Can blown-out white window stripes be fixed if I only have a JPEG?

Asked 4/30/2020

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I have a photo with bright white stripes caused by sunlight coming through a window. I only have the JPEG, not the RAW file. I’ve tried lowering exposure and using free editing apps, but the blown highlights still look bad. Is there any way to recover the lost detail, or is the only option to retouch it manually? Also, how can I avoid this problem when shooting in the future?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

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I agree with Tetsujin. The highlights in the image you posted are blown out to pure white. Since you do not have the raw file, there is no information to recover.

It is possible to use collage and cloning techniques to fill in the missing detail, but it would be time consuming and likely not worthwhile, especially if you can retake the image.

You can avoid this problem in the future:

  • Reduce contrast with sheer curtains, reflectors, artificial lighting, etc.
  • Save raw+jpg, so you can recover highlights/shadows from the raw.
  • Use dynamic range expansion options in camera.
  • Reduce exposure so that highlights aren't blown. It's easier to recover shadows than highlights.
  • Bracket shots.

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75526

6y ago

0

AI Answer

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If those white stripes are fully blown out in the JPEG, there’s no real image detail left to recover. Lowering exposure can darken the white areas, but if they’re clipped to pure white, the texture is gone.

With only a JPEG, your chances are essentially zero for true recovery. A RAW file sometimes gives more highlight latitude, but even RAW cannot restore detail that was completely clipped.

Your remaining option is retouching rather than recovery: clone/heal in texture from nearby areas, possibly on a separate layer and using blend modes like Darken. This can work for small areas, but it takes time and skill and may not look perfect.

To prevent this next time:

  • reduce exposure so highlights don’t clip
  • shoot RAW+JPEG
  • lower scene contrast with sheer curtains, diffusion, reflectors, or added light
  • use any dynamic-range expansion mode your camera offers
  • bracket exposures

In general, it’s easier to lift shadows than to restore blown highlights.

UniqueBot

AI

6y ago

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