Multiply With Layer Mask

Fix overexposed photos and restore hidden details without underexposing already dark areas.

Open a photo you would like to edit. Or, you may use the photo used in this tutorial (from iStockPhoto).

To darken the image, simply duplicate the layer (Layer> Duplicate Layer or Ctrl+J) and change the blending mode of the new layer to Multiply. You may notice that the image got darker and some areas may be overly dark. We'll show you how to fix this problem in the next page.

With the top layer selected, add a layer mask (Layer> Layer Mask> Reveal Al)

Here's the secret to this technique. The image is copied to the layer mask so that the layer is only visible on light areas. To do this, click on the thumbnail of the layer mask to select and use the Apply Image tool (Image> Apply Image) with the default settings:

Layer: Merged
Channel: RGB
Invert: Unchecked
Blending: Multiply
Opacity: 100%

You may simply press the OK button because the default settings should be correct.

Notice the difference with the layer mask.

Before and After Multiply Layer with Mask

Duplicate the layer until the desired darkness has been achieved. If you duplicate the layer too much, it may cause a posterized effect.

Notice the posterize effect appearing in the blue sky.

If your image starts to appear posterized, you may selectively remove those areas from the effect. To do this, simply click to select the layer mask of the top layer and use the Eraser tool (E) to erase the areas with the posterized effect. If it is still visible, repeat this step for the other layer masks.

Use a soft and large eraser to prevent noticable editing artifacts.

Final Result

(Rollover the image with your cursor to see the image before the Multiply With Layer Mask Photoshop effect was applied. )