Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
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Highlight areas
with no details
Shadow details
much too light
EXPERT
Image details are lost
when an image is either
under- or overexposed.
Shadow details
converted to pure black
Highlight areas
more like midtones
The best method for correcting these situations is for you to recapture the picture, chang-
ing the settings on your scanner or camera to compensate for the exposure problem. Good
exposure not only ensures a good spread of tones, but also gives you the chance to capture
the best detail and quality in your photographs. It is a misunderstanding of the digital pro-
cess to excuse poor exposure control by saying 'it's okay, I'll fix it in Elements later'. You will
not get the best quality pictures possible if you use Elements to correct shooting or scanning
mistakes as vital detail has been lost forever in images that are either too dark or too light.
Sometimes, though, a reshoot is not possible or a rescan is not practical. In these circum-
stances, or in a situation where only slight changes are necessary, Elements has a range of
ways to change the brightness and contrast in your photos.
Editor: Enhance > Adjust Lighting > Brightness/Contrast
The Brightness/Contrast command helps you make basic adjustments to the spread of tones
within the image. The feature was revamped for version 6 so that the changes it makes are
less harsh. When opened you are presented with a dialog containing two slider controls.
Click and drag the slider to the left to decrease brightness or contrast, or to the right to in-
crease the value. Keep in mind that you are trying to adjust the image so that the tones are
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