Baby's first steps

[philbach]

Well at times when I have run into these problems I use Photoshop's  Image/Adjustments/Shadows/Highlights.  Depending on what you need to do it can nicely tone down areas that are near blown out status or bring in the shadows some.  I ran it on your most recent post as an example.  No not necessarily an improvement but just an example.   :)

[coopmj]

Thank you Phil. I definitely need to perfect my use of shadows/highlights.  I try it every time but you need a careful touch (like you have).  My attempts tend to leave the blown out sections grey and dull.  Just goes to show there's always something for me to work on!  :)

Mary

[Hannie]

Image/Adjustments/Shadows/Highlights is a great tool, too bad Adobe still has not made it nondestructive.