How to Fix Dark Shadows in Photoshop

In today’s episode, we show you how to fix dark shadows in photoshop.

Working with Dark Areas

It can be extremely annoying to deal with dark areas of an image. Using Curves isn’t always the best option because the highlights of the image tend to get blown out as well. We ran into this same problem when trying to use Levels to brighten up dark areas. So with two of our most commonly used techniques rendered useless, we had to find another method that would brighten up the shadows without blowing out the highlights.

Shadows/Highlights

Our best option is the Shadows/Highlights options. This allows us to only effect the shadows or only adjust our highlights. This is an extremely powerful tool because of the precision is gives us when working on an image. There is even a way to bring the color back into our image which really helps tie it all together.

Snapchat username: Phlearn

[UtkarshKaushik]

It's rare to see a Phlearn Episode of length less than 10 minutes
!!

[yosoyroman]

I know nothing about photoshop. Sometimes I just need help adjusting a photo so I can paint it. I never know what I’m doing. I generally find YouTube videos to be to quick and never explain anything. THANK YOU. I’m in a zoom meeting with my class, and trying to figure out how to edit this photo (per my teachers suggestion) so I can paint it for my in class assignment. I’ve watched some videos before this and literally almost gave up. I’m happy I didn’t or I wouldn’t have discovered your channel. Subscribed and happy about it!!! Thank you for a simple quick fix, and I am now get to painting so I won’t fall behind. I paint slow enough as it is.

[oilswoodhome]

After all these years, who knew there was a "show more options" for the Highlights and shadow adjustment. This is fantastic!
Thank You!

[dannyhopkin]

I'm a big fan. I've learned so much by watching Aaron's tutorials. I would suggest creating a Smart Object (Filter - Convert for Smart Filter) BEFORE adding in your highlights and shadows. That way your not doing destructive editing.

[sadesign]

It helps me a lot as a beginner in Photoshop. Thanks for your great sharing.

[reginabest]

this was so helpful. I always wondered about the glowing rim around foreground subjects, but now I know it may just be the radius level. Thanks Aaron

[jimbolic]

Awesome tip! Going to use it right now. Thanks!

[albertr]

simple yet very effective video tip. thank you very much Aaron.

[PK-bjfe]

Perfect and quick video (not superfluous at all) for helping me locate and better understand the shadow/highlight adjustments. Thanks man!

[DarkAngel-qzxl]

I took a screenshot at 0:33 and tested this new method. After that, I tried to lighten the shadows in this image with a curves layer and applied an inverted "apply image" to the layer mask. In my opinion that looks even more realistic than in the video.
My adjustments for the curves layer are Input: 100 Output: 140

Anna 17 years, Germany

[chanitaylor]

This is fantastic and exactly what I needed. THANK YOU!

[aintnobodygottimeforthat]

you dont have to do a duplicate of the layer. you can convert it to a "smart object", this allows you to do this and you will be able to change the shadows whenever you want. this works with all the other filters. its great

[mnllwod]

Thank you. Best Photoshop tutorials on the internet.

[qwerty]

I like mixing this feature with some basic masking to remove that outer glow, as well as some low opacity and very soft strokes to certain areas of the photos that need them; such as a highlight that gets washed out or some type of circumstance similar to that. Overall, fantastic video!

[andresfelipe]

just applied to this a photo I was working on that needed it and it was major help! thank you!

[tamaraash]

Phlearn your always on point with info. I'm so happy I found your page! Thanks a million times!

[cynthiaruiz]

I love all your videos! They're so educational! Thank you!

[keldaycreativeart]

Thanks again for the quick tip Phlearn, I really appreciate it. x

[cleanshvr]

Excellent, thank you! I never knew about Shadows/Highlights! I will definitely be using this in the future!

[mccloysong]

adding that trick to my PS habits. Thanks