Based on the device-independent CIE specification from 1976, Lab color is frequently misrepresented as a techy, labor-intensive color space. In fact, Lab color performs certain types of color modifications more quickly and with better results than RGB. In Photoshop CS3: Mastering Lab Color, Deke McClelland explores how to use Lab color 'to make bad photographs great and great photographs even better.' He demonstrates image manipulations that are best suited to Lab, and walks through a typical, non-destructive Lab correction. Deke also shows how to correct lighting, apply selective color modifications, and reverse the effects of color cast. Exercise files accompany the course.

Topics Include:

Targeting luminance and color information independently

Saving a Lab image

Balancing and deepening skin tones

Exposing bright eyes and teeth

Sharpening and blurring in Lab

Fading and blending edits

Using Levels, Curves, and Brightness/Contrast

Embedding an RGB image in a Lab composition

Boosting shadows and dimming highlights

Changing colors with photorealistic results