Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
You can also set the black point using Curves or Levels, but doing so darkens more of the
pixels. Setting the black point using the Black Point slider affects less of the tonal range.
Which way is better depends on the particular image. If an image just needs some true
blacks for definition and pop, then use the Black Point slider. If the image feels too light
and needs to be darker or denser, then set the black point in Curves or Levels.
Genius
By using the four sliders in the Exposure brick you should be able to set an acceptable exposure
level in the overall image even though you may still need to use other tools to add (or reduce)
contrast or to improve highlight and/or shadow detail.
Taking advantage of the Enhance tools
The Enhance brick contains four sliders as well as tint controls that enable you to modify aspects of
the color and contrast of the image, thereby increasing the impact of many images. As we describe
each control, we suggest you experiment by pulling the sliders to their extreme positions in both
directions. That way you'll visually see the effect each control has and can then set the slider to the
best position for the particular shot.
The first slider is the Contrast slider that enables you to increase or decrease the overall contrast
within the image. Increasing the contrast this way spreads the pixels across a wider tonal range,
but primarily increases the range of darker tonalities that are included. You can see the change not
only in the image, as shown in Figure 6.18, but also in the histogram. Notice that the white point is
only minimally modified. With images that are overly contrasty, try slightly reducing the overall
image contrast.
For most images, we find we rarely use the Contrast slider, preferring instead to use
Levels and Curves adjustments where we can increase the contrast in particular
parts of the tonal range such as the midtones.
Note
