The Curves adjustment is the single most powerful tool in Photoshop. It controls brightness, contrast, and color with unmatched precision.
How Curves Work
The diagonal line represents tonal range. Bottom-left is shadows, top-right is highlights. Pull upward to brighten, downward to darken. An S-curve increases contrast.
RGB Curves for Contrast
A gentle S-curve adds contrast without touching colors. For a faded matte look, lift the very bottom of the curve.
Individual Channel Curves
Red channel: up adds red, down adds cyan. Green: up adds green, down adds magenta. Blue: up adds blue, down adds yellow.
Teal and Orange Look
Blue channel: pull shadows up (blue), highlights down (yellow). Red channel: lift midtones for warmth. Green: lower shadows for magenta depth.
Film Emulation
Each film stock has a characteristic curve. Portra: lifted shadows, gentle highlight rolloff, warm midtones. Match tonal characteristics with individual channel adjustments.
Non-Destructive Workflow
Always apply Curves as an adjustment layer. Stack multiple layers for complex grades. Mask to specific areas as needed.
