PSCS Highlight/Shadow Recovery question

I've read posts by Marc and others, and have seen examples of using

this PSCS feature to recover shadow detail. Here's my question: I

shot a wedding last year in a small chapel with large windows behind

the alter (gorgeous view of the mountains!). The image is fine,

however I want to tweak it a little. I scanned the image (it was

shot on Portra 160 NC) and tried my hand at using Shadow recovery.

Everything in the image is great, except for the groom and her

father's tux; instead of a rich black, they are on the washed out

side. What can I do to make the blacks black, but retain the

overall brightness of the scene? I appreciate your input.

 

Duane

duplicate the image on a new layer, run the shadow/highlight recovery. then you can just erase parts of the new layer that look better without editing.

The Shadow/Highlight is probably the wrong tool for that job. It lightens shadow areas or

darkens highlight areas ... although, sometimes it'll initially darken washed out blacks if

no other black exists in the photo.

 

If levels or curves won't do it, try going to > Image > Adjust > Select Color > Black ... and

slide the tool to the right a bit. If it also affects your mid tones too much, then select >

Neutral in the same menu and slide it to the Left a little.

James and Marc: Thank you for your advice; I'll try that on Monday morning. When I ran the shadow recovery, the image looked perfect, except for the black tuxedo's. They looked a little washed out. I will try the levels & curves, and also using 2 layers to keep everything looking good.

 

Duane