If you ever deleted those underexposed photos with poor lighting you’ll want to think twice next time. Here’s a trick that’ll have you searching for all those photos just to see the transformation.

In this example we’ll be switching to the Lab color mode from RGB which can be done without altering any of the color data. Unlike the red, green and blue channels lab or (CIELAB) consists of a lightness channel, a and b coordinates. Unless you’re an über-geek you don’t need to know anything about Lab for this trick.

1. Find a photo with the worst overcast lighting possible. Something really drab like this one of Florence.


2. Convert the image to Lab color; Image >  Mode > Lab Color.



3. Go to Image > Apply Image …



First, check the preview button to see the changes. Then go to the blending drop down menu and change that to overlay or soft light. If the changes look horrible then go to the channel menu and select either, Lab, lightness, a or b. You’ll have to test out each channel, blend mode and opacity until you get something you like. Click OK after you’ve made the adjustments.

4. If the image is better, but still a little dark go back into the Apply Image menu and set the blend mode to screen (or make other adjustments).
 


5. Set the color mode back to RGB to perform other corrections.
 


Go out and impress all your friends with this powerful tip!