Saigon shopping

[HansE]

Going back to do a better job (I hope) on some pp

[HansE]

I noticed it didn't look as good here as it did originally. I went back and added 20% multiply blend to make it look a bit more saturated.

[HansE]

It also wasnt Vietnam but Cambodia Duh!

[Isac]

We would also like to see the difference Hans. If you post your starter image, we can compare.

[HansE]

Original file needed a lift in the shadows.

[HansE]

Hope this was sufficient .

[HansE]

I hate it when it starts to look artificial and it is heading that way.

[Isac]

Firstly, record an action to automatically perform the shadows adjustment.
Record this:
Image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights...
Make these changes and click OK, then press STOP.


Next assign a function key to the action (I use F3).
Double click on a blank part of the action and set as below. You'll see the F3 next to the action name.

Now all you have to do is convert the layer to a "Smart Object" and hit F3 to lift the shadows. You can press F3 more than once until you're happy with the result.
You can then paint on the Smart Filters Mask with a soft black brush where you don't want the effect.

I used the Dodge & Burn action to add an adjustment layer and darkened the ice and ramp and a few other parts, then with a white brush, brightened up the ladies face.

Here's the result (included the layer panel - FYI).


Have fun and I'm here if you need help.

[HansE]

Must get my head around that and give it a go.

[Isac]

It's just a matter of playing with it Hans. Masks hold the power to most editing and once understood, they are very easy to use. Using Smart Objects for applying filters makes it easier to click them on and off to see their effect. I've said it before - I'm here to help.

[HansE]

Seemed to work a treat exept for the double click on blank portion Did the name thing where it allowed assigning F3 etc. This is the unedited version of the image.



Quite a dynamic range.


Layer 2 just had a bit of soft blend and layer 3 was 0.3 px sharpening.
I didn't quite do the same steps. The histogram showed no blowout on the ice so i left it bright as it is the focal point of the picture. This was taken at 24mm F10 1/80th sec, iso250
Thanks for the lesson Isac

[Isac]

Any time Hans, you've done a great job! Here's the "Double Click" process. Just select a function key from the drop down box to assign it to the current action. This one shows F3.