Third part of “Curves” tutorial.
Third part of “Curves” tutorial. In today`s episode: Increase contrast, remove color cast, curves reference.
LEVEL: Beginner who wants to be a Pro ;-)
WHAT YOU HAVE TO KNOW: Add live effects, work with objects
REFERENCE: DPS Curves Reference
If you didn’t read first two parts, find them here » Basics and Shadows / highlights
First - quick look at contrast. Here is rather dull image. To increase contrast we must lighten bright areas and darken shadows.
Here are curves snapshot and result image. This is enough for the contrast.
Now for the color cast. Here is my example picture (facade of great building by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona). Notice the green-yellow tint? With a little help from “Curves” filter we will return the balance to the image colors.
Add Curves live effect and go to green channel. Green color cast is most obvious in the dark area of the image, so our first step is to correct this. Make adjustments in green channel like in the illustration below:
OK. This is good! But let’s go further and reduce green in the highlights too. See the curves and result below:
Now it is time for Blues. Select Blue channel and boost dark blue area, as shown below.
Lest’s see Reds. They are OK, but here is example of what the result will be, if we boost dark red a little. Maybe you prefer that.
Are you confused with so many different curves shapes? Here is DPS Curves Reference file » download it and use it as a reference every time you need. This is Fireworks PNG source file.
“Curves” also can be used for making objects look like they are made from metal, but the net is full of tutorials on that matter. Example - below:
