Bring the opacity down until the elements where the Dodge tool has been applied appear more natural (usually at about 40%).Click on elements that need highlighting, but be careful not to overuse the Dodge tool as it can make some photos appear grainy.In the layer menu toggle the Opacity to 100% so it is easier to recognize adjustments.Use the Dodge tool lightly at about 5% exposure.Above the image next to Range: bring the drop-down menu to Highlights-the Dodge tool is specifically for the recreation of Highlights.Select the Dodge tool represented by an Icon that looks like a lollipop.In the layer menu, toggle the Opacity to 100% so it is easier to recognize adjustments.Create a duplicate layer by clicking Layers > Duplicate Layer.The Burn Tool is specifically for the recreation of shadow. Above the image, next to Range: bring the drop-down menu to Shadows.Select the Burn Tool represented by an icon that looks like a hand where the fingers and thumb are making an ‘O’.Recreating Lost Shadows Using the Burn Tool When finished, hit Control+E (Command+E on Mac) to merge Clone Stamp and Working Layer.This tool can also be used to smooth spot healing anomalies by Alt+clicking a cloneable part of the image and then carefully smoothing these portions by clicking on them with the brush.If necessary, use the opacity toggle (found above the image) to adjust the opacity of the brush and reduce the stark look of any changes.The brush will use the cloned part of the image to effectively erase a line or crack. Release Alt and then carefully apply the brush by clicking on a part you would like to change.

This will clone that portion (you will see a target appear).

While holding the Alt button, click on a clean part of the image near a line or anomaly.

On the brush menu, soften your brush by toggling the hardness slider to 0%.

Above the image, where it says “Sample”, choose “Current Layer” in the drop-down menu.

Click on the Clone Stamp tool represented by an icon that looks like a hand stamp.

Name this layer “Clone Stamp” and click OK.Create a duplicate layer of the working layer by clicking Layers > Duplicate Layer.This may cause discoloration in some areas but this can easily be fixed.Įrasing Lines or Cracks With Clone Stamp Tool Place the Spot Healing tool over any specks of dust and click to remove them.Use a round brush and toggle the hardness slider to 75%.The size depends on the size of your photo and how detailed you need it. Select a small brush size from the brush menu.You may want to adjust the zoom to isolate small patches (zoom can be adjusted in bottom left corner). Press control (or command) and + to zoom in.Above the image click the box next to the words “Content-Aware”.Go to the Spot Healing tool represented by a band-aid on the control panel.Removing Dust and Scratches with Spot Healing Toggle the Hue and Saturation sliders until you reach the desired effect.The Hue/Saturation dialogue box will appear.Go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation.Select the shadows radio button and highlights radio button and repeat this process.Adjust color using the sliders until you have the desired effect.Make sure the “Preserve Luminosity” box is checked to maintain the brightness and contrast that was just established.The Color Balance dialogue box will appear.Go to Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.In the Layer menu, click on the Working Layer image layer.Hit Control+E (or Command+E on Mac) to merge the Brightness/Contrast adjustment and image layer.

Find the contrast setting that works best for the image.It will create higher and lower distinctions between the colors. Find the Brightness setting that makes the image as clear as possible.Toggling one way will increase light and minimize darkness, though be careful as too much one way or the other may wash out an image. Toggle the slider to change the brightness of the image.The Brightness and Contrast Dialogue box will appear.Name the new layer Brightness/Contrast 1 and click OK.Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness and Contrast.Click any other tool to finish the crop and click Yes to confirm.Click and drag to select the amount of image you want to keep within the dotted lines.If borders are ragged, use the Crop tool represented by an icon that looks like a square where the sides continue past the borders.When prompted, name this layer “Working Layer” so you do not confuse the original image.

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