Useful trick in Photoshop

[ianwatson]

I recently learned a way to add contrast to the midtones in Photoshop. At least in my hands it provides more "pop" than playing with a curves adjustment.

1. Merge your current layers onto a new one. (Command+Option+Shift+E on a Mac.)

2. Apply the High Pass filter. Set the radius to around 40.

3. Change the blend mode to Soft Light. (My favourite. Feel free to experiment with Overlay, Hard Light, etc.)

4. Click the "fx" button at the bottom of the layers panel to add a layer style and choose "blending options."

5. Move the "Blend If" sliders to around 70 (shadows) and 200 (highlights).

6. Adjust layer opacity to taste.

[ianwatson]

Does anyone else have a trick to share?

[Fons Baerken]

Somewhat similar action double the layer apply a  gaussian blur, edit to your taste and flatten,

[ianwatson]

Thanks, Fons. I will try it.