Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
identify what's wrong. Before you can fix a picture, be sure
you have decided on what's wrong. Is it too dark? Is the sky
washed out? Has the picture faded over time? Make a list and
prioritize the issues you find in each image. It's easiest to fix
one problem at a time, and if you identify those problems,
you'll know when to stop twiddling with the image.
Work with a copy of the image. Before you start to color
correct an image, you should duplicate it. This way you can
return to an original version if you make a mistake or go too
far in your image touch-up. After opening your file, choose
File > Save As and name the duplicate version that will be
corrected. Color correction can be a destructive process, mean-
ing that you cannot revert to the original state at a later time.
By preserving an original version of the image or employing
adjustment layers, you make nondestructive editing possible.
Some users also choose to duplicate the Background layer at the
bottom of the layer stack.
edit with adjustment layers. Adjustment layers allow you to
apply most of the image correction commands as nondestruc-
tive effects. They are added as a layer above the actual image;
the adjustment layer can be blended, masked, or deleted at
any time. Additionally, if you select the adjustment layer, you
can modify its properties in the Adjustments panel. The same
modifications are available in both the Adjustments menu and
Adjustments panel. You should work with an adjustment layer
whenever possible because its flexibility will be important for
future revisions.
Get a fresh opinion. It's not a bad idea to step back and
examine your work. Open the backup copy of the original
image and compare it to the image you've been working on.
This before-and-after comparison can be very useful. If you
have a fresh set of eyes nearby, ask that person for his or her
opinion.
Use Smart Filters. This will open up most of the filters and
several of the image adjustments including the Shadows/
Highlights command and Variations. Just choose Filter >
Convert for Smart Filters.
 
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