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RobMW8994609
Known Participant
April 20, 2021
Answered

New User Darken Background

  • April 20, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 639 views

Hello All,

   I am trying to learn Photoshop, I have the $9.95 subscription.  I am a amature photographer and wonder if there is a way in Photoshop to darken the background.  I have seen videos on how to blur the background, but I would like to darken it just a little bit.  I don't want to totally change it to a different color. Thanks for your help.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Bob_Hallam

    Use Select / Subject then possible go into Select and Mask to adjust the mask edges as needed. 

    Then go to brightness contrast or Levels or curves (Whatever you choose) and darken the background to your taste.  

    2 replies

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    April 20, 2021

    If you post the image we will be able to help further but the basic steps are :

    1. Select the area you want to darken - the best tool to do that depends on the image

    2. Add a curves adjustment layer (this will be added with a mask so that the adjustment only affects the area you selected)

    3. In the properties panel grab the centre of the curve and pull it downwards

    4. (Optional) Paint on the mask with white to extend the area affected by the adjustment or black to reduce the area affected

     

    Dave

      R
      RobMW8994609Author
      Known Participant
      April 20, 2021
      Thanks for replying so fast.
      I have this picture of this Black Crowned Night Heron. I think that if I could darken the background a little that the bird would stand out a little more.
      Just trying to learn how to make my wildlife photos stand out a little more and not look fake.


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      Bob_Hallam
      Bob_HallamCorrect answer
      Legend
      April 20, 2021

      Use Select / Subject then possible go into Select and Mask to adjust the mask edges as needed. 

      Then go to brightness contrast or Levels or curves (Whatever you choose) and darken the background to your taste.  

      ICC programmer and developer, Photographer, artist and color management expert, Print standards and process expert.
        Leslie Moak Murray
        Community Expert
        Leslie Moak MurrayCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        April 20, 2021

        Can you post a screenshot of the background you're taking about? Not seeing it, I can tell you there are different ways of going about it if it's what I think it is. One would be:

        -Duplicate the photo (always retain an untouched version in case you mess up)

        -Set the duplicate to "Multiply."  Play with the opacity slider until it looks right.

        -Using a soft eraser, erase the areas you want to keep lighter.

        ---

        R
        RobMW8994609Author
        Known Participant
        April 20, 2021
        Thanks for replying so fast.
        I have this picture of this Black Crowned Night Heron. I think that if I could darken the background a little that the bird would stand out a little more.
        Just trying to learn how to make my wildlife photos stand out a little more and not look fake.



        Sent from Outlook
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