Levels

gwocni

gwocni

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On threads on the forum I have seen phrases like "level tweaking", "bring up the levels" etc. etc.
For example this recent thread...

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28100

Now the "levels" adjustment certainly worked but I have no idea how it was done to such good effect.
I have seen Vinny's thread on white backgrounds and wonder if this is a similar method or is it somthing different. :shrug:

Can anyone put it in simple terms for a PP numpty. I have Paintshop Pro and CS3 and can use neither to any great extent. :bonk:

Thanks in advance.

David.
 
gwocni said:
On threads on the forum I have seen phrases like "level tweaking", "bring up the levels" etc. etc.
For example this recent thread...

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28100

Now the "levels" adjustment certainly worked but I have no idea how it was done to such good effect.

Can anyone put it in simple terms for a PP numpty. I have Paintshop Pro and CS3 and can use neither to any great extent. :bonk:

Thanks in advance.

David.
Click to expand...

Good question I can't wait for the answer either As I am in the same boat software wise :popcorn:
 
Tweaking "levels" means increasing the contrast of the different colour channels (red, blue, green & "white"). In Photoshop you can use the "Levels" tool (ctrl+L) or the "Curves" tool (ctrl+M): you will find also it under Image->Adjustments or PSP equivalent.. In "Levels", simply adjust the sliders below the histogram away from the extreme ends of the scale inwards - this will increase the contrast in the overall image (all colour combined). To modify individual colour channels, click the RGB panel & select the colour you want to work on.
Curves is a more powerful tool because it allows you to work on the highlights & lowlights in the overall image or individual channels. When you hit ctrl+M, you will see a straight diagonal line across the scale of contrast. If you clieck on the line & drag it in either direction you will see the changes to the image with the Preview icon checked.
Most people aim to change the straight line to a gentle S shape, so increasing the contrast at the mid-highlight & mid-lowlight points, but it is a matter of personal taste.
I'm sure others here will be able to add to this, but hopefully you'll get the gist from the above.
 
Thanks Phil, I'm at work at the minute but I'll try some of that later. Look forward to other takes on this.

Thanks.
David.
 
There is an excellent section on levels featured in the Digital Camera magazine for July, so in the shops now called 'Layer Blending Special' which also includes a short beginners guide to Layers. :shrug:

There are 8 pages of guides which are done in simple steps. It does not tell you how much adjustment to make as that is always down to personal taste. However, it does go through most of the myriad of functions on the menu and when they should be used.

I'm definitely at the beginner stage and all the OU course did was to introduce me to Layers area, this has just given me enough detail to go a practice some.
 
Thanks Jas I will despatch No.1 wife right now.:exit:

David.
 
This link will give more info than you will ever need on the use of levels. Levels is a tool that is used to control contrast and to adjust tones/colors

http://www.ronbigelow.com/articles/articles.htm

Look at the articles on Levels and Curves.
 
Thanks JD, Most helpful, I have had a quick look at this and it even shows me this histogram thingy:lol: It is extensive but I look forward to getting into it in detail.:rules:

Super Link.
 
Just re-read the guide and I should point out that it doesn't cover the 'S' curve mentioned earlier, but levels adjustments are generally done in layers. Still a very good starter guide.

ps Great link from EOS JD
 
No DC Mag for July left :'( However I think by the time I work my way through the other links I'll be a very knowledgeable boy :lol:

Thanks Guys.
 
gwocni said:
Thanks JD, Most helpful, I have had a quick look at this and it even shows me this histogram thingy:lol: It is extensive but I look forward to getting into it in detail.:rules:

Super Link.
Click to expand...

No worries. Read Ron's other interestig articles too.
 
Jas said:
Just re-read the guide and I should point out that it doesn't cover the 'S' curve mentioned earlier, but levels adjustments are generally done in layers. Still a very good starter guide.

ps Great link from EOS JD
Click to expand...

THe reason the S-Curve isn't mentioned is because that is something that is done in "Curves" not Levels.

Level Adjustments do not need to be done using layers but it is certainly better to do in in a Levels Adjustment Layer as this can be amended at any time. Adjustment layers are very useful to use but many simply work on the background layer and it's no problem doing a layers adjustment here (just be careful to save your inage as a different name).
 
Cobra said:
Cheers I also appriciate the info
Theres a lot to work through
Click to expand...

You don't need to learn it all. The basics are generally enough. Remember that you can also tweak individual colours too.
 
theMusicMan said:
That is one enthusiastic dude showing us of stuff that is sooooo easy to do when you know how. Great resource, thanks for this.
Click to expand...

Seconded :thumbs:
I have just been playing with this ( as discribed in the tutorial) and its brilliant!
 
Now if only I could find a similar tutorial that explains how to increase the exposure on only a selection of an image instead of the entire image.

Anyone know how to do that using Photoshop or Lightroom...?
 
theMusicMan said:
Now if only I could find a similar tutorial that explains how to increase the exposure on only a selection of an image instead of the entire image.

Anyone know how to do that using Photoshop or Lightroom...?
Click to expand...

There's a few ways to selectively increase exposure. In ACR and lightroom there's an area you can edit highlights/shadows separately.

If in Ps then layer masks is probably the best way.
 
EOS_JD said:
There's a few ways to selectively increase exposure. In ACR and lightroom there's an area you can edit highlights/shadows separately.
Click to expand...
Do you mean selected parts of the image and not the whole image EOS_JD?

If so, how do I select the area to be worked on, and then carry out the task in hand...?

Thanks.
 
theMusicMan said:
Do you mean selected parts of the image and not the whole image EOS_JD?

If so, how do I select the area to be worked on, and then carry out the task in hand...?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

What software are you using?
 
theMusicMan said:
Lightroom...
Click to expand...

Brains said:
Within Lightroom you can adjust the Tone curve within the Develop module. You can adjust the sliders for highlights, lights, darks, shadows. Works well for dark areas, light areas etc. Within photoshop you could create a mask on a new layer and adjust that.....sure there are many other ways too.
Click to expand...

this basically answers it. You would need to import to Ps to work on an individual area of an image and best use a layer mask.
 
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