feivel wrote:
> both have the problem that they distribute the speckles to all
> parts of the image equally whereas grain visibility depends on
> exposure. there was some work done on finding a way to solve this
> and create an action for it in the retouching forum. i didnt pay
> much attention to the thread because i am fairly happy with the CS
> grain functions already, but anyone interested might want to do a
> searcdh or post grain simulation as a new topic over in retouching
My approach is the same as yours except I've developed a method to add more "grain" selectively in the darker areas:
1. Dupe background and add too much grain (using prefered method - I prefer adding uniform monochromatic noise because it works in 16 bit files, unlike the grain filter) to the dupe.
2. Ctrl/Alt ~ , Ctrl/Shift I, add layer mask (white) - this lets the grain through to the dark areas and blocks it from the highlights.
3. Adjust layer oppacity.
Optional refinements: Gblur the layer mask slightly for smoother "grain quantity" transitions; Levels on the mask to lighten or darken it if the layer oppacity adjustment doesn't give you what you want.