Photoshop Elements >

Simulating Curves with a Gradient Map >

2 - Use the Gradient

By using a gradient map, you've got eleven points at which you can modify the exposure.

Be sure to check off as you go along.

1) Open a photograph.

2) Create a Gradient Map adjustment layer.

The Gradient Map window will open.

Select Dither.

Click OK to close the window.

3) Change the blending mode of the Gradient Map adjustment layer from Normal to Luminosity.

At the top of the layers stack, look for the unlabeled blending mode box.

It's to the left of the Opacity box.

The blending mode box probably has Normal inside.

Make sure the Gradient Map adjustment layer is active (highlighted) when you make the change.

4) Double click the Gradient Map layer thumbnail in the Gradient Map adjustment layer.

5) Click the gradient in the middle of the window to open the Gradient editor window.

6) Select the Curves Simulation Gradient.

7) Click any one of the color stops, hold, and slide it back-and-forth.

The exposure of a portion of your photograph will change.

The color stops to the left change the shadows.

In the middle, they change the midtones.

To the right, the color stops change the highlights.

Move one, or several.

When you click a color stop, small diamonds appear on either side of the stop.

You can slide these diamonds back-and-forth, too.

Reset

If you want to reset the color stops to their original positions, press and hold Alt.

The Cancel button changes to Reset.

Click Reset, and click the Curves Simulation Gradient.

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