How to Correct too much flash on the face?

[cargo123]

I am working on some wedding pictures in PS. There are a few pictures where the brides face is too shiny from the flash. Any recommendations on correcting. I tried to use the patch tool, but that created blotches on the face.

Mike

[robertwgross]

I would say, next time move the camera and flash back away from the subject, pay attention to the exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, and especially the histogram.

You are shooting RAW, aren't you?

---Bob Gross---

[aam1234]

New layer, then choose "multiply" from the drop down menu. Tweak opacity to your liking.

It works nicely for overexposed photos and it takes something like 30 seconds to do.

[cargo123]

I am not shooting in RAW. Is that a mistake?

[Hellashot]

I am not shooting in RAW. Is that a mistake?

Yes, especially for someone shooting a wedding. With JPG you're stuck with the corrections the camera make at the point of caputure and they will not be as good of corrections as can be applied in post processing.

[lostdoggy]

And here comes the JPEG shooter affectionatos!!! HeHeHe

[Vetteography]

New layer, then choose "multiply" from the drop down menu. Tweak opacity to your liking.

It works nicely for overexposed photos and it takes something like 30 seconds to do.

Learn something new every day!

[scottbergerphoto]

Using a new layer as Multiply is a great tool. To make it better, you can add a Layer Mask. The reason for this is that flash overexposure usually doesn't affect the entire photo.
1. Make Copy of Background Layer and set mode to multiply. Keep this layer active.
2. Make the foreground color black on the left by the tool palate.
3. Click on the Add New Layer Mask icon while holding the Alt key. This hides the Multiply Layer.
4. Make the foreground color white.
5. Take a soft brush from the Tool Palate and paint in the parts of the multiply layer that you want.

[Hellashot]

I've found you really don't need to do anything with layers, or even need RAW. In PSE if you have blown out areas, darken the highlights, lighten the shadows then at the end raise the midtone contrast and you're done! Maybe need to adjust the saturation at the end.

[PacAce]

I would say, next time move the camera and flash back away from the subject, pay attention to the exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, and especially the histogram.

You are shooting RAW, aren't you?

---Bob Gross---
And don't point the flash directly at the face. Bounce it off the ceiling or use a diffuser attachment.