Blown Highlights...how to fix?

[Scottie137]

This is my first post, not sure if it should be in here or the PP section, so mods, feel free to move it. Second of all, let me say this is an excellent site. I have been playing around with some of the tips and reading many of the how tos and have been pleasantly surprised at the friendly attitude exhibited on here! Now to my question: How do I keep the highlights on my Daughters face from being blown out in future shots like this, and how can I potentially fix it, if I can at all. I have PSE5 have and have access to CS2 at work. I have some theories, 1) Use multi metering instead of center weighted, 2) Underexpose the shots by a stop, 3) Get a ND filter. But, I am a camera newbie and even more of a newbie with PP. I'll certainly be open to criticism of the shot itself, but am most concerned about the overexposed area right around the cheeks. Thanks for any feedback, advice, criticism!!!


http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e4...g?t=1176036743


* File size: 162121 bytes
* File date: 2007:04:08 06:46:54
* Camera make: PENTAX Corporation
* Camera model: PENTAX K100D
* Date/Time: 2007:03:10 17:08:54
* Resolution: 800 x 534
* Flash used: No
* Focal length: 80.0mm (35mm equivalent: 120mm)
* Exposure time: 0.125 s (1/8)
* Aperture: f/5.6
* ISO equiv.: 400
* Exposure bias: 1.00
* Whitebalance: Auto
* Metering Mode: center weight
* Exposure: Portrait Mode
* Exposure Mode: Auto bracketing

[stevesutt89]

Welkcome to the DPS Forums, Scottie137! I hope you find them as helpful as i have.

If you are not concerned about the rest of the photo appearing darker, you could set you camera to use multi-pattern exposure metering and before you take the picture, aim the camera so that the bright spot on your daughters cheek (or where ever it may be) is smack in the centre of the display. Then half depress the shutter button, which should set the camera exposure. Then, without letting go of the shutter button, align the shot and fully depress the sutter button. What this is doing is telling the camera that the bright spot in the middle of the photo is what you want exposed correctly, but turning it onto multi patterned metering means that the camera will not grossly under expose everything else just to get the centre properly exposed, rather it kind of moderates the whole process.

Setting the camera to under expose the shot by a stop would work in theory, but it is fiddly to do, and makes it difficult to get the exposure right (as you usually have to play around a bit to get it right). I would recomment the above method as I find it simpler and easier.

[jiminyClickit]

Scottie137,

What a stroke of luck to catch such overall expression of . . . concentration, daydreaming, or simple innocent wondering.

You can get the next one better with good technical advice (as in #2), and you can save this one. (I may have to add this to my signature as a disclaimer: I do all work using Adobe PhotoDeluxe, an early PhotoShop version. So descriptions are generic, and convert to PS with a little interpretation.)

When you do layering, it helps to desaturate most adjusting layers. I lighten first layer (not brighten), then reduce contrast as much as 50%. Almost like laying a translucent sheet of glass over original. Then I darken second layer and reduce contrast 50%. Third layer is higher contrast of color copy, saturate if needed. All of this is gradual, subtle change. You can sharpen generically each layer as you progress, and then tweak the original if needed.

Last layer is gradient mask, light center out to dark edges. Some distracting bright spots are removed. If I did it again, I'd lighten a little more. Ask questions for PhotoShop, lots of users here.

[Englishteacher]

Here is my attempt at saving the photo.



I used the eye dropper tool to choose a color close to the flesh tone that the over exposed areas should be. Then I used the art brush set to soft brush and a transparency of about 40%. With this set, I brushed the over exposed areas and blended them in with the natural flesh tones of the properly exposed areas.

Of course, this should really be done on a layer and flattened when the desired effect is achieved.

What do you all think?

[Scottie137]

Hey, thanks for the replies! I will definitely try some PP'ing with the suggestions given. As for luck catching the shot, unfortunately, it wasn't all that lucky. Just a DVD called "Robots". We don't let her watch regular TV, but she does get children's movies on a, probably, too frequent basis...

[jiminyClickit]

Scottie137,

I get that same look when anything connected to robots shows up!