Fix Uneven Exposure

[simon29]

Hi:
I would appreciate any help that people could give me with the uneven exporosure on this photo. Thanks.

[mistermonday]

Simon, of the 3 channels, the red is the best to work with. I would convert the image to grayscale by either applying the red channel to the composite image or by using the channel mixer set to monochrome selecting 100% red as the result. Add a new layer on top of the image and fill it with 50% gray and change it's blend mode to overlay. Now with a soft brush at about 10-20% opacity, paint with black where you want to darken, and with white where you want to lighten. I did not go far nor was I trying to be neat / precise with the attached sample but just wanted to point you in the direction. This is just one of many methods you can use to even it out.
Regards, Murray

[Daviskw]

Hi there

Used the red channel like Murray. I like to make loose selections with a soft brush and quickmask. Then use a curves adjustment layer to darken... over darken in fact. Then I hide all and bring back with a soft brush with low opacity. Did the same to lighten in some areas as well. Added just a touch of noise reduction and color.

Not a lot of detail to recover however

Butch

[simon29]

Thank you, Murray and Butch. There is a world of difference between the before and after photos. I didn't even realize that the boy was wearing a hat. Your suggestions will give me something to work with. Thank you very much.

[mistermonday]

Butch, great job! I think the Sepia - like tone really does it for this image.
Regards, Murray

[Daviskw]

Thanks Murray... hard to match your work though

Butch

[mistermonday]

Butch, thank you for the kind compliments,
Regards, Murray

[Flora]

Hi,

simon29,

welcome to RP!!

I had a go at your picture ....

If you are interested, I'll post the details later ....

Murray & Butch,

nice job!!

**

[simon29]

Flora:
I would appreciate hearing a detailed list of how you approached fixing the exposure on the picture. Thank you for spending the time to work on the photo.

[Flora]

Hi Simon,

working with Photoshop CS2, I started with a Shadow/Highlight Adjustment Layer.

I loosely selected the 'worst' parts and used Levels and Curves on my selections to further correct/balance lights and shadows in my selections.

I used several blank layers set to Darken, Lighten, Soft Light and Overlay to selectively enhance details (faces, hands, etc. )

Dust&Scratches, Patch Tool and Heal Brush to remove scratches etc.

Hue/Saturation for a light sepia tone.

USM to lightly sharpen.

Hope this helps.

*

[simon29]

Thank you, Flora. That will give me another technique to try. Thank you for your help.