In article <QM4Rf.5880$
says…
if you can’t retake the picture try making a gradient mask going from transparent on the left to opaque of the right and them try using levels, brightness, ect. to fix it
Yes, this is exactly what I would like to do. Would you be kind enough to explain in a bit more detail what I need to do to achieve a gradient mask?
As stated, the first thing to do is to work on a copy, not the original image. Next (and the order can vary), create a mask, by hitting Q. You will have nothing shown at this point. Choose Gradient Tool, and select a Linear Gradient that goes from denisty to transparency – there is one in the default group of Gradients. Click on one side of the image (remember, you are in Quick Mask Mode), and, while holding Shift, drag to the other side. In the default Gradient, you get density (red) going to transparent at about the ~ 50% mark. you can vary this graduation by either dragging to a point less than 100% of the image width, or by adjusting the point in the Gradient Options dialog box. You now have a Gradient Mask (experiment, as you probably want >50%, or < than.) Now, hit Q again, to get the "marching ants" and then choose the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette. Here, you can choose Levels, or Curves, as you choose, to correct density, and contrast. If you have not hit the point right with the mask, you can always go back and re -do it. When you have the Curves, or Levels correct, go to Selection, and choose Load Curves, or Levels Adjustment Layer Mask. You will get the marching ants again, and now click again, on the Adjustment Layer icon. Now, choose Color Balance, and tweak the colors.
You can do the Adjustment Layers, and THEN add the masks, if you wish. When changing/adjusting the masks, make sure that the mask’s Channel is active, by either clicking on the Adustment Layer Mask thumbnail, or by clicking on that Channel in the Channel’s Palette.
If, for instance, the graduation of lighting is not near the 50% of the width, then use your best guess when doing the mask.
If this is not clear, don’t hesitate to ask for more detail. It takes much longer to type this, than it does to actually do it, so do not be put off by the length of the text.
Adjustment Layers are your friend, and their masks are totally marvelous.
Hunt
