Increasing Contrast in Photoshop

Pradip Chowdhury
Sometimes an image seems to lack contrast. Do you use the Brightness and Contrast to increase contrast? There is a simple way to increase contrast in any version of Photoshop. It can be done quickly and does not need special expertise.

The contrast of this image has been increased. The original is below.

Step 1 : I will be using this stock image. You will find it here

It belongs to Lady-Lilith666-Stock

Step 2 : Duplicate the Background Layer by pressing CTRL+J. Layer 1 forms.

Step 3 : Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

Step 4 : In the Gaussian Blur dialogue box set a high Radius depending on your image. I have set the Radius at 10. Click OK.

The image looks like this.

Step 5 : Change the Blend Mode to Soft Light from Normal.

The image looks like this. The contrast has increased, but some of the details like the hair and the pleats of the skirt are difficult to make out. That will be fixed in a moment.

Step 6 : Click the New Layer icon. A new Layer 2 forms.

Step 7 : The Foreground/Background Colors are set the default Black/White.

Step 8 : Press CTRL+BACKSPACE to fill with the Background Color which is White. Layer 2 fills with White. The layers below cannot be seen.

Step 9 : Lower the Opacity of Layer 2 to 3%.

The image looks like this.

Step 10 : With Layer 2 highlighted, click on Layer 1. Both layers are highlighted.

Step 11 : Press CTR+G. The two layers are now in Group 1 layer.

Step 12 : Click the Layer Mask icon. A layer mask forms on Group 1 layer.

Step 13 : Press b for the Bush Tool. Press SHIFT+[ (square bracket) a number of times to make the Brush soft. To increase the size of the Brush press ] (right square bracket) and to decrease it [ (left square bracket).