Preparing the Document

In this page, we’ll create the two contrast adjustment layers. One will be for the highlights of the image and the other for the shadows.

Step 1

Open a photo you would like to edit. Or, you may use the photo used in this tutorial (from iStockPhoto).

Image from iStockPhoto.com

Step 2

Duplicate the layer (Layer> Duplicate Layer or Ctrl+J) and add a layer mask to the new layer (Layer> Add Layer Mask> Reveal All).

Duplicated Layer with Layer Mask

Step 3

Make sure the layer mask is activated. The thumbnail of the layer mask in the layers window should have a white border around it. If it doesn’t, click on the thumbnail to activate the layer mask.

Step 4

With the layer mask selected, open the Apply Image tool (Image> Apply Image). The default settings should be fine so you may simply click OK if the settings are default: Layer: Merged Channel: RGB Invert: Unchecked Blending: Multiply Opacity: 100%

The Apply Image tool

Step 5

Duplicate the current layer (Layer> Duplicate Layer or Ctrl+J).

Duplicated Layer

Step 6

Activate the layer mask of the top layer. Make sure the layer mask is activated. The thumbnail of the layer mask in the layers window should have a white border around it. If it doesn’t, click on the thumbnail to activate the layer mask.

Step 7

With the layer mask activated, Invert (Image> Adjustments> Invert or Ctrl+I).

Inverted Layer Mask

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