Lighten to retouch

[fparker]

On my PC I have images that are about a stop or two under exposed, but correct OK in photoshop CS. The problem I have is that I am doing some basic retouching on the images and have to lighten them to be able to see to do the retouching, BUT I want the file back in it's original dark state for my lab. Once I delete the lighten (screen) layer all of the retouched layers look super bad. Any ideas? I dup the BG layer in screen mode, make another layer on top of it and do my retouching. When I finish I delete the dupped BG layer and then want to flatten for the lab to make my prints using their auto correction system. Any help would be appreciated

Frank

[Xaran]

I think you should have your correction layer in the middle - below the lighten layer, that way you will see the correction with the same setting as the original.

If you can post a small example we can tell better what the problem is, if possible post an original and an after correcting.

Christine

[fparker]

So...make a copy of the BG - my working layer, then make another layer(screen). Then work on the work copy, will I be able to make additional layers? i.e, eys, forehead, etc., then get rid of the top layer(screen), then flatten?

Frank

[freelancer]

Hi,

When retouching, I often increase the brightness and/or contrast on my monitor to make sure I haven't missed anything.

[Vikki]

Freelancer, changing your monitor settings seems like an extreme way to check your image. A better way would be to add an adjustment Levels layer, and increase the middle slider. Once you're satisfied, you can just delete the layer.

[Xaran]

Frank,

Yes you can make as many layers as you need - just keep the the 'screen' layer on the top.

Christine

[roger_ele]

When cloning make sure 'use all layers' is unchecked - or - turn off the visibility of the adjustment layer that lightens the image to retouch and on to check your work. Otherwise any art work you do incorporates the lightening layer into the art work you do.

Roger