Bungalow 104

Following the procedure described in an article by Michael H. Reichmann on contrast masking, the goal is to tone down hot spots and open up shadows while retaining saturated color. In summary, using Photoshop:

1. Duplicate the background layer.

2. Image>adjust>desaturate (creating a monochrome).

3. Image>adjust>invert (creating a negative, reversing lights and darks).

4. Blending mode: overlay (applying the negative).

5. Adjust opacity.

6. Add a Gaussian blur of 10-30 pixels.

I'm also experimenting with reversing the last two steps, as discussed in a follow-up article.