|
|
| Author |
Message |
phoccacia
Joined: 07 Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Location: Australia
|
 Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 8:56 pm Post subject: Combining highlight and shadow layers |
 |
|
I've been doing this with a long winded method for a while but I'm wondering whether there are quicker methods to accomplish the same thing? Here's the scenario.. there will be occasions when I want to keep either the shadow or highlight levels as they are and modify the opposite and recombine them.
Is there a way of selecting the highlights down to a certain level as a layer in addition to having it feathered by some 40-50 levels. So from 255 down to 180 but feathering the last 50 levels?
I would like to be able to do this rather than adjust a layer and rub out sections.
Any ideas? Thanks. |
|
|
|
|
 |
renata
Joined: 26 Nov 2010
Posts: 368
Location: Australia
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 5:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
There might be a few things you can do, depending on what you want to do with this selection. When you say "modify the opposite", what sort of modifications do you tend to make?
Have you had a close look at levels and curves to see if they can help you? You may already know about how you can apply a mask to a levels or curves adjustment.
Or you can create a Luminance mask by doing control-click on the RGB channel in the channels panel (this is a selection based on the light). Again, depending on what you're trying to do you could save this as a selection and do a lot of things with it.
Another thing which might help you is to be aware that when you apply an effect you can use the 'Blend If' options to blend according to lightness.
Sorry I'm not a specific help, but just thought that some of these ideas might be useful. |
|
|
|
|
|
thehermit
Joined: 05 Mar 2003
Posts: 3987
Location: Cheltenham, UK
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
It sounds like you need a curves adjustment layer and a mask. It also seems that you may be overly complicating matters, it is entirely possible to separate values, but I'm not sure its going to be entirely useful.
There is even a pretty effective Shadow/Highlight tool in Photoshop that could be used, although curves will always offer more control.
If you really want to get into the nuts and bolts you can learn about LAB colour space and a technique called 'Jacobs Ladder', although this may be overkill for you.
_________________
If life serves you lemons, make lemonade! |
|
|
|
|
|
phoccacia
Joined: 07 Aug 2011
Posts: 2
Location: Australia
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:30 pm Post subject: methods |
|
|
Hey thanks for those responses. I'll have a good look and see what works. I appreciate the help. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
