Original image of Gene Hackman (L) and the Shadow Illuminator processed version (R).
I think we can say the processed image is not very flattering and looks overprocessed.
Original image (L) and original image layered above processed image in Photoshop using Soft Light mode (R).
Shadow detail is recovered (check Hackman's forehead) but it mostly looks natural. Some edge enhancement.
If you told me the second image had simply been lit more evenly than the first, I might believe you.
The nice thing is, you can adjust the opacity of the Soft Light layer to tweak the effect.
Original image (L) and processed image layered above original in Photoshop using Soft Light mode (R).
Local contrast is enhanced while most shadow detail is retained. Image "pops" more. Some edge enhancement.
Possible alternative to large-radius unsharp mask for increasing local contrast in digital images.
Change the processed layer to Hard Light mode (R) and you get into noir territory...
Did a 0.5 pixel Gaussian Blur on the top layer to tone down the edges, which got obnoxious.
BTW, it doesn't matter much which way you layer them if you're using Hard Light mode.
Conclusion: Used with Photoshop's layers, Shadow Illuminator is a useful tool for both
increasing detail in shadowed areas and for increasing contrast without losing shadow detail.
Tip: When using these layer modes with color images, saturation of colors may be increased.
Add another copy of original image on top, set to Saturation mode, to counter this.
Jerry Kindall - Home