Shadows can present us with quite a few problems but there is a way we can bring back the detail in a few very simple steps.
This is using Photoshop Elements but it is just as easy to follow in all versions of Photoshop.
Our original image was taken at an re-enactment event on a sunny day. This has resulted in our subject's eyes being left in the shadows.
Selecting the Free Hand lasso from the tool box we draw around the area of the shadow.
With our selection completed the next job is to soften or feather the selection. This will give us a smoother transition between the highlights and shadow area. From the Select menu choose Feather and enter a Radius of 3 pixels. Try experimenting with this figure if you are working on larger areas.
Our next job is to copy our selection Edit > Copy and Edit > Paste this will paste our selection to a new layer. Try the short cuts Ctrl C and Ctrl V
Now for the magic - from the blend mode on the layers palette select Screen and what a difference just as if we used a fill flash !!
At this stage it can look rather bright and unnatural so using the Opacity slider we can reduce the amount, in this case to 74%.
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| Before | After |
Don't forget this same technique can be used on any area that may be in shadow. You may have to vary the amount you Feather the selection but it will certainly bring the details out.
