Chapter 1 - Basic info 155Chapter 11 - Using the softwareoptimisinG exposureFor advanced exposure adjustment, it is recommended that levels are adjusted first, followed bycurves. The curves tool has been designed not to clip image information and will only operate ontones within the defined white and black points of the image.The correct Level settingsIn an ideal situation, levels should be adjusted to slightly clip the end points of the image histogramat the shadow end and to the maximum highlight level on the right side of the histogram.The images below show before and after adjusting the levels for an image.As shown, black point and white point adjustments have been brought in very slightly. This has theeffect of lightening the lighter tones and darkening the shadow tones in the image, at the sametime increasing contrast slightly. The process has to be done very carefully in order to preservethe feeling that the image evokes.The highlight warning function can be configured to provide visual feedback when adjusting thelevels.Once the highlight and shadow points of the image have been fixed, the density or mid-tone valuesof the image can be adjusted using the centre or gamma slider on the levels tool. The fastest way to use levels is by using the auto tool as a starting point. This will not clipinformation – if the result is not desired you can fine tune the result manuallyHighlight warning shows where thelevels should be set – here app 245
