Photoshop - Selected area control question

Question

Photoshop - How do I make an area I selected lighter or darker in just that area without affecting the rest of the image? I'm working with Triptychs and just want to lighten the images and not the grey (chosen) background.

Answer 1

Create a New Fill/Adjustment Layer to Change Images and Not Background

Here's another option to edit the images of your triptych. In this example, we have 4 layers - 3 images and a grey background.

We will first add an adjustment layer and use the sliders to adjust the brightness of all layers. Next, we will use the "clip to layer" button to attach the adjustment layer only to the image directly below it.

Finally, we will group all the images, add a new adjustment layer, and clip the adjustment layer to the group of images. You are now able to make adjustments without impacting the background.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

This is simple. With the area of the image selected, got to the Image menu an the top bar.

Image>Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast

You'll see a dialogue box with a two sliders- brightness and contrast.

Move the Brightness up, but make sure to work with the contrast so you don't lose necessary details that can become washed out.

Most of the tools in the Image and Filters menu can be used on a single selection within an image. Try this ion another image and have fun!- William