BetterPhoto Q&A
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery		Levels & Curves; PSElements or not Hi folks... been reading a bit here about Curves adjustments in PS. I'm on PSE2 and only seem to have Levels adjustments (with RGB plus individual channels.) Can someone explain the Curves feature and uses, and how it differs from the Levels? I did a quick search in Q&A here, but didn't turn up much fast. Also, when does Curves appear in Photoshop software releases? (ie, Elements 3, 4, or only "full-blown" Photoshop?) Thanks! To love this question, log in above January 17, 2006

John P. Sandstedt		Curves was included in Photoshop 5.0 and higher. PSE, which was the younger "sister" did not have Curves. And, Curves is not included in PSE 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0. It affords a lot more control when you're trying to adjust contrast and I wish it was included in PSE. But, I'm not sure that this difference makes the $400+ price differential worthwhile. I lost Photoshop 5.0 when my own computer crashed. I did not have a copy of my program CD so I've been using PSE - with success. Still I'd love Curves! To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery		Thanks, John! That helps... Levels have been helpful, but many times I think they just aren't adjusting what I'd like to adjust--sounds like Curves picks up that slack. I guess I need to find someone with PS 5+ and play with an image or two, to see the effects, before deciding on that kind of pricey plunge! To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

Kerry L. Walker		I really like Curves. Got plenty of them myself. They are just in the wrong places and going the wrong direction. To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

- Sherry Stricklin Boles Contact Sherry Stricklin Boles Sherry Stricklin Boles's Gallery		Hi, Christopher, I use Elements2 also. I downloaded a free curves plugin. It probably isn't as great as PS5+, but I have used it quite a bit. Here is the link: http://www.mehdiplugins.com/english/curves.htm To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

Pete H		There is a "add on" for Elements that will give you "curves." It's free..I'll try to locate the link. Wish I could draw you a picture, so much more easily explained. Curves, allow MUCH finer control over Levels. It is far from just a contrast adjustment. In it's most basic form, curves allow one to adjust only portions of an image, whereas levels adjusts the entire image, or one of the three color channels. Consider a photo, where perhaps you have mountains, some are snow covered, some have green pine trees. Your exposure of the snow is great, but the trees look a little washed out. Curves will allow you to adjust only the trees and not touch the snow. With curves, one can "isolate" nearly any color, and gradation of grey from full black to full white. All image points are rendered on the 0-255 scale in digital, so there are instances when you do NOT want to touch; let's say anything between 0-47 and 220-255..and you only want to adjust the values between 47-220..This is accomplished by defining two points on the curve scale. Curves are NOT easy to master, and are probably in my opinion, one of the hardest areas to master in PS. Pete PS:There are tons of uses for curves, but it would require a book to describe them all. To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery		Thank you all for your great answers! I like what I hear... Pete, let me know if you find that download, if it is different than the one Sherry mentions... Would love one that allowed end-user control (vs. presets). Also, if you have any book or class recommendations that delve into Levels & Curves... or is it truly trial-and-error learning? (Which I'm happy to do, and all too familiar with!) To love this comment, log in above January 17, 2006

Pete H		Here is the free curve plugin. http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/photoshop-elements-curves.html Trial & error is ok most of the time..although it does prolong the learning "curve." (Pun intended) LOL Many books have chapters devoted to curves, but I have not seen one devoted entirely to curves. A google search will reveal a lot of info on Photoshop curves. Pete To love this comment, log in above January 18, 2006

chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery		Thanks again! Will give it a try... To love this comment, log in above January 19, 2006

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