Correcting lighting for a large group photo

[JamesonImages]

Hello!

Although this is my first post, I have been lurking and learning around here for a while now. I now have an image that I need some advice on...

This photo has a great background and composition, however this fill flash could not make up the difference in lighting for the people in the sun vs. the ones in the shadows. I can adjust shadows individually, or on smaller groups with some curves and masks, but does anyone have quicker, or more effective way to fix this type of issue? I have a whole school shot like this that needs some help!

Thanks!

[Tony W]

If you use Photoshop and have Shadow and Highlight in the Image/Adjustments menu you could try that as I did with the attached.

Hope you are going to get rid of the tombstone? in the foreground

[Wolfman]

I used the shadow/highlight tool in Photoshop and opened up the shadows and masked the people already in bright sun..... the people in the shadows aren't as lit as the brighter group, but I think it works.

[Boneappetit]

You can also do it in Camera Raw using the Adjustment Brush, check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f35Kvpt4hFw

[JamesonImages]

Guess I was overcomplicating this...Thanks all!