thesixsins

PS7. I have a very old pic thats overexposed on the bottom and too dark at the top. I tried curves but couldn't get it very good. So i want to try using the gradient tool and set it to darken the lighten as it travels from bottom to top. But i can't figure out how to get it to do that. Can anyone tell me how, and also how to adjust it so that the darkening begins to change to the proper degree at the right place in it's travel?

retired_paddza

Yes you can do that, I don't know why it's not working for you, but I'm guessing that it's a problem with how it's being blended.

What I would do is probably use a curves or levels adjustment layer and then apply a layer mask to that layer to hide it where you don't want to see the adjustment (ie, the correctly exposed parts). With a mask, you can set an arbitrary area to show by using gradients or simply paining on the layer (or both). This will allow you to fine tune the correction to any specific areas of the image that need it.

Welcome to PSG.

Gaussian

Welcome Daz. 8))

I have nothing to add, other then advicing you to use Mindbender's approach, which is also the approach I would use.

thesixsins

I'm not very knowledgeable at masks tho. I understand the theory behind masks but have never used them. Heres something interesting tho........at work theres another machine with PS on it and the gradient was already set to the exact thing i needed !!! It simply darkened and faded into no effect. So it perfectly darkened the bottom while leaving the top alone. Anyone know which file i can take from the PS folder on that machine and drop it into my PF folder on mine so that same gradient will start on this machine so i can then save it? And yes, it's the same version.

Gaussian

C'mon Daz, if you start copying masks like that then you'll never learn how they work and trust me, masks are one of the most useful things in Photoshop and it's so important that you learn how to use them.

All you need to do is select the mask by clicking on its thumbnail, selecting the gradient tool with black/white as fore-/background color and draw the gradient.

thesixsins

Ok, i'll try that. But the thing is, i'm not like you guys. I only use PS occasionally and 99% of the time need no help because i only need basic functions. So becoming proficient in PS isn't really high on the list for me. But i'll try what you say if i can figure it out. Thanks.

retired_paddza

Good, ask specific questions if you run into problems along the way.

What... tall?

Then you have lots of fun stuff ahead of you to learn! Photoshop can be daunting, but once you get over the initial learning curve, there's lots of fun things to do and lots of fun ways to do them.

Then you need a new list! hehe

When you first start working with masks... they are incredibly hard... then once you "get" the concept... you'll think "why did I ever have issues with this". They are one of the more powerful tools in Photoshop.

The basic concept is pretty easy. When you use a mask you are simply painting transparency into a layer. When you paint black on the layer mask... it becomes transparent... when you paint white it becomes opaque. When you paint grays, it becomes semi-transparent depending on how close it is to black or white. So 50% gray would be 50% transparent. If you have gray that is 75% white and 25% black, your image would appear at 75% opacity (yes, just like how the opacity slider on the layer palette works). The trick with masks is that you can have the effect applied to only portions of the image. So when you apply a black to white gradient to a layer mask... it will make whatever you apply it to gradually show.

In your case, working with adjustments, it's a little hard to see. I would suggest you do this: get two disparate images... say a flower and a rock... something you can easily see the difference between. Place one on a layer above the other and apply a mask to it. Now just start painting with the paint brush or with gradients on the mask and see how it shows and hides the image. Once you practice with it for a little while you'll start to see the power you have available to you with just some simple painting. Then... once that "clicks", go back to the original post topic... use it on an adjustment. I think it will quickly become apparent why this technique is used.

Good luck.

Gaussian

I don't understand; why do you use an expensive but also overwhelming program like Photoshop (at least for total beginners), when there are much cheaper (some even free) and easier programs out there, when you only need it occasionally and only basic functions? \:/

thesixsins

It's what a few people here use. There are a few of machines with it, but my job has nothing to do with editing or creation of artwork so mine doesn't. However, i can use one of the PC's with it when i want for personal use. It just so happens that the one with the gradient already with a setting i needed is always in use and i didn't want to ask him to let me use it while he's trying to do his job. So i wanted to be able to set this machine the same so i could fix several old photos i have that are the same w/o having to interrupt his work. But i got the one pic that was important fixed so i'm good even if i can't get to the rest.

retired_paddza

Sure you can.