How to Edit Photo Contrast

Good contrast is key to professional looking photographs

There are several techniques in photo editing that are used to create ideal contrast for any photo. Most photo-editing programs, even free online ones, offer several different tools which all work to enhance the dark and light balance of a photo. Learning to use these tools and techniques to your advantage will assist you in getting the perfect photo contrast every time.

Things You'll Need

• Personal computer
• Photo editing software

Instructions

Brightness/Contrast Tool

1. Open an image in your preferred photo editing software. Select the brightness/contrast tool (typically located in a left-hand palette or in the top menu bar of most programs).

2. Adjust your photo's contrast by moving the sliders up and down. Sliders are moved down for less contrast/brightness and moved up to increase the contrast/brightness. If your photo is underexposed (dark and lacking in definition), simply move the both sliders up to create a well-defined, brighter focal point. The brightness/contrast tool is an effective way to improve a photo quickly, however, it's also easier to give your photos a washed out appearance if you don't go easy on the controls. Make only small adjustments at a time when using this tool to ensure the best quality images.

3. Fine tune your contrast adjustments through the use of the dodge/burn tools. These tools come on most photo editing programs and allow the user to selectively lighten or darken aspects of a photograph. To lighten an object in a photo simply select the dodge tool and drag it over the object while clicking down. The burn tool works in the same manner but darkens the object instead. This technique is perfect for fine-tuning the contrast in any photo.

References

• Geoff Lawrence; Photoshop Free Tutorial; Brightness and Contrast
• Digital Photography School; 5 Techniques for Enhancing Contrast