Photoshop Curves Tool

The photograph is shot against the sun. Too bright in some places, too dark in others. You can adjust it using the Brightness/Contrast controls in Photoshop.

But the Curves option is easier.

1. Open the Layers Palette. Click on the small black and white circle at the bottom.
2. Click on the Curves option.
3. A histogram will open. Position the mouse pointer on the curve and click and drag, experimenting until you find the right composition of light and dark.

You can also select parts of the picture to adjust using the magic wand tool. In the above photo I would keep the sky and the sea as they are and lighten from the shore down.

Even a rough iPhone image can be tweaked into visibility and even usability!

Juxtaposition

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A speaker (Danny Choo) stands on a stage with a screen-shot of himself (with friends) behind him. Reflexive juxtaposition?

Such a screen-shot allows us to compare similarities and contrast differences between the speaker and his image behind. Then and now. Past and present. Formal and informal. Work and play. Serious and fun.

Since the screen-shot appears on a big screen above the speaker in a lecture hall, the up-shot further intensifies the image.

Canon 5D Mk II, 70-200mm, f4, 1/125.

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