How to Fix Overexposed Areas in Photoshop

Do you think your images look too dark or overexposed? Regardless of what caused these problems (bad weather or incorrect camera settings), you probably want to know how to fix overexposed areas in Photoshop. Below, I will tell you about 4 most effective and relevant methods.

Method 1. Fix Overexposed Areas in Photoshop with Smart Filters

Are you a beginner trying to figure out how to get rid of overexposure in your photos? Would you like sunsets in images to become less bright and unnaturally white? Then check out these quick methods of how to fix these issues in Photoshop. STEP 1. Download a photo and add a new layer.

STEP 2. At the top, find and select "Filter" - "Convert for Smart Filters" and click "OK".

STEP 3. Add a Shadow/Highlights adjustment layer. Select "Image" - "Adjustments" -"Shadows/Highlights" to access the settings.

STEP 4. If there are dark areas in your photo, and you need to lighten them. You should adjust the "Shadows" parameter in the pop-up window.

STEP 5. Drag the “Highlights” slider to make the details visible. STEP 6. To change other parameters such as exposure, blacks, whites and contrast you need to open "Show More Options". STEP 7. Done. Now merge the layers and save the photo.

If you have tons of photos but lack time to fix overexposed areas, you can turn to professional retouchers and delegate the task to them.

Method 2. Fix Overexposed with Brightness Contrast Adjustment Layer

STEP 1. Upload your image and go to the "Layers" panel.

STEP 2. Click on the "New Fill or Adjustment Layer" icon in the bottom part of the Layers panel and select the “Brightness/contrast” correction layer.

STEP 3. In a new menu, lower “Brightness” and rise contrast.

STEP 4. If you aren’t satisfied with the result of setting adjustment, right-click on the layer and select “Blending Options”.

STEP 5. Use the screen as a reference, press Alt, click on the bottom slider to split it and move one part to the right. STEP 6. Done. Merge the layers and save the photo.

Method 3. Fix Overexposed Areas in Photoshop with Overlay Adjustment Layer

STEP 1. Download your picture and go to the "Layers" panel.

STEP 2. Click "New Fill or Adjustment Layer" at the bottom and select "Levels" from the drop-down list.

STEP 3. If you want to darken an image, then change the parameter in the "Multiply" blending mode. The "Screen" mode is suitable for too dark photos.

STEP 4. If you’ve applied an adjustment layer you noticed that the image looks too bright or dull, use the "Opacity" options. I recommend setting the value to 50-65%.

STEP 5. If you like this effect and want to leave it only on the bright part of the image, double-click on the layer and use the Alt key to split the slider. Then, move one of its parts to the right like in the example. STEP 6. Done. Merge the layers and save the photo.

METHOD 4. Fix Overexposed with Camera Raw Filter

STEP 1. Upload a RAW photo.

STEP 2. Select “Filter” – “Camera Raw Filter”.

STEP 3. Find the “Dehaze” and “Highlights” sliders and move them to adjust the settings. You can use the same settings as in the screenshots. STEP 4. Done, save the photo.

FAQ about Fixing Overexposed Areas in Photoshop

• What's the difference between correcting overexposed JPEG and RAW photos? You can improve a RAW photo in the CameraRAW module. • Can I use my action to fix overexposed areas? Yes, this action can be automated. But you should first learn how to create an action in Photoshop to avoid further possible problems. • What format is the best to save edited pictures? JPEG images are suitable for publishing on the net and social networks. You only need to choose the right size. However, if you want to continue image editing in the future, then you can choose a PSD format. • What should I do if my version of Photoshop doesn’t have adjustment layers as shown in the example tutorial? You are likely to use an older version of the software. Check out the quick guide to get the latest free Photoshop version.

BONUS Tools

How to Brighten Photos in Photoshop (in 60 Seconds!)

Even though design and photography are essential elements of a great website, I’ve noticed that many bloggers and business owners feel unnerved about using Photoshop. Today, I have a tutorial that even the most inexperienced Photoshop user could do, and it comes with pretty gorgeous results! I will be showing you how to brighten photos as well as other quick tips for making your photos pop. And by quick, I mean quick. You will have a prettified photo in 60 seconds or less (and guess what: good photos means more clients, more followers, more engagement!)

If you look at the graphic above, the photo on the left is what the image looked like straight out of the camera. It’s a little dark and dingy, isn’t it? Now, we’re going to brighten and color correct it to create that beautiful, vivid photo on the right!

1. Use “Curves” in Photoshop to brighten photos

There are a few ways to brighten your photos, but first we’ll start with “Curves.” To access Curves in Photoshop, you can either go to Image >> Adjustments >> Curves, or press “command” and “M” at the same time. A little graph will pop up, like the one below. To brighten your photo, just drag the line on the graph slightly higher, similar to what mine looks like below. You don’t need to drag it very far to start seeing great results! When you like the brightness, click “OK.”

Quick Tip: If you’re not seeing any changes, then make sure the “Preview” button is checked.

Related: How to Create a Clipping Mask in Photoshop (And Why It’s Great For Bloggers!)

2. Adjust the brightness.

This one seems like a no-brainer, right? To get brighter photos, adjust the brightness! To find this tool, go to Image >> Adjustments >> Brightness/Contrast. Then, drag the “brightness” scale a little to the right until you like the outcome. You can also adjust the contrast, if need be.

Related: How to Create a Hand-Lettered Blog Header (Without a Scanner!)

3. Fix those colors!

Lastly, your photo colors might be slightly off, which happens in imperfect lighting situations. If you compare the photo above to the one below, you’ll see that the above image is more yellow and the one below is more blue, which brings out the bright, crisp whites in the photo. To adjust this, I went to Image >> Adjustments >> Color Balance, or you can also press “command” and “B” at the same time.

Then, drag the cursors away from the colors you’re trying to decrease. In my case, I wanted to get rid of the slight red and yellow tones in my photo, so I dragged the scales slightly toward “Cyan” and “Blue.” This really brought out the white, bright hues in my image!

Finally, it might make your photo pop if you “sharpen” it slightly. To do this, you can go to Filter >> Sharpen >> Sharpen, or press “command” and “F” at the same time. I don’t recommend over-sharpening it, though! Things can start looking a little cray.