Need a guide to PP for white background shots

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DazzGreen

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Darren
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Hi there,

I'm using Photoshop Elements and am a complete novice. I'm looking for some guidance, and hopefully a step by step guide, for tidying up white backgrounds. I am getting some good results with lighting alone, but need to tidy the odd image here and there where there is a shadow or the background has come out a little grey in places. Most of all I need to know how to do it so it looks natural and not overly PP'd.

Thanks for your help.
 
Can't really help Darren, but will be following the thread as I have the same problem.
 
(PS4) Image > Adjustments > Levels

Will allow you to adjust highlights, mid-tones and shadows separately in PS4. Rather than needing a guide you can fiddle with the sliders and other elements to see what they do. Have never used Elements so not sure if it has these features or the same menu layout.
 
Didn't check the utube link but the obvious one is to Dodge the highlights!
As long as the subject has darker clothes then even if you 'paint' over the subject slightly it will have none or little effect!?

Hope that makes sense!?

Needs to be close with the use of levels etc. first.?

Works for me when required, if you really nail your lighting you should not need anything!
 
There is more than one way to do this depending on the particular image. You have to be careful that any adjustments you make using curves or exposure doesn't have an adverse effect on the subject itself.
If the area affected is not near the subject then you could use the clone tool or even the healing brush. If it is near the subject it can be abit more complicated, I'd suggest you copy the image to a new layer and work on that. You may need to put a selection around the subject to protect it.

You'll probably find as many options as replies to this thread.
 
I tend to go to levels, hold down Alt on PC & move the right slider which will show you how far you can go then bring back detail on the subject with either history brush or adjustments>exposure>gamma. Then check the image by going threshold> move slider to the right>cancel.

The above is done in cs3 but elements may be similar :shrug:
 
There are indeed lots of ways to do this aren't they, I knew I was getting into a minefield with this PP! I am currently mastering the art of the magic wand with a bit of dodging and burning! Thanks for all replies so far.
 
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