Understanding Levels and Curves in Photoshop
This introductory tutorial explores the Levels and Curves adjustment tools in Adobe Photoshop using both a gradient example and a real-world photo. The video demonstrates how brightness and contrast are controlled through these tools and explains how they map input and output values. Curves offer more precision by allowing multiple control points, while Levels are simpler but effective.
⏱️ Time-Stamps: Photoshop Levels & Curves Tutorial
00:00 – Intro to Levels & Curves
00:20 – Creating a gradient for demo
00:45 – RGB value explanation (0 to 255)
01:15 – Opening Levels adjustment
01:30 – Adjusting shadows and highlights in Levels
02:10 – Using output sliders to remap brightness
02:35 – Midtones (Gamma) adjustments explained
03:00 – Opening Curves adjustment
03:15 – Input vs Output in Curves
03:45 – Adjusting black and white points in Curves
04:15 – Adding points to curve for tonal control
05:00 – Creative uses of multiple curve points
05:40 – Applying Curves to real photo (Grand Canyon)
06:10 – Applying Levels to real photo
06:30 – Summary: Levels vs Curves – when to use each
