Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Once you choose to create an adjustment layer, it appears in the Properties panel; an
example is the Curves adjustment panel that you just revealed. If you accidently leave
the Curves adjustment, you can just click on the Curves adjustment located in the
Layers panel, and then locate the Window > Properties panel.
3
Click on the Properties tab and click and drag it out of the docking area toward the
left. Undocking the panel this way allows you to reposition the Properties panel. This
is important in later steps when you need to see the image at the same time as the
Properties panel.
You can also see all adjustment layer options in the Adjustments panel; you see a panel with
links to the other adjustments that you can make.
If you make an error, you can undo one step by pressing Ctrl+Z (Windows) or
Command+Z (Mac OS). If you want to return to the defaults for this adjustment,
choose the Reset to Adjustment Defaults button (
) in the lower-right portion of the
Properties panel.
If you want to eliminate the adjustment layer, choose the Delete this adjustment layer
button ( ).
Defining the highlight and shadow
In this section, you'll set the highlight and shadow to predetermined values using the Set
White Point and Set Black Point tools available in the Curves Adjustments panel. Before
you do this, you'll determine what those values should be. This is a critical part of the
process, as the default for the white point is 0, meaning that the lightest part of the image
will have no value when printed, and any detail in this area will be lost.
Some images can get away with not having tonal values in very bright areas. Typically,
rel ections from metal, i re, and extremely sunlit areas, as well as rel ections of other shiny
objects like jewelry, do not have value in those rel ective areas.
These are referred to as specular highlights. By leaving them without any value, it helps
the rest of the image look balanced, and allows the shine to pop out of the image. See the
i gure below for an example.
This image has specular highlights, which
should be left with a value of zero.
