Levels and curves?

Is there a correct way to adjust the levels and curves or do you do it until you like the results? I know each pic is different but im not to sure how they both work.

do it until you like what you see

Curves are said to be a more delicate approach to adjustments, while levels is a bit less delicate. Rather similar approaches, one being gentle and the other a bit of a bash. Curves is more advanced and you should take some time to learn some technique as I believe it is less *invasive* to your image. You can *test* areas of an image and see them in the curves interface so you know where to adjust... there is a learning curve.

Until you really know the answer to your own question, I'd recommend principally using Levels.

Adjust the end (shadow and highlight) sliders first, taking care not to "clip" data - ie blow out highlights and fill in shadows. The histogram tells you if you are doing so.

Then adjust the middle (midtone) slider for satisfactory lightness.

Basically, Curves does the same thing, but without the histogram to tell you if you're destroying detail.

Thanks. I have tried to learn how to read the histogram but it's so confusing to me. I also read something about levels but im still not sure if im adjusting it right.

Hey TeriD, nice to see another local. If you are interested PM me and we could get together and I could maybe give you a few pointers.

Bruce

Hey Bruce, Didn't know anyone here was from this area. Good to see a neighbor. Is that your vet in your avatar? It looks familuar. Are you located on the east or west side? I could defintly use some pointers, this photography is harder than it looks so I just might take you up on it.

A tip about using Curves or levels is to use them via an adjustment layer to erase/fine tune parts of the image later. Adjustment layers don't iincrease the file size.

Thanks IainB, I'll try that.

Damo77 wrote in post #3577968
...Basically, Curves does the same thing, but without the histogram to tell you if you're destroying detail.

Just to be precise, curves in CS3 does include a histogram and even has a box you can check to notify when clipping is occuring.

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Curves is more flexible, because you can set (up to eight IIRC) different points on the curve, which can be dragged: You determine what 'light level' you are changing.
In PSCS3 curves and older PS Levels, holding the Alt key while moving the "Input slider" will show a 'clipping mask' in the image.

In PS curves, Cmd clicking in the image (with the Curves adjustment layer open) puts a dot on the curve at the luminocity you are clicking.

Damo77 wrote in post #3577968
Until you really know the answer to your own question, I'd recommend principally using Levels.

Adjust the end (shadow and highlight) sliders first, taking care not to "clip" data - ie blow out highlights and fill in shadows. The histogram tells you if you are doing so.

Then adjust the middle (midtone) slider for satisfactory lightness.

Basically, Curves does the same thing, but without the histogram to tell you if you're destroying detail.

With levels, hold down the Alt key while you are moving the left and right sliders to see if your are blowing out highlights or losing shadow detail. It will show you where this is happening.

Yea, thats one of them. I am on the east side, near the new high school.

TeriD wrote in post #3578469
Hey Bruce, Didn't know anyone here was from this area. Good to see a neighbor. Is that your vet in your avatar? It looks familuar. Are you located on the east or west side? I could defintly use some pointers, this photography is harder than it looks so I just might take you up on it.

Look at this site for some easy to understand curves and levels information.
http://www.bairartedit​ions.com/pages/tutoria​ls/photoshop/
It cleared up a lot of questions for me.

Thanks everyone and thanks for the link mprice.

Bruce I am pretty close to you, Im in between Lancaster Blvd and ave I off of 13th st