Click each image for a larger photo. Right-click and "Open in new window" to compare two versions quickly.
I've found that images which appear to contain large areas of black often have lots of hidden detail. Of course, there is also such a thing as a photo whose black is really just that - black. But check out the following.
These enhancements are done with my own experimental software. So far, the results I've seen from commercial packages are lacking - can anybody provide a counterexample?
© Copyright 2003, Mike Offerman
© Copyright 2002, Mike Offerman
© Copyright 2002, Marc Marcoux
© Copyright 2002, Mike Offerman
Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Tui Still Life #1.
Brewery photo #1.
The following don't require any brightening, just a touch of spice:
I don't take a lot of flash pictures, but many people do, and sometimes ambient lighting leaves no other choice. Flash makes for extreme exposure contrasts, which my methods can go a long way to correct. Here are some examples.
© Copyright 2003, Bob Peterson
© Copyright 2003, Bob Peterson
The following illustrate the surreal "method 43" and variations thereof. Washed-out photos suddenly attain high relief.
© Copyright 2002, Andy English
© Copyright 2002, Andy English
© Copyright 2002, Andy English
This guy is waiting for the doctor; he's not feeling too well.
Storm clouds.
Near Blue Ridge Parkway.
On the edge of the Rocky Mountains.
It's sometimes fun to add random data. This can also disguise the presence of embedded steganographic data.
Hiking at Price Lake, off Blue Ridge Parkway.
Just for fun: two images above combined:
Most images are reduced by 2x (4x area) or 3x (9x area).
All photographs © Copyright 2000-2003 John A.
deLaubenfels, except as noted.
Image enhancements © Copyright 2002-2003 John A. deLaubenfels.