lighting up the backround

[pete1606]

When I make the backround ligther in a picture, when it is too dark the colors looked washed out is there a better way? I use photoshop, and I use the maginetic lasso to select the area I want to lighten then I use the brightness adjuster.

Thanks
Peter

 

[reg]

That's what "brightness" does, it makes colors look washed out.

It would be much easier to just properly expose the shot to begin with.

 

[dkf10425]

Yes, there are many better ways. Learn how to use curves and levels adjustment layers. Shadow/highlight with layer mask can help in certain situations. Don't use a lasso use your black and white brushes with the curves/levels adjustment layers to selectively paint.