Fix an underexposed image workflow

[likefunyouare]

Hi. What is the sequence you use when you retouch a fairly underexposed JPG image before sending to lab for printing?

1) Reduce noise using Neatimage, noise ninja etc.
2) Adjust levels, curves etc in PS.
3) Increase resolution to 300dpi.
4) Sharpen image with nik sharpener, focalblade etc.

 

[togu]

You can try this,

1. Duplicate the layer in photoshop
2. Click on the new layer, select "Screen" for the blending mode. That'll lighten your picture.

If you find it lighten too much, you can reduce the opacity. If you only find certain area too bright, you can always use your eraser to brush away that area, so that the new blending adjustment will not affect that area.

You might need to do some final touch up with your curves.

Hope this helps.

 

[likefunyouare]

Thanks for the tip. I have yet to try this method but will this blending introduce noise to the image?
Do you run noise reduction software before or after adjusting the levels/curves?

 

[coke21]

Thanks for the tip. I have yet to try this method but will this blending introduce noise to the image?
Do you run noise reduction software before or after adjusting the levels/curves?

The above method mentioned by Togu will not introduce noise. It uses the same image to "brighten up" the image. (ie using layers). So if there was no noise in the beginning, there should not be any after.

 

[mpenza]

if there's some noise in the original pic (typical of underexposed pics), there will be more noise after adding another layer of the same image.....