Aitchess

followed your method to do the same with the background shadows and wrinkled fabric at the bottom, how does this shot seem?

I have saved too many versions I've confused myself. I think there is a matte layer that is darkening it, I removed it here.

I did not realize my default changed, I had just recently used it to test out ai features. Here is where I am now but I still think it is looking fake.

It was photoshop, I was working in beta. I updated photoshop 2024 and the sampling works now. Here's where I am stuck at.

nope, must have accidentally changed it, I reset it

I didn't think of that, this is the result

If I go back and forth figuring out the hex codes I can paste them into the gradient and achieve some grey...

no luck, the dropper won't pick up the grey, idk what I did wrong anymore. I sampled at the x for the far right color swatch...

Yes

I have used the gradient method before but, I have no clue what I'm doing wrong now. I cannot get the gradient colors to change to grey background when I use the sample tool. I'm so sorry I am struggling with what should be simple. I am tired from trying to figure out how to fix these on my own. 😭

when I use the mixer brush tool it is mixing the subject colors with the background, I'm having a total brain fart after being at the computer too long. How can I avoid this and just get the background shadows to lighten? Here is another example of what I am looking to fix.

Yes. Please if you have advice could you share which method you’d use and some guidance on accomplishing it?

Do you have a good tutorial for that which I could follow? I have quite a bit to work on.

Yes that looks much better! Now I need to figure out the best way to smooth the fabric, I tried with your tutorials on other posts with mediocre results