Creating a Hi-key image with Photoshop Elements requires a different technique than with the full version of Photoshop because Elements does not have as many ways to adjust an image.
I guess that's the number one reason Elements costs so much less than Photoshop, right?
Anyways - what you are doing here is lightening the overall image so that only the most important feature is retained and even that part is much lighter than normal.
Hi-key images are dramatic and seem to resonate at some basic level with most people. Expect comments like, "Wow!" and "that's beautiful!" on your finished product.
Techniques
There are dozens of different ways to arrive at any final image with both Photoshop and Elements and this one is no different.
The version of Photoshop Elements that I am using does not have some of the options I used in the full version of Photoshop so we have to find a work around.
This means it is good that there are so many different paths to arrive at a finished product.
Hi Key with Elements
Open your file and make a copy of it. This will preserve the original.
Convert the image to Black and White Image > Mode > Grayscale.
Now we are going to lighten the overall picture using Levels. Select Layers > New Adjustment Layer > Levels to bring up the Layers Dialogue box.
The trick now is to lighten the overall picture using the small adjusters immediately below the Histogram.
Adjusting Levels
To achieve the effect in the sample I moved the right adjuster to the left and then moved the middle one to the left as well. I didn't want to completely blow out all the texture on her face but you may want to go further with yours - or you may not go as far.
When you are satisfied click OK.
The first thing to do is get rid of any distracting background with the Dodge tool. Mine was set to 100% exposure and the Range was set to Midtones. I am using a Wacom tablet to do this and I did not have the brush set to react to pressure.
Background Removed with The Dodge Tool
Now comes the fun part. You are going to start using the Dodge tool at different exposure ranges to slowly tone down the face. I have changed my dodge tool to react to pressure on my Wacom pen and that makes things a lot easier.
Working On The Shoulders
I initially set the exposure for this step to around 50% and started working the hair and the shoulders. If you get over enthusiastic and suddenly realize you have gone too far it is a simple matter to go back in time with the Undo History. If it is not showing on your screen select Window > Undo History and then choose one of the earlier Dodge Tools.
Lower the expose again to around 15% and then zoom in and out to find those areas that need to be lightened. Look for shadows or and texture on the skin that you do not want and slowly dodge them away.
Keep at it until you are satisfied with the end results and then save your work. Heck - it may be a good idea to save it every once in awhile as you are working.
When you are satisfied then quietly sit back to enjoy your work and marvel at how good you are with Elements! You may want to gather your admiring friends and family to share your triumph because, after all, it's darn nice to be admired!
There you go - a relatively easy set of steps to produce a truly outstanding image!
Check out the video tutorial
If you try this technique I would love to see your end product! Contact me through my
