filters and discover a filter that works best for you. For my anchor image, I applied the Smart Sharpen filter - with the following settings.
Screen Capture Here. Sharpen Lesson Here.
Tip
Apply more than one sharpening filter, if you wish. However, do not over sharpen your image, and avoid leaving a sharpening halo.
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From the top menu, choose Image then choose Adjustments then choose
Photo Filter. Choose a suitable cooling filter, and reduce the Density as necessary, then click OK.
10/
When you are happy with the result, save your work.
Wendi E M Scarth. Top of Page - Home.
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