Expand Shadow and Highlight Detail
This recipe increases detail in shadows and highlights by making
a mask to reduce contrast. This process works a bit like an automated
'Dodge & Burn' tool by opening up the shadows and holding back the highlights.
Normally you would use this recipe after adjusting the Levels (or using
Auto Contrast).
This is a very simple process, just follow the steps. Try changing
the blend mode to Soft Light, Hard Light or Multiply. Varying the opacity
can be useful. Once you are comfortable with the results, the Effect
is much faster.
Thanks to Tony Martorano for this tip in the April 2002 issue of Australian
Camera.