Using Levels {Photoshop Elements Tutorial}

One of the things I do the most in Photoshop Elements is adjust the levels on a picture. So I'm here today to show you how!

I store my photos in iPhoto. When I decide which one I want to edit I begin by creating a duplicate. (right click...duplicate)

Then I click on the second image and click edit (I have the preferences set to take the photo into PSE when I click edit)

I start by selecting the crop tool.
 

Since I know I'll likely be using the photo for scrapping I crop it to 4x6.

To adjust the levels create a new adjustment layer. In the bottom right corner click on the black and white circle and choose levels.

An adjustments window will open.

It helps to have a bell curve. If there is a space between the end of the black hills and the white triangle I drag the white triangle to the edge of the black hills.

But the most important adjustment I make is lightening the mid-tones. Drag the gray triangle until the photo looks good to your eye.

I usually adjust until I can see the lights in the eyes.

The more you drag to the left the lighter it gets.

The farther you go to the right the darker the photo gets.

Sometimes adjusting the levels washes out your color a bit. To fix this I select the background layer in the layers palette.

Then go to enhance...adjust color...remove color cast.

This box will pop up. Use the eye dropper to select an area of your photo that is white. With people I typically try to select the whites of their eyes.

However on this photo that made things way too green.

So I tried my son's teeth and that brought back a nice skin tone. Then click ok.

Now that I have my levels where I want them it's time to flatten the image. Right click...flatten.

I also like to add some contrast. Usually I just auto contrast.

And save as your image.

I don't rename my photo I just click save.

And I replace. (which is fine to do since I am editing on a duplicate not the original)

And here is a side by side comparison of my before and after.