I shot a metal bracket on a grey backdrop but the seam and shadow make it read like a set piece. I have two hours: tel…
Use the Lasso Tool to carefully select the face, then apply a Brightness/Contrast adjustment only to that selection. This keeps the rest of the image unchanged, guiding viewers' eyes directly to the subject.
A photojournalist often does this to highlight the interviewee in news photos, ensuring the focus stays on the main person.
Apply this technique when you want to draw attention to a specific part of a photo, such as a person's face during a portrait or an important object in a scene.
For example, a portrait photographer might brighten the subject's face after an initial edit to make sure viewers look at the eyes first.
Use soft, feathered selections to isolate the face, then adjust brightness or exposure gently. Avoid harsh edges or over-brightening, which can look fake.
A camera operator or commercial photographer might do this to keep the focus on their model’s face while keeping the background soft.
Overdoing the brightening can create an unnatural look, making the subject stand out too much or look pasted in.
A graphic designer or retoucher might accidentally do this, so it's important to compare before and after and keep adjustments subtle.
Photojournalists frequently use this method when editing photos for news stories, to ensure the main person catches the viewer’s eye immediately.
AI can suggest automatic selections or brightness adjustments, but always review to avoid unnatural effects. Manual fine-tuning ensures natural results.
A photo editor or retoucher might rely on AI for efficiency but should double-check the focus area for accuracy and realism.
It targets only the face or subject, not the whole image, to guide viewers’ attention without changing the background.
For example, a commercial photographer might brighten the model’s face specifically during retouching, rather than globally increasing exposure.