Curves Adjustment

When you need to adjust the contrast in your first choice for the job is should be levels. However, when there is no spare room at the ends of the histogram, it's time to turn to the 'curves' tool where you can adjust selected parts of the tonal range.

You can open the 'curves' window by using the keyboard shortcut ctrl+M in windows or cmd M on a Mac. Alternatively you can find it under enhance->adjust color in Elements or image->adjustments in Photoshop.

Although there is a separate 'brightness' & 'contrast' window, the 'curves' adjustment is a more professional option as you can really see what you are doing.

Here's a simple video tutorial showing how it's done:-

What do you think of the video tutorials? Are they easier to understand than the text tutorials? Let me know in the forum.

Photoshop Tutorial	Description	Level
Size	Scaling your files.
Contrast	Balancing those pixels.
Colour	Dealing with colour casts.
Levels	A short video showing how to use the levels adjustment to control contrast.
Curves	A short video showing how to use the curves adjustment to control contrast.
Processing RAW Files	An introduction to Adobe Camera Raw.
Processing RAW Files using HSL	Advanced use of ACR.
Sharpening	Using the unsharp mask.
Using the Quick Mask	Masking parts of your picture to edit certain areas.
Adjustment Layer Masks	How to build accurate layer masks.
Straightening Horizons	A must for landscape and building photographers.
Replacing Boring Skies	Using layers in Photoshop.
Videos on Compositing	Video tutorials on using layers.
Using the Channel Mixer	How to make a better job of changing images from colour to black & white.
Using Curves on Adjustment Layers	laying with contrast and tones to give a more dramatic effect.
High Dynamic Range	How to shoot and process HDR pictures with Photomatix Pro software.

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