Basic Exposure Correction using Gamma

Gamma is a measure of the brightness and contrast of an image. By adjusting the gamma you can adjust the midtones (those between the brightest and the darkest tones) without damaging details in the highlight and shadow areas. With a program like PhotoFiltre, you can adjust the gamma from the main toolbar. Gamma is symbolized by the capital Greek letter, Γ. Below you can see a view of the Roman skyline before and after gamma correction.

In PhotoFiltre the gamma control is on the main toolbar as shown here. Just clicking it one or two or possibly three times will result in the photo being "lightened". There is some correction in contrast but not much.


I generally find that adjusting just the gamma leaves the image looking "flat", i.e. without sufficient contrast. To correct that (and because I find that I prefer slightly contrasty images), click on the contrast tool two or three times.