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chmille · Nov 30, 2010

Okay well, I had a session this past weekend and of course they wanted to start the session around 2, which I wasn't too concerned about the sun and it was just nice to see it since it's been hiding for the past few weeks. Anyways, I started editing them and apparently I was more concerned about getting the two little kids to look, sit still and smile that I didn't realize I completely had a blow out spot on their faces. I don't think the client will complain but it's NOT okay by my own standards. So I've tried burning it in, but it's getting mucky and I've used the lasso and selected the blown out part and tried using the highlights/shadows tools. Is there anything else I can do? :S

KmH · Nov 30, 2010

It sounds like you shot in dappled sunlight?

Blown means there is no image data in that part of the image. If you shot it as a Raw data file, some of it may be recoverable using ACR.

If you shot it as a TIFF or JPEG, you will likely have to very carefully clone it over, and that still may not work.

What image editing software do you have to use. If it's Photoshop, which version and release level?

Post the image.

oldmacman · Nov 30, 2010

chmille said:
Okay well, I had a session this past weekend and of course they wanted to start the session around 2, which I wasn't too concerned about the sun and it was just nice to see it since it's been hiding for the past few weeks. Anyways, I started editing them and apparently I was more concerned about getting the two little kids to look, sit still and smile that I didn't realize I completely had a blow out spot on their faces. I don't think the client will complain but it's NOT okay by my own standards. So I've tried burning it in, but it's getting mucky and I've used the lasso and selected the blown out part and tried using the highlights/shadows tools. Is there anything else I can do? :S

You can try sampling the next closest light tone and paint it into the blown area. Be sure to do this on a separate layer. Use a soft brush with low opacity setting and stroke over the white area. Each new stroke with add a little more colour.

chmille · Dec 1, 2010

@ KmH: I shot in extreme day light and I should have known better. And yes I know that blown out means there is no information on that part of the images, and I've looked over it, there is no information on the images. Of course I shoot in RAW and I have Lightroom3 and Photoshop CS5.

@oldmacman: I tried to sample and clone over at a really low opacity to give it some color, but I wasn't very successful. I think I may have to just suck it up and if they hate them then, offer to redo their session.