How to get as much detail out of an extremely dark photo

[jonnyc]

Just wondering if anyone can post step by step on how to get a get as much detail out of an extremely dark photo. Keep in mind that i am talking about photos that sometimes we take but aren't meant to be posted or send to anyone else, so it doesn't really have to look good. Here is one I have tried to lighten up. once I enhance it, I can see there is a iron work but I am not sure what it is (I have attached the original photo). I understand there is a limit to what can be done but I just want to know if I am reaching that limit. Thanks guys

 

[Tom Mann]

Is the "photo" a print, a slide (transparency), or a direct-to-digital image?

Tom M

 

[gedstar]

This is what I got using a curves adjustment layer, I'm sure some of the guru's here might be able to better this result!

View attachment 48335

 

[MrToM]

As it stands you'll get more detail out of it by converting it to a smart object and opening it in Camera Raw via:

Filter > Camera Raw Filter

How much more detail you can get I dunno, its obviously image dependant but there are more adjustments in Camera Raw than photoshop alone.

That's what I'd try.

Regards.
MrTom.

 

[gedstar]

Tom

"Filter > Camera Raw Filter" I think that options only available in Versions above CS6, just in case the OP has an earlier version

View attachment 48337

 

[MrToM]

Good point @gedstar thanks.

The original image was created from Windows Photo Viewer so....Its anybody's guess! LOL

Sorry to lead ya on a wild goose chase.

Regards.
MrTom.

PS. I assume from the content of that post that the 'mention' was meant for me?
I'm MrTom, but I'm sure Tom will appreciate the mention anyway.

 

[gedstar]

No worries Tom

I was actually playing around with the image in Camera Raw and wasn't able to achieve any better results, then again I haven't really use Camera Raw much maybe that's why

 

[gedstar]

DOH

Yes sorry MrTom, I just assumed your name was Tom, thought it would be logical to take away the Mr and be left with Tom
Just goes to show Mr Spock's logic doesn't always work

 

[MrToM]

No worries mate.

I think the 'mention' thang works only with the 'exact' username....it just so happens this time there was actually a 'Tom' registered on the site.

(I got it wrong too...I thought it was Tom Mann.....LOL)

Spock has a lot to answer for.

Regards.
MrTom.

 

[chrisdesign]

There are no details visible in the blacks. I opened up the mid tones with the curve tool as much as possible.