Increasing light in images

If you don't have much time and you see that your images are dark, how can you increase the light quickly and without too much of effort in Phortoshop? Here is an easy way to do it.

Step 1 : Here is a free stock image I have chosen. You can download it from here

Step 2 : Press CTRL+J to duplicate the Background Layer. A new Layer1 forms.

Step 3 : Click the New Fill or Adjustment Layer button. Fom the popup click on Levels.

Step 4 : The Levels dialogue box comes up.

Step 5 : Keep ALT pressed. Click on the white slider.

Step 6 : The image turns Black.

Step 7 : Keeping the ALT pressed drag the White slider towards the left. Colored spots or streak will appear. It means that the colors are being clipped. Drag the slider towards the right in such a case till the colored spots and streaks disappear.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+E. A new Layer 2 forms.

Step 9 : Right click Layer 2 and click on Convert to Smart Object.

Step 10 : The layer has been converted into a Smart Object.

Step 11 : Go to Image>Adjustments>Shadows/Highlights.

Step 12 : The Shadows/Highlights dialogue box opens. Set the Amount to 30 and the Radius to 50. I am not changing the other settings. Click OK.

This is how the image looks.

Step 13 : Click the Layer Mask below Layer2.

Step 14 : Make sure the the Foreground/Background Colors are set to Black and White. If not press x and then d.

Step 15 : Press ALT+BACKSPACE. The Mask fills with Black.

Step 16 : Press b on the keyboard to bring up the Brush Tool. To make the brush larger press ] (right bracket). To make it smaller press [ (left bracket).