How to Edit This Photo to Fix Lighting

[dj_paige]

I took a photo of a model train layout using the on-camera flash on my Nikon D80. As you might expect, the distant parts of the train layout are too dark, and the closer parts are too light.

I thought I might be able to correct the lighting, so that the lighting is relatively uniform, by creating a gradient layer, but none of my attempts look good. Can someone explain how to use a gradient layer here to fix the lighting? Or can you suggest another way to fix the lighting in this photo?

Link to Photo (http://paiges-page.net/uploaded_images/DSC_4494.JPG)

[Karin Sue]

I tried using a gradient on levels adjustment layers. A levels layer each for foreground, background, and sign:


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1MJIZidTpNml4D4JZbaN2OM37uKVi1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1MJIZidTpNml4D4JZbaN2OM37uKVi1)

I turned off the foreground and background levels adjustment layers and added a black to white gradient layer set to overlay mode:

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1QLLaMfpxPhTg2thBnSWzV1AxA5dD_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1QLLaMfpxPhTg2thBnSWzV1AxA5dD)

Good question Paige. I learn new things everyday. I don't know if either of these approaches is what you need, but now I know how to do them.

[dj_paige]

I know what a levels adjustment layer is, but I don't know how you apply a gradient to that layer. I can put a gradient in a layer by itself.

[Karin Sue]

You know how you can paint with black & white on the mask in an adjustment layer to define what areas the adjustment applies to? Well you can apply a gradient the same way you use the paintbrush.

Click on the mask, then apply the gradient to image. You will see the gradient in the mask thumbnail. In the image you will see the effect of the adjustment layer as defined by the mask in the gradient.

[Daviskw]

Hi there

I used ACR and made a few copies of various exposures.... Then used a mask to apply as needed with big soft brushes.

I did not spend a lot of time with the track bed... I made and applied a quick pattern then cloned here and there as needed.

I added a background...not the best but vague and soft enough to blend. I made no fancy selections just used a mask and a brush to blend it in.

I got it a little too dark and not very even with the lighting...very hard to reduce the flash look.. the shadows are just too harsh and sharp.

Maybe reducing the blue in the track bed and a warming filter to look like a sunrise or set...help hide the glare

Butch

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1Hq2M1DvEVfMaA43XTqEAUaMibG5QF1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1Hq2M1DvEVfMaA43XTqEAUaMibG5QF1)


http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/13YkZKd3VQAhtr9PVZmzFy75YsDIC_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=13YkZKd3VQAhtr9PVZmzFy75YsDIC)

[dj_paige]

I like it! That's better than anything I could think of. Thanks to both of you!

[Karin Sue]

That's great Butch. I am going to have to learn how to do that.