Harsh Light Fix

[NickP]

I had posted a question on FB-Lightroom & Photoshop regarding several images I had taken as a favor to a friend and the results having a harsh glare and a fix.  A member here suggested that I ask the same question here.  The image is the jpg however I do have PS and LR and the image in need is in RAW.  I have reviewed multiple vids but am at a impasse for now.  Any and all help is appreciated.

 

Nick

[Damien Symonds]

Before we explore more complex fixes, let's not ignore the easy solution that might exist - do you have another photo of his head, at the correct size and angle, that might be suitable for a swap?

[Damien Symonds]

Nick, are you still there?

[NickP]

No sir, I don't have any facial representations that would properly exchange with the present condition/issue.  Sorry about the delay in answering - power outage in the mountains.

[Damien Symonds]

Ah, too bad.  Never mind, we'll have to try it the hard way.

Do you mind sending me the raw file?

[NickP]

Sure, it's big though.

[Damien Symonds]

This is the best I can manage.  Would it be acceptable?

[NickP]

Very nice!  How did you do it?

[Damien Symonds]

Glad you like it!

It was a mix of Channel Mixer, Levels, and a few other things.

So, can you go ahead and process your raw file as normal  (without any highlight clipping in his face, this is really important), then post your photo again, and a close crop similar to mine.  Then I'll see what I can do.

[NickP]

I'm confused.  You want me to send you another copy of the file?  All they wanted was to reduce the glare and they will be happy but if you need another file sent I can.

[Damien Symonds]

No, no, just post it here.

Once you've done your raw processing properly, I'll show you how you can fix the bright area.

[NickP]

OK, I'll work on it tomorrow, Thanks!

 

[Damien Symonds]

Just to clarify, the issue is Point #5 here:

I can't help you with the raw processing part here, I'm afraid.  You have to do that by yourself, then I'll help you with the face.

[Damien Symonds]

How did you go?

[NickP]

Been out with bad back.  First chance to even sit up.  Will try tomorrow.

[NickP]

[Damien Symonds]

No, sorry mate, you'll have to do a lot better than that, there's a lot of clipping at both ends.

To start, do this.

[NickP]

I guess it's a no go then.  I have no clue what you want me to do.  Thanks.

[Damien Symonds]

Well, have you fixed your colour space?

[NickP]

Let me do this real simple like - I previously mentioned I had no idea of what you wanted me to do yet you came back with another question.  All I use is Light Room to do very minor adjustments.  My knowledge of it is minimal.  I can google with the very best of them but have little patience to do so when I don't really know what I'm looking for.  So, with that said and if I haven't run ya off, in English and terminology I can understand one last time.

[Damien Symonds]

Let's take it one step at a time.  First, this: http://www.damiensymonds.net/color-space-settings-for-the-lightroom-user.html

Also, for later, this: http://www.damiensymonds.net/bridge-30-day-challenge

[Christina Keddie]

2 hours ago, NickP said:

Let me do this real simple like - I previously mentioned I had no idea of what you wanted me to do yet you came back with another question.  All I use is Light Room to do very minor adjustments.  My knowledge of it is minimal.  I can google with the very best of them but have little patience to do so when I don't really know what I'm looking for.  So, with that said and if I haven't run ya off, in English and terminology I can understand one last time.

Do follow the two steps Damien just gave you.  But just so you know -- he gave you a link above ("To start, do this"), and that hyperlinked "this" gives you an incredibly detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to fix your color space.

[NickP]

I hope I did it right.  I followed your directions so it should be good.

[Damien Symonds]

Excellent.

So now, as long as you have soft-proofing turned on while editing, your histogram will be accurate and you'll be able to edit without the clipping in his face.

[NickP]

Clipping?