How to remove shadow

[michelleb]

Hello,

I don't now how to use photoshop at all. I saw some posts about removing shadows but without a step by step I really am lost. Is there anyone that can give me the "dummies" version of how to remove shadows form a picture? I have a few pictures that I would like to remove shadows but I just cant figure it out no matter how hard I try.

Thanks!
Michelle

[0lBaldy]

Michelle, welcome to RetouchPRO ..

It would be nice if you posted a sample of your problem.

In the mean time, head on over to the Tutorial page (here) have a look around.. have fun, learn a lot, any problems just ask.. Looking forward to seeing some of your work hope you enjoy your visits here and make many new friends.


~Click for Info on how to size and attach images to your posts~

~How to attach Files/Images to your Posts or Threads here~

After you post your less than 100K version, you could link to a site that is hosting a larger version.(like imagevenue.com or pixentral.com or photobucket.com)

[michelleb]

Thanks for your reply. I uploaded 2 of the pictures to photbucket since they are large.

http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/r...ScottandJo.jpg

and http://i496.photobucket.com/albums/r...milyedited.jpg

[Flora]

Hi michelleb!!

Welcome to RetouchPRO!!

I attached the resized images to your post ... It's always great to have an external link to the full size images ... and we are all thankful for it ... but, for the sake of future references, (in case the external link shouldn't exist anymore), it would be very useful to attach the 'compressed to 100KB' version here too!!!

I worked on one of your pictures ...
Personally I'd rather keep a hint of shadow because it looks more natural ... that's why I left untouched the shadow on the stairs ... (but it would be no problem at all to remove that as well...)

In the attachment you can see what I mean ...

Left = Original
Center = A hint of shadow
Right = No shadow at all

I'm going to write a detailed explanation of the steps I took and post it as soon as I'm finished...

[michelleb]

Hi Flora,

Thanks for showing me that it can be done. I will look forward to your instructinos. I hope I can duplicate your results. I think I like the image without the shadow. That is so awesome that you were able to do it so quickly. I spent hours so far with no good results.

Michelle

[jodaboda]

Wow. That looks really good, Flora. If you did that with less than a few minutes of selecting/cloning, then I'm impressed. If a friend had asked me to photoshop out shadows like that, I would have said "um, just learn to use your flash better"!

I just noticed you're from Italy. I'm going to Rome in 3 weeks. Ciao!

[DCobb]

To removed the cast shadow of the couple on the wall I used the clone tool and healing brush .

dc

[michelleb]

That looks great! I am totaly new to photoshop. I have not been able to find good instructions on removing shadows. Can you give me an overview of what you did using the clone tool and healing brush? I don't know how to use them and could use some guidence.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle

[DCobb]

Hi Michelle,

My suggestion for help with the clone tool and healing brush would be to Google Photoshop, clone tool, tutorial or photoshop, healing brush, tutorial or whatever tool with which you need help. YouTube has a lot of material. The link below is for a clone tool demo for CS3. There are many excellent books might help. If you are a visual learner, you might find the Adobe, Photoshop CS2 Visual Encyclopedia of interest. ISBN: 0-7645-9860-0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ARA9G-rqgo

dc

[Flora]

Hi everybody!!!

michelleb,

thank you so much for your feedback!!!

so sorry for my delay in answering ... fact is I'm having troubles with my pc ... .... I'm afraid I'll have to format my hard disk ...

I felt very bad about not reacting so I prepared a 'mini-mini tutorial on how I removed the shadows ... (at least it gives a general idea...)... see attachments.

I have noticed that I forgot a very important information on attachment 5 ...

• Before you start painting the shadows away make very sure you activate the black Layer Mask by clicking on it!!!!

If necessary, a more detailed explanation will follow as soon as I have my PC up and running again.. .

Here is a Tutorial on the 'vital' Layer Masks!!

jodaboda!

Welcome to RetouchPRO!!!
....thank you so much for your feedback!!!

...If you did that with less than a few minutes of selecting/cloning

.... well, as you can see, no cloning and no selecting!!! ... But, still, I agree with your

"um, just learn to use your flash better"!

[jodaboda]

WOW! What a novel technique! I don't think I ever would have thought of that. Thanks for the GREAT write-up. I'll definitely try that sometime.

Masking *IS* selecting, though.

[Flora]

Hi again jodaboda!!

Didn't notice your answer as I was editing my own post!!!

Masking *IS* selecting, though.

... of course it is ... even though, done this way it's not as long and tedious a procedure ....

BTW ... I do hope you'll have a smashing time in Rome!!!

[michelleb]

wow! Thanks for taking the time to give me such detailed instructions!! I am so excited to do this and have my pictures corrected.

I am new to using my flash and due to a horible delay in traffic I didnt have time to try it out before the ceromony. I learned my lesson.

Thanks so much!!!!

[michelleb]

Hello Flora,

I just must not be good with this. I keep trying but i am missing something between screenshot 7 and 8 that I cant get to work. When I use the brush it doesnt work. I think I messed up the step before. Any pointers? I think I messed up at the point where there was the duplicate image showing.

Thanks!
Michelle

[Daviskw]

Hi there

I just made some quick mask selections of the shadows... Then with two color samples to compare the good and shadow I used curves to match.

Then a little clone tool to clean up.

I did use a few luminosity masks to adjust contrast from background to foreground.

I at first removed the back wall shadow but thought it looked more natural with just reducing it.

Butch