half of photo is in a shadow

[JordanF98765]

Is there any way to level out a photograph where half of the content is obscured by a shadow?

This is the offending photo: http://picasaweb.google.com/jfeldstein/ ... 5752719378

I would like to make my brother a larger print of it for when he moves away this summer, but it would be nice to reduce the shadow if it's possible.

Thanks for any tips,
Jordan

[Medley]

1) Try using the Shadow/Highlight command

2) Duplicate the background, set the blend mode to 'screen', and use a layer mask to single out the shadows.

3) In this case, since the bottom of the wall is a pinkish hue, try using the Hue/Saturation command to lighten the red/magenta channels.

I played with the image for a bit, and here's what I came up with:

The original, for comparison:


Best I could do with the time I have. You may be able to do better. Also, my webhosting site reduced this to 800x577. If you want the original size file, post or PM me your e-mail adress, and I'll send it to you.

Hope this helps!

-Medley.

[Isick]

I find that the best fix is the manual one. That is to say, tinker with the selection tool and feather settings and manually increase lighting in dark spots and decrease contrast in bright spots. It will take some time, but in the end it will give you the most dramatic results.

[JordanF98765]

Thanks guys, the shadow/highlight tool seems to fit what I need. I'm not doing anything professional, and its fast enough to make images presentable for what I need.

[CopperDesk]

... and here is my version:)