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White Pointing (Correcting Highlights) with Photoshop 7

January 29th, 2005

Prerequisites: This tutorial assumes that you are able to open an image in Photoshop, are a fluent user of your chosen operating system, and are using Photoshop 7. All screenshots are from Photoshop 7 on Windows XP.

• A poorly lighted JPEG image
• Cropping an Image with Photoshop 7

Shortcuts: When there is a Photoshop Shortcut available, I will include it after the action in parentheses.

What does it mean to “White Point” an image? It is common practice to take photographs without proper lighting. As a result often the image will either be over-exposed (for which there is no remedy) or it will have a gray cast due to under-exposure (for which there is no true fix, but Photoshop will allow us to fake it). White Pointing an image refers to the process of making the white areas of a photo truly white or correcting the highlights in an image.

Before and After

This photo courtesy of Helen Condon of Adirondack Rug Braiding, designer of high quality hand braided wool rugs.

The Task Step by Step

1. Open an Image in Photoshop.
2. If the photo is a JPEG, save as a Photoshop file (PSD).
3. Create new layer from the background.
4. Rename the new layer.
5. Adjust the white point via the Curves Tool. [Image 1]
6. Save the image.

Open an Image

See my post, “Cropping an Image in Photoshop 7” on how to do this if you are unclear.

If JPEG, Save As Photoshop Format (PSD)

In order to protect your image from JPEG compression artifacts, it is best to save the open JPEG image as a new file in PSD format as discussed in my post, “Cropping an Image in Photoshop 7.”

Create a New Layer from the Background

1. Open the Layers Palette (Window > Layers) if it is not visible [Image 2].
2. Drag the background layer to the Create a New Layer button and release it. [Image 3]
3. Now there should be a new layer named something like “Background copy.”

Rename the New Layer

It is a good practice to develop a naming system related to the purpose of the layer.

1. Rename your layer by double clicking the text label and typing something for the purposes of this exercise like “White Point.” [Image 4]
2. Press Enter to commit the change when you are finished typing.

Adjust the White Point with the Curves Tool

The Curves Tool [Image 1] is an excellent way to manipulate images. It is also easy to overdo the effects produced by the Curves Tool. Rather than to explain what the Curves Tool does, I want to give you a simple method to White Point your image. Feel free to experiment at much as you like.

Note: A good rule of thumb for natural results is to use only one point on the upper right of the grid. The more points used to divert the direction of the line, the less realistic your manipulation will be. This is a fun way to create low-quality “rock star” effects.

1. Open the Curves Tool by selecting Images > Adjustments > Curves [Ctrl M].
2. As shown in Image 1, click the diagonal line and slowly drag it up and to the left until you reduce the gray cast of the image. You can click and drag anywhere on this line for further refinements. However, if one point does not do the job, you will not be likely to succeed gracefully.
3. When you are satisfied with your results, click OK to commit the changes.

Save the Image

Before going on to something else, save your image by selecting File > Save [Ctrl S]. If you like your results but want to try for a different effect, start again by creating a new layer from the background and working through the tutorial again.

Recommended Resources

• Visual Quickstart Guide: Photoshop 7 for Windows and Macintosh by Elaine Weinman and Peter Laurekas
• Adobe Photoshop Tutorials http://www.adobe.com/products/tips/photoshop.html
• Photoshop 7 Classroom in a Book By Adobe Creative Team

Discussion and Help

If you have questions while working on this tutorial, want to add some insightful comments that might help other readers, or want to ask Harvey a question, post a comment below.cities maps google street viewsearch ask.com engine2008 crv honda exllloyds tsb.combox orange reviews ps3number ga routing bank america ofliverpool news skyprecautions earthquake safetydean wiki howardtarget pharmacy 4 Map

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