How to Remove Unwanted Shadows From Your Portraits Using Photoshop
Whether you are a professional photographer or do it as a hobby, people expect you to click good portraits. One of the recurring problems with portrait photography is having an obstacle between the subject and the light source while clicking the photo. For instance, someone raising their hand if the light source is in front of them. It creates unwanted shadows which are challenging to remove.
This article will teach you how to remove unwanted shadows from your portraits in Photoshop without losing too much of the photo detail. The technique is also useful for removing shadows from any other image.
How to Remove Shadows From a Portrait in Photoshop
Depending on the harshness of the shadow, the complexity and time required to remove it will vary. Follow these steps to remove shadows from your portraits.
1. Create a Check Layer
First, we’re going to create a check layer to better see the unwanted shadow.
You have created a check layer to get rid of the colors while working with shadows. Since there will be a certain color change in the darker area while brightening the image, it is best to use a check layer. Once you’ve done this, keep following the steps below.
2. Correct the Brightness
Now, we’re going to remove the shadow in the portrait.
That’s it. You have taken care of the shadows. You can now hide the gray check layer to see how your image looks.
3. Correct the Color
Sometimes when working with shadows, you miss the natural colors. To eliminate any patchy colors from your portrait, follow the below steps.
That’s all. You have successfully removed the unwanted shadow from your portrait.
Depending on the intensity of the light source, it can sometimes be challenging to brighten up the image without losing the details. You have to take a few extra steps in this case…
What if the Shadows Are Too Harsh?
If the shadows are too harsh, i.e., the light source is too strong or near the subject, it can be difficult to get the proper brightness level and color. If you have followed the above steps and still can’t get the shadow out of the image, you have to recreate that part of the image.
In the below portrait examples, the shadow is impossible to remove using only the above method. Therefore, you must use thePatchtool andContent-Aware Fillto help you completely remove the shadow.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, follow the steps below:
Improve Your Portraits by Removing Unwanted Shadows
Unwanted shadows on portraits can be the most challenging thing to eliminate for a photographer. If you are mindful enough, you can avoid this mistake in the shooting phase. However, if luck is not on your side, use this method to effortlessly remove shadows from your images.
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