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Different people use Photoshop in different ways, but here's some feedback with respect to curves vs levels: Curves can do everything that levels can do, and m
by dperfect 11y ago
Different people use Photoshop in different ways, but here's some feedback with respect to curves vs levels:
Curves can do everything that levels can do, and more. If you understand curves, you really shouldn't need to use levels, and you certainly don't need to use both right next to each other, applied to the whole image. I cringe a little bit whenever I see people use multiple levels and/or curves adjustment layers in succession. Not only is it unnecessary, but you'll be throwing away color information. You'll see evidence of this in histogram combing and color banding. Of course, it may make sense to have several local curves adjustment layers that apply to isolated areas of an image (e.g. with masks), but it's generally a mistake to use multiple global curves (or levels) adjustment layers in succession.
It's probably not much of a problem for illustrations with flat colors, but you'll definitely notice it in gradients and photographs.
- Scene_Cast2 11y agoYes, technically any set of consecutive lookup tables can be combined into a single LUT. However, it's often easier to stack them and just makes sense. Plus, 16-bit color makes it technically possible. Let's say that you're working with a color-sensitive piece in a color-correct pipeline. First adjustment layer should be to bring your pantone color card to look right. Then, the next adjustment right after that would be your overall grading pass, e.g "cold" or "vintage". Then, the next pass could be to "get those skin tones a little pinker". Much easier than working on a single global correction layer.
- dperfect 11y agoI agree with that. 16-bit color helps a lot (but doesn't completely eliminate the risk of throwing away data), and the approach you mentioned (correction vs grading) is a valid exception to my point - though if you're doing that, you likely understand what you're doing and the potential gotchas. My point was more targeted toward the numerous tutorials I see where people use many such adjustment layers without real purpose other than to "play around" with the color, turning the image into a posterized mess (especially by stretching things too far one way, then essentially negating that adjustment with something else).
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]