“Adjusting Levels: Histograms”
- Begin by opening Adobe Photoshop CS3. Using the File>Open command, open the photograph you would like to adjust.
- Select Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Levels.
- The New Layer dialog box will appear. Give your layer a name and select “Ok.”
- In the Levels dialog box, you will see a histogram (a graph) that shows the population of pixels from black (on the left) to white (on the right) in the image.
- In the histogram depicted above, you notice that the pixels are evenly distributed throughout the graph and the graph angles down nicely to both the black (left) and white (right) sides of the graph. This image needs very little adjustment.
- The next histogram, however, shows flat spots on both the left side and the right side of the graph. These flat spots indicate there are no black or white pixels in the image.
- To correct this problem, drag the black triangle on the left to meet the graph and do the same with the white triangle on the right. You can also adjust the mid-tones by moving the grey triangle. You can turn the preview of your changes on or off by checking or un-checking the preview option. You may also elect to click the “Auto” button, allowing Photoshop to do the adjustment for you (though I find it has mixed results).
- Once you have finished, click “Ok” You will notice a new adjustment layer above your original “background” layer which applies the effect you just specified on the layer below it. You can turn off the adjustment by clicking on the eye icon next to the layer in the layer stack.
- Now, save your image as a .psd file (this will preserve editing capabilities).
- If you wish to save your image for the web, follow Photoshop Tutorial 1.6.
Download This Tutorial: DTFA_photoshop_cs3_1-2
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