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2 quick ways to add contrast without touching the contrast slider

Aug 4, 2016 by Clinton lofthouse 6 Comments

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contrast

By now if you have ever seen any of my images you will know I am a big fan of contrast! I Like to crank that shizzle up to 11! haha

So this weeks article is going to be short and straight to the point (hooray I hear you shout!)

I am going to show you two quick ways to add contrast to your image, that give two different results! When I say quick, I dont mean fiddling around with curves. I literally mean a couple of clicks and we are done!

So method one is the duplicated layer contrast technique.

Open your image in Photoshop. Here I have an image that is need of a contrast boost.

1 before

All you have to do is hold down CTRL + J to duplicate the layer.

Next, change your layer blend mode to soft light, and boom instant contrast. If the effect is too strong just lower the opacity a little.

This method is good for using on painterly, stylised images.

1 after

Using the same image, I will now show you method number two. The de-saturated contrast technique. Again open your image in Photoshop.

Create a black and white adjustment layer. Yes I know, your image is now black and white. All you have to do is again switch your blend mode to soft light. And once again you have contrast, only this time it is a de-saturated contrast.

This method is good for use on gritty, urban images.

2 afterAnd there you have it folks. Two extremely quick ways of adding contrast to your images.

If anyone knows any other quick contrast techniques be sure to share them in the comments. Thanks guys.

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

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Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: contrast, Photoshop, Quick Tip, retouching

Clinton lofthouse: from diyphotography.net

About Clinton lofthouse

Clinton Lofthouse is a Photographer, Retoucher and Digital Artist based in the United Kingdom, who specialises in creative retouching and composites. Proud 80's baby, reader of graphic novels and movie geek!
Find my work on My website or follow me on Facebook or My page

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