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Level correction
adjusts the tonal range, or gradation, of an image.
When the ?levels・dialog box is opened, a histogram that shows the tonal range of the image is displayed.
An ideal histogram might be shaped like Mt. Fuji sloping up from the left end, shadow, and down
to the right end, highlight, with a maximum peak around the middle. Actually, the average histogram will show multiple
peaks and valleys in random arrangement.
?Mountains・bunched at the left indicate underexposure or having a low-key
effect. If they are bunched at the right, the image is overexposed or has a high-key effect. In
some images, the ?mountain・may be bunched near the center.
If the mountains are bunched, the problem is not only brightness; the contrast will also be low. Contrast requires
sufficient differences in brightness. Contrast will be low if the difference in brightness is inadequate, that is, if the ?mountain・range
is narrow. |
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Try correcting the level in a low-key image. |
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This picture of Stockholm was
taken under cloudy skies. The light is dull with little sparkle and nothing much grabs your attention. |
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If you open [Level correction] and check
the histogram, you will see that the ?mountains・are bunched to the left and that there re almost
no highlights. |
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In ?input level,・grab the Highlight
slider and move it to the foot of the ?mountain.・br>
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Operating the Highlight slider
makes the image brighter and highlights (the white ship, lighter buildings, bright sky area, etc.)
sparkle. If you check the corrected histogram, you will see that the ?mountain・has expanded toward
the highlight end. |
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Take the corrected image and apply further correction
with the Mid-range slider. The change will be quite noticeable. |
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This is the image and histogram
before the Mid-range (gray) slider is adjusted. Try moving the slider first toward the shadow end,
then toward the highlight end and check the results. |
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If the Mid-range slider is moved
to the shadow side and OK is clicked, the histogram will shift only the part of the range moved by
the slider to the highlight side. As a result, the highlights increase and the image becomes brighter. |
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If the Mid-range slider is moved
to the highlight side and the OK is clicked, the histogram will shift only the part of the range
moved by the slider to the shadow side. As a result, the amount of shadow increases and the image
becomes darker. |
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![These supplementary functions are used during retouching.]](../../images/reference/function/menu_photo_e.jpg)
