There are a few ways to lighten a photo, but they essentially involve adding a white wash effect. This is achieved by layering a white object over the image using a screen blending mode.
One method is to directly place a white object on top of the image. However, adjusting the scale, shape, or mask requires managing two separate objects.
A more efficient approach is to utilize the “inner glow” effect. Select the “from center” option and set the blur to zero. The default blending mode should be set to “screen,” with an intensity around 70%. It’s recommended to start with a lower intensity, around 20%, and adjust accordingly. This technique also works for darkening images. Simply change the blending mode to “multiply” and use black instead of white. This effectively creates an inner shadow. Although it’s fundamentally the same tool, Adobe chose not to include a separate “inner shadow” effect or rename the existing one to something like “Inner Glow/Shadow.” This lack of clarity can be confusing for users seeking an inner shadow effect. Adobe’s inconsistency across its software is a recurring issue. For example, After Effects lacks a dedicated inner shadow effect, instead incorporating it as an option within the drop shadow effect. It also features “outer glow” but not “inner glow,” requiring users to achieve the latter using the drop shadow options. Ideally, a cross-program manager would ensure consistency across Adobe’s software suite, especially considering the push towards the Creative Cloud subscription model.
