Making background whiter

DannyDMR

DannyDMR

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Hiya guys, I am wondering if there is a way to brighten a background after a photo shoot?

Basically i have been practicing in my kitchen for mobile studio photography and have come a cross a couple of good shots i have done but the light i use to light the background hasn't gone off fully (Dont think i gave it enough time to recharge) the rest of the shot is fine just the background is a little grey. Is there a quick and easy way to brighten it in either Lightroom or CS3? i am sure i have seen this done

Thanks for any help

Danny
 
In PS it's easy; just create a new layer that is white then create a layer mask and brush through until the subject is revealed without the crappy background showing through.

You could also use paths and cut the person out, or just use the airbrush to brush over the background.

Layer mask video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb1pG9ArT8o
 
DannyDMR said:
Hiya guys, I am wondering if there is a way to brighten a background after a photo shoot?

Basically i have been practicing in my kitchen for mobile studio photography and have come a cross a couple of good shots i have done but the light i use to light the background hasn't gone off fully (Dont think i gave it enough time to recharge) the rest of the shot is fine just the background is a little grey. Is there a quick and easy way to brighten it in either Lightroom or CS3? i am sure i have seen this done

Thanks for any help

Danny
Click to expand...
Find Lightroom adjustment brush easier with auto mask box ticked.
 
What Carl said. Lightroom's exposure brush with automask is by far the easiest way, and happily, makes it ludicrously simple :)
 
Just tried the lightroom way, works great, but what do you guys do if you have a subject wearing a light colour top? I just tried it and it spills the brightness over onto the top?
 
Daryl said:
Use 2 lights on BG and have the back lights on background rated a stop higher than your key light and you wont need any post work.
Click to expand...

is the real answer ;)

Either get in close with the tool, or you'll have to mask it off in PS and do it that way. Lot more work.
 
Yep, getting the lights right in the first place is the answer but we're talking about rescuing a shot where the lights didn't flash.....
 
I've done this before with dodge brush set to about 10% on highlights only. Make a duplicate layer first.
 
Yes throw more light at the background, but not too much, as you will destroy the edges of the subject with too much wrap around. Do you meter how much light the background is throwing back (AT THE SUBJECT POSITION)?
 
my backgrounds are fine, i just didnt let my flash re-charge for long enough and really looked the shot except the background
 
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