A) Automated Intensity Levels

You have the option of choosing from Shadow Recovery Level 1 to Level 12. Level 1 will provide the lowest shadow recovery intensity and Level 12 the highest.

There is a perfect threshold level for every photo. Since the SR Pro plugin works with all image files, it offers many levels of intensity. That does not mean that each of the included levels will provide the optimal results you need for all of your images. Actually, I do not recommend using very high intensity levels when striving for natural results. A safe level range for pretty much all photographs is from 1 to around 8.
I personally concentrate from levels 1 to 6 when editing my own files, but understand that sometimes users may need even more intensity, and that is why SR Pro offers the additional levels.

After you choose your desired intensity level, SR Pro will duplicate your file and do its work. Duplicating your file is an important step to protect your original layers. This also provides a safer way to experiment and compare your results side by side.

B) Reduction Type:

Note: SR Pro does not support the "Color + Luma" option under Reduction type when running Photoshop Elements due to limitations in the Elements software.

Reduction type options offer incredible control during the shadow recovery process. After choosing a desired shadow recovery intensity, you can choose from three (3) Reduction Types.

1) Normal: This is the default. It is the setting I recommend when using low ISO files from digital SLR cameras. It will run shadow recovery without applying any shadow noise reduction.

2) Color: Normal is the default setting. If you check mark the "Color" option, the plugin will run the desired shadow recovery level and also reduce Chroma (Color) noise from your shadow areas. Some digital cameras produce color noise in the shadow areas and this option should be used in these situations. Color noise gets worse when shooting at higher ISO speeds. Photographers can choose from two (2) Color reduction intensities: Normal and High.

3) Color + Luma: Normal is the default setting. There are three levels to choose from - Low, Normal or High. When selecting "Color + Luma", the plugin will run the desired shadow recovery level and also reduce chroma and luma noise. This setting is suggested to be used with higher ISO, long exposure files, or when the amount of shadow recovery is too intense. You may see a small loss in image detail when using the high setting.

 

 

C) Add Shadow contrast:

The Add shadow contrast option will add contrast to your photograph without compromising mid-tone and highlight detail. It mainly works on the shadow areas while providing natural mid-tone blending.

Choose from Very low, Low, Medium and High depending on the image needs.

 

 

D) Opacity Tweak:

The Opacity tweak option is a powerful and flexible option included with SR Pro. It allows selection of any intensity level by checking the Opacity Tweak option. This will duplicate your original file, run the selected intensity level and bring the resulting image back to the original file on its own layer. You will then have the option to work on the Layer palette and tweak the opacity slider. As you move the slider from 100% to your desired percentage level (78% in the below example), you will see the results changing on your image.

The default intensity is 100%. That means that if you have chosen Level 5 for example, 100% of Level 5 will be accomplished. When moving the Opacity level slider, you can precisely control the correct shadow recovery you need by moving from 100% to the percentage you want.

 

Again, as you move the opacity slider you will notice visible changes on screen.

EXAMPLE: If you run the plugin for level 3 with "Opacity Tweak" checked, then move the slider to 50%, you will be getting exactly half the selected intensity (In other words, level 1.5).

 

After you decide on the Opacity percentage, you can flatten your file and save it.