[Gimp-user] Overlay question

[rich2005 <forums gimpusers com>]

> I'm learning to edit photos--usually the shadow areas are too dark and
> the light areas O.K. or blown out.. I've been using
> Desaturate>Invert>Overlay, which lightens up the shadows and brings
> out detail, but it makes the overall colors look artificial and sort
> of plastic, sort of like old Kodachromes.
>
> is there anything I do to fix this?
>
> Thanks in advance!

You could try using luminosity masks, for examples see:

https://patdavid.net/2013/11/getting-around-in-gimp-luminosity-masks.html

There is a script to assist making the masks:
http://registry.gimp.org/node/28644 It puts an entry in Filters -> Generic ->
Luminosity Masks (saulgoode)

Run that and it makes a lot of entries in the channels dialogue. One way of
using is, channel to selection, then adjust the selection - brightness,
contrast, ....

Another way is use a layer mask. So using your image. (luminosity01)

1. Duplicate it

2. Apply the luminosity mask script

3. Add a mask to that layer, selecting a suitable channel. Black is transparent,
White is opaque. To keep the sky and lighter foliage, and adjust the dark
vegetation, 'D' might be a suitable choice.

Working on the duplicated image (not the layer mask), adjust using whatever tool
you like, color curves is a good choice. (luminosity02)

rich: www.gimp-forum.net

Attachments:
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/655/original/luminosity01.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/656/original/luminosity02.jpg

-- 
rich2005 (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)