How to Eliminate Shadows with Photoshop

how to eliminate shadows with Photoshop picture tutorial

I am writing this post for one reason.

I’d just like the whole world to know how much I love Photoshop.

Among millions other things it helps me with every day, it is a real hero when it comes to correcting shadows.

Especially in food photography, eliminating the underexposed areas (aka shadows) and showing their true structure and color is a very precious thing. It makes the food so much more appetizing.

Just let me show you something…

how to eliminate shadows with Photoshop picture tutorial

This is the original picture from my recipe for Farfalle with Tomato-Cheese Sauce.

I like the picture, but not as much as…

how to eliminate shadows with Photoshop picture tutorial

… I like this one.

This picture has undergone one simple Photoshop procedure.

As a result, the most wonderful shade of red color I know has appeared. Mere looking at that color has strong therapeutic effect on me.

how to eliminate shadows with Photoshop picture tutorial

This is how to do it:

1. Open the photo is Photoshop (I am using Photoshop Elements 8).

2. Click EnhanceAdjust LightingShadows/Highlights in the upper bar.

3. A smaller window will pop up with the first (Lighten Shadows) slider dragged to 25 automatically.

You should already see that your picture has improved substantially. If you don’t see any change, make sure you have selected the Preview check box.

You can move the first slider left or right to find the right amount of correction.

4. If you are happy with the result, click OK.

And that’s it.

how to eliminate shadows with Photoshop picture tutorial

Just give it a try and enjoy the beautiful changes it brings.

Love,
Petra

(To learn more about my quest against shadows have a look at this.)

 

5 thoughts on “How to Eliminate Shadows with Photoshop

  1. 1
    Smez says:

    I love looking at before and after pics…you can really tell the difference! Sometimes it’s hard to get the shadow/highlights just right, but your photo turned out great. 🙂

  2. 2
    Tes says:

    Thanks for the tip! I definitely have to try it 🙂

  3. 3
    ingrid says:

    Thanks! I’ll be trying it as soon as I get home.
    ~ingrid

  4. 4
    Christiaan says:

    Looks ok but,i really think that now you have made adjustments,that the pan now looks really bad with the shading.Maybe after a little work or use of a mask it may improve this part.
    Maybe its just me being too piccy !! :o/

  5. 5
    Gypsy Gina says:

    Im all about simplicity in using tools to boost photos…..I’m a firm believer of less is more and getting the image out of the camera first….your little post processing lessons are great!! Just a touch 🙂

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