STEP BY STEP PHOTOSHOP—COLOR-CORRECTING A PHOTOGRAPH
TIP LAYER ADJUSTMENTS
Layer adjustments, as opposed to image adjustments, are made because they provide a non-destructive workflow and can be re-edited or turned off at any time. Each new layer adjustment is an additive effect, therefore fine adjustments may be required once all have been applied.
1
The original photo has an orange color cast and is slightly de-saturated. The Levels layer adjustment allows control over the light, mid, and dark tones of the photograph. This can give the photograph more contrast and saturation, and therefore more punch.
2
The Photo Filter layer adjustment allows control over the color cast of the photograph. A blue filter is used to counteract the orange cast in the photograph.
3
The Curves layer adjustment allows control over the image, similar to the Levels layer adjustment. By adding points to the curve, the photograph can be adjusted in many different ways. For this photograph, an S curve is formed by adding and adjusting two points. This brightens the light tones and darkens the dark tones of the photograph and adds more contrast, saturation, and punch.
4
Photographs from digital cameras are often very slightly soft and require careful sharpening. The Unsharp Mask Filter or Smart Sharpen Filter are both very good at achieving subtle sharpening. The Unsharp Mask Filter is easy to use and can yield very satisfactory results. The Smart Sharpen Filter is more sophisticated and requires more involvement but can yield excellent results. Any sharpening must be applied with care and a subtle touch.
5
To convert your photograph into black and white use the Black and White layer adjustment. The Black and White layer adjustment provides full control over how each key color group is converted into black and white. Therefore the options are limitless depending upon the effect required.