Add contrast to a photo

Add contrast to a photo using the Brightness/Contrast command.

The Brightness/Contrast command lets you increase the difference between the bright and dark areas of a photo, which in turn lets you see more detail and often makes the photo more realistic.

In the Layers palette, select the layer containing the image you want to change.

Choose Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast. Arrange the Brightness/Contrast dialog box so that you can see as much of the image as possible.

In the Brightness/Contrast dialog box, make sure Preview is selected.

Drag the Contrast slider to the right to increase contrast. Drag the Brightness slider to the right to increase Brightness.

When you are satisfied with the adjustment, click OK.

You can make all contrast adjustments on an adjustment layer, rather than directly to the image. Isolating your adjustments on a separate layer lets you experiment with the image without altering its actual pixels. Because the settings are on a separate layer, you can view the image with and without the adjustment by clicking the adjustment layer's eye icon . To adjust the contrast on a separate layer, choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast.