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Step 3

Now, with the adjustment layer selected, choose Image > Apply Image. With this tool, we'll apply a copy of the image to the layer mask. Use the default settings. If you are brightening an underexposed image, checkmark the Invert option. If you are darkening an overexposed image, leave the Invert option unchecked.

After you click OK, your layer mask thumbnail should look like the photo that you are editing.

You can also see that the exposure has been slightly changed, but the details in the clipped areas are restored. Below is an image comparing the results with and without the layer mask. Without altering the layer mask, the wedding dress would have lost many of its details and the rocks will look overexposed. After applying the image to the layer mask, the details have been restored.

Here is an image that compares the original image and the image that we have so far. As you can see, the image has been brightened only in the dark areas. As a result, the image contrast looks lower than the original image. In the next step, we'll restore the contrast while minimizing the details loss in the highlights and shadows.