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Bachs
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Automatically selecting highlights

A trick I've used quite a lot of late is CTRL+ALT+Shift+~ (CTRL+ALT+2 in CS4) which automatically selects the highlights in an image, then CTRL+J which automatically drops the highlights selection into a new layer.

You can then apply a Levels adjustment to that layer which in effect alters only the highlights.

This technique works very well if you have added a tone such as sepia as it brings a little punch back to the highlights.

You will notice that the right slider of the levels control needs pulling in to the left a little after applying toning.

If you are applying an adjustment layer for levels, remember to create a clipping mask so it only affects the layer directly below it.

To create a clipping mask, create the adjustment layer from the icon at the bottom of the layers pallette but don't make any adjustments yet.
Select the drop down menu at the top right of the layers pallette and select 'Create Clipping Mask.

Click on the Levels Icon in the Adjustment Layer and pull the right slider in to the left to taste.

This can be a very subtle adjustment but adds a little punch back to the toned highlights.

You can of course use the mask created automatically with the adjustment layer to paint out the effect where highlights are starting to blow out detail, using a soft opaque brush, or lower the opacity of the adjustment layer.

Below are a set of screengrabs demonstrating the technique:

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Last edited by Bachs, 13/Mar/09, 8:06 am


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12/Mar/09, 7:11 pm Send Email to Bachs   Send PM to Bachs
 
Bachs
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Re: Automatically selecting highlights

As Martin has pointed out in another thread, you can invert the selection, then CTRL J into a new layer which will affect the dark tones.

You don't need to use the levels adjustment layer, you can use any...I sometimes use the gamma slider on an Exposure Adjustments layer

Last edited by Bachs, 12/Mar/09, 8:03 pm


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HughR
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Re: Automatically selecting highlights

Hi Steve,

That little tip is the answer to all my prayers - thank you for posting.

Hugh
13/Mar/09, 12:02 am Send Email to HughR   Send PM to HughR MSN Yahoo
 
Bachs
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Re: Automatically selecting highlights

Glad to have helped Hugh.

I should add that you can adapt the seleced areas before applying them with CTRL+J, by several means, for instance, growing or shrinking the selection. (Select>Modify>Contract or Expand)

The selection does capture some of the higher mid tones so 'shrinking' the selection would capture more of the true highlights and less of the mid tones.

If you converted the selection with the quickmask tool at the bottom of the tools pallette to convert into a 'red' mask, you could use a brush or erasor to hand edit the selections then click the quick mask icon again to convert back to a selection.

Martin pointed out yesterday elsewhere that if you 'invert' the selection before applying, you can also control shadow areas insted of highlights.

Always lots of ways to make an omelette!

Last edited by Bachs, 13/Mar/09, 8:15 am


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13/Mar/09, 8:14 am Send Email to Bachs   Send PM to Bachs
 
I Simonius
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Re: Automatically selecting highlights

Brilliant post Steve thanks! emoticon

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photomandeller
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Re: Automatically selecting highlights

Steve
This is what this site is all about.
What a great post.
The light shines on you.
Thanks John
13/Mar/09, 1:30 pm Send Email to photomandeller   Send PM to photomandeller
 


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