A.D.I.E.M. ©
Bob DiNatale
Activity: TheRock... [ Practicing "The Method" ]
Lesson 1: "The Method"...Optimize the image
Keystrokes are for Windows... for lesson with Macintosh Keystrokes Click here
File Needed: [TheRock.TIF]

Original

Final
Open "TheRock.TIF" image and apply "The Method":
1. Optimize Image... create Digital Master file:

- Adjusting levels:
Menu:>Image>Adjust>Levels
- SaveAs "TheRock_DM.TIF"
- Enhance image as follows:
 

a) Lighten the rock:
- select area slightly larger than the rock
- make the "Background" active and create a new layer "via copy"
- create and soften a layer mask for the rock
- add an "Level" adjustment layer and lighten rock as desired

b) Darken plaque:

- select area slightly larger than the rock
- make the "Background" active and create a new layer" via copy"
- create and soften a layer mask for the plaque
- select "Multiply" blend mode and adjust the opacity as desired

c) Darken fence and road at the top of picture:
- select an area the width of the picture from the top of the image to the top of the plaque
- make the "Background" active and create a new layer" via copy"
- create a layer mask for this area "less" the trees and the top of the rock
- make a selection of the mask area [Ctrl+click mask]
- fill selection with vertical
B&W gradient from top down white to black
- soften layer mask as desired
- select "Multiply" blend mode and adjust the opacity as desired
d) Adjust the overall color balance of the image:
- create a no grouped "Color Balance" adjustment layer as the top layer
- adjust color balance as desired

... make final adjustments as desired:
adjust brightness of the rock with "Levels" adjustment layer and the plaque with layer opacity

2. SaveAs .PSD file: "TheRock_EM.PSD
3. Flatten and "Save as" .TIF "TheRock_EM.TIF
Revision 1.1
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