1. Levels and Curves

I found that for my image "steeple bird" I preferred then levels tool over the curves tool. I felt as though the levels tools provided more precise control over the color balances, and allowed me to alter the lightness and darkness of the image more carefully. I do think that using both tools was helpful and because they alter the hues in slightly different manners I think that using both of them was necessary. I was happy with the final image that these tools produced.

2. Variations

I chose to use this tool on my image "fruit" because this image had something of a yellow cast that made it look pale and washed out. I added red with the variation tool, which made the image look richer and more vibrant.

3. Two final images

My first image, "wires," was very dark, and it was difficult to distinguish the different hues. I first employed the levels tool to lighten the image. I then altered some of the colors with the hue/saturation tool. Finally, I tweaked the contrast slightly with the brightness/contrast tool.

My second image, "boys on beach," was very light. The hues were very pale and lot of detail was lost, to such an extent, in fact, that you could hardly make out the water. I employed the levels tool, then brightness/contrast, then hue/saturation, and finally vibrance. I was very happy with the result.

4. My experience

I learned a lot from this experience regarding the use different tools to manipulate the hues, luminosity, and lightness and darkness of images. Having done the exercises in Lesson 3, I will admit that I am more partial to photo editing in Camera Raw, because it is easy to use and reversible, and all your editing can be done in one place. It is good, however, to be familiar with these tools in Photoshop, to be used in conjunction with the other features that this program offers. I am very pleased to now know how to used the Variations and Levels tools, since many of my photos are too light or too dark, or have unwanted color casts.