I could find no way to eliminate the hot spots that looked good

[JBW]

[Stagecoach]

Brian,

The hot spot areas generally have lost all detail so there's not a lot you can do that will also make them look natural.

The answer is to try and take the image without them, in this case a piece of paper in one hand held up to shield the light.

Grahame

[JBW]

Brian,

The hot spot areas generally have lost all detail so there's not a lot you can do that will also make them look natural.

The answer is to try and take the image without them, in this case a piece of paper in one hand held up to shield the light.

Grahame

I'm not convinced the fly would have stuck around with a camera from one side and a piece of paper from the other. Certainly the shot would not have been so clear.

[Geoff F]

It is one of those problems which often occurs. Learning to live with it is the only option.

Having said that: Exposure (or flash) compensation to allow for the brightest areas at the time of shooting then recovering the dark areas during editing often works. But, like creating a bit of shadow, it usually isn't possible in a one off shot with a timid subject.

When unavoidable, or not noticed in time, there are a few editing tricks which can sometimes help. Such as careful use of the clone or patch tool; healing brushes can then be used on any obvious edges.

Another thing which often helps for me is to paint over the bright area with a standard paint brush, with colour selected from a nearby area. Then use a healing brush etc to add some texture.

Varying the blend mode, for example to Colour or Saturation, can occasionally help to reduce the harshness of a 'paint job'.

When using Curves to selectively darken a hot spot I sometimes find the switching the blend mode to Luminosity reduces the brightness but creates a more natural looking result.

However, in this case, while editing options are possible it will take quite a bit of time, and skill, to get a pleasing finish; so probably not worth bothering too much about it.

[deetheturk]

Brian,I believe it's a pop up flash you have? Try taping a piece of kitchen roll to it to diffuse the light as it can be quite harsh,not to pretty,but can be effective.

Cheers David

[JBW]

Brian,I believe it's a pop up flash you have? Try taping a piece of kitchen roll to it to diffuse the light as it can be quite harsh,not to pretty,but can be effective.

Cheers David

this I will try.