How To Flash Samsung Galaxy Y With Stock Firmware Using Odin On PC Guide | Direct Download Links

** Guys today i am going to provide you an instruction on how to Flash Samsung Galaxy Y with Stock Firmware using ODIN with screenshot & video guide. So follow the instruction carefully and successfully Flash your Samsung Galaxy Y with ODIN.

»» Requirement:

A Samsung Galaxy y phone model gt-s5360.

A computer running on windows xp, vista, win7 or win8 with proper USB driver installed to connect your phone to computer

{If you have not installed USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Y Install it from Below Link}

»» Installation Instruction:

Charge your phone battery min 80%
Download the required file Odin3 AND Stock Rom.zip and place in a folder on your desktop.
Now extract both with any file extractor.

- Now turn off your Galaxy Y {Remove the battery for 5-10 seconds and insert it back}
- Go to Download Mode by Pressing Volume down + Home + Power for 5-10 sec to boot in Download Mode
- Now you entered in Download mode select continue by pressing Volume up button.
- Now attach/connect your phone to computer via USB cable.
- Now on your computer open Odin3 v1.85.exe
- After that extract Stock Rom:
- Select Tar Files As in Image:


Leave all other fields and check boxes default as shown in picture below.

- Now make sure you are getting yellow box in ID:COM (this means that your device is now connected and detected by odin)
Now clik on start.

- And let be ODIN do its work and wait till you see PASS in green colour it mean the flashing process is complete successfully
- Samsung Galaxy Y will auto reboot.

**** Download Links ****

- Galaxy_Y_2.3.6_Update_(Indian).rar | Stock Rom
- SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_v1_3_2300_0.zip
- Odin3-v1.85.zip

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[APP] Galaxy S3 & HTC Weather Widgets For Galaxy Y

* Hi guys presenting Galaxy S3 & HTC Weather Widgets for Galaxy Y .The widget has shared by XDA member wunghau in the Galaxy Ace boards but it is working on the Galaxy Y .

** The widget has been extracted from some duplicate Galaxy Note II device .It is powered by YAWeather.

** How to Use:
Download the APK to your sdcard
Install it just like you install any app
Go to your homescreen and long-press
Go to Widgets, scroll down and you should see the YA Widget app
Choose either 4x1 or 4x2 and it will appear
Tap on the widget to add a city

** Download **

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Top 10 Apps List to Watch Live TV Channels + Movies & Shows on Android Mobile

So you love watching TV on the go? Well, thanks to an ambitious and competent pool of developers on the android platform, there are quite a number of really cool android TV apps that you can install on your device to watch live TV shows, films and more.

Of course, watching any TV show is fun, useful, interactive than spending your time reading web blogs. If we go by the count, there are numerous apps that are capable of streaming TV shows to your android mobile phone or tablet PC. However, not all of them will give you the best experience as far as content quality is concerned. As it is, you’ll find that a section of the highest reviewed and ranked android TV apps come from the biggest Television players.

1. Netflix

Netflix ranks to be the best android TV android app. Netflix provides you with tens of thousands of videos that you can watch anytime and from anyplace just provided your android phone, phablet or tablet PC is covered by a sound internet connection. The reason as to why we rank Netflix to the top android TV app list is due to the app’s undisputed high video and sound quality. This gives you a really entertaining experience when watching videos. If you rushed out of the house when your favorite show was broadcasting on your huge Plasma TV, you can just start Netflix and continue enjoying your show with nearly the same zeal. The Netflix app taps into your instant queue and shows you similar recommendations plus your viewing history.

If you are still not a member, you should click this link and grab their free trial offer RIGHT now.

The Netflix android TV app also has its negatives. Some users have been complaining about the amount of scrolling that you get to do especially if you have a huge queue. Netflix might also not be up-to-date with the latest TV shows, but at least offers a wealth of previous seasons that you can watch hour after hour on end from wherever you are.

With a high average rating by users on the Play Store, this android TV app is probably an app you must have on your device. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Sign up for a Free trial on Netflix.com
2. Download the Android app from Google Play

---

2. TV.com

TV.com is yet another great instant TV streaming android TV app for your android device. TV.com will provide you with video content from the CW, CBS, CBS Sports, CBS News, CNET, ET and Showtime! TV.com allows you to watch full TV show episodes over a Wi-Fi or cellular network and choose the programming based on the particular channel you are looking for.

TV.com comes with some current shows but is also equipped with a library of older shows. Like with many other free android TV apps, you will have to sacrifice a small fraction of your show time staring at ads. But the most important thing is that TV.com comes with a lot of full episodes and shorter video clips, so you can watch your favourite shows from anywhere and without having to commit to any subscription fees.

Here’s TV.com Android TV app review video for you..

---

3. HBO GO

This android TV app is a streaming service from HBO that lets you watch and enjoy your top HBO movies, shows, sports, documentaries and comedy specials. They offer every episode of every season of HBO’s best, free with your HBO subscription.

With this android TV app, you will be able to:

• Keep up with your best HBO shows, movies, comedies and any other videos. If you are a fanatic of True Blood, Girls, Veep, Curb your Enthusiasm and Game of Thrones, among many other premier shows, download this android TV app and watch conveniently on your mobile phone.
• Personalize your HBO experience – this  android TV  app allows you to create a customized watchlist, and easily catch up and add your preferred new episodes with their Series Pass feature.You will be able to watch your favorite shows and particular episodes simultaneously as they premier on HBO.

Only accessible among android users in the US, this android TV app requires a minimum of 3G network to work smoothly on mobile phones.

---

4. Crackle

This is another free android TV app. The Crackle team adds at least twenty TV episodes and full movies every month, which means that you will always find great new content once you check back after a while. With Crackle android TV app, you will be able to watch full-length Hollywood movies and TV series. The app is also optimized for both android phones and tablets, so you will have an easy time navigating through it with your android gadget. With this android TV app, you can stream HQ video via 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi networks, build your watch list for viewing and easily browse through scores of videos.

The only drawback with this android TV app is that it will only work in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. So if you are outside these areas, it might not be of any use to you.

Here’s Crackle Android TV app review video for you.

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5. BBC iPlayer

This is a free service android TV app that lets you watch TV program from the past week. With the BBC iPlayer android TV app, you can either follow a show as it is being transmitted live or catch up later after broadcast.

This app provides you with the following features:

• Watch live TV
• Listen to live radio
• Watch or listen over Wi-Fi and 3G networks
• Scroll through and find a list of featured and ‘most popular’ program
• Browse through  a schedule for upcoming broadcasts

To get the best video and sound quality with this android TV app, you need to download and install the BBC Media Player application from Google play store. You will be prompted to do this when you first play a program.

The BBC app is available for UK users, or any user who played a program when in the UK and then later traveled out.

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6. Eurosport Player

Are you a sports fanatic? The Eurosport player android TV app lets you keep up with all the latest sports action. This app is fast, smooth, has a new look, new HD design and features over 100 stories daily, plus 30 videos.

They also offer editorials that include 40 live text commentaries per week, exclusive web chats with players, pundits and journalists, and expert analysis. If you would love to follow every Premier League and Champions League game from your android mobile phone, get this TV app and get started right away.

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7. Zeebox

Zeebox is a social, informative and fun TV app that takes TV watching to a whole new level. With this android TV app, you will be able to discover new shows, learn about your favorite shows, stay connected to the social buzz and share content live and without leaving the app(what is meant by “without leaving the app”. Reword?). Zeebox is absolutely free android TV app.

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8. SPB TV

SPB TV is the android TV app of choice if you are looking to watch live and on-demand video services using your android mobile or tablet. With a 3G, Wi-Fi or WiMAX network connection, you can smoothly watch your favorite TV channels. With more than 15 million users globally, this TV app has been an Android Developer Challenge winner in Media category. The app covers a wide selection of public TV channels, offers faster channel launch and switching, and has an intuitive and friendly User Interface.

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9. Vevo Videos

The Android Vevo TV App is the best thing for you yet if you love to watch music videos, stream live concerts and discover new artists on your android gadget – all for free. This android TV app features over 75, 000 music videos from more than 21, 000 artists.

A 24/7 channel of music videos, live performances and original shows, they are a massive music library made by music lovers for music lovers. This android TV  app displays all music videos in full HD, so it will be fun to just sit back and watch as things happen. Whether you are a pop, rap, rock, R&B or country music fanatic, the choices of music videos that this TV app presents you with are endless.

Although you can access this TV app via cellular network connections such as 3G and LTE, the best streaming experience will be achieved on a Wi-Fi network.

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10. Hulu Plus

Listed at the bottom of my list, Hulu Plus is yet another great android TV app that allows you to instantly watch current TV shows and acclaimed movies from anywhere. They make it possible for you to enjoy unlimited instant streaming of content and classic hit TV shows with their paid subscription. If you can afford to commit $7.99 to watch the current episodes of your favorite shows, then Hulu is a cool android TV app for you.

---

Conclusion

Now that you know what android TV apps will give you the best experience, and whether or not it are free, paid or available in your country; go right ahead and download it – and unlock a world of video fun right on your android phone or tablet.

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[APP] Floating Notifications - Android App | Works With KiK, Message Stock App, Facebook

Thanks to FineTalent for the icon || Theme's can be found on the Play Store in this thread
The Bug/Enhancement tracker can be found here || The wiki can be found here


** Play Store Link
You can request an invite to the beta here. It is a closed community but I'll accept anyone

** Sensitivity
- The double tap threshold refers to the amount of time in milliseconds between taps. So if you set it to 1000 it will wait one second for your second tap before it brings up the text.

** Issues which can not be fixed
- Google Now notifications do not appear in this app
- Kik Messenger notifications do not appear in this app
- Sometimes clicking the notification text the app doesn't launch for a few seconds
- Notifications will not disappear from your notification bar as this is not something that can be done. However if you open the an app the floating notification for that app will automatically close. (Not a bug but worth noting)
- Sense 5.0 has a bug which means when any accessibility service is enabled the lockscreen unlocks with any touch, there are fixes in custom roms I believe

** If you receive no notifications

Do you have other accessibility services enabled? If so disable them, enable Floating Notifications, then re enable them.
My phone has started reading to me

If you're on a Samsung device see here for a variety of possible fixes (This is a Samsung bug)

If you're not then ensure TalkBack is disabled, preferably uninstall/freeze it if you don't use it

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[Samsung I9500] Galaxy S4 - Full Phone Specifications

»»»» MobWaY Rating: ★★★★

»« Key Specifications :

NFC Support
Full HD (1080p) Recording and Playback Support
Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
Samsung Smart Scroll; Samsung Smart Pause; Air Gesture and Air View Support
Group Play; Story Album; S Translator and Optical Reader Support
5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED Touchscreen with 441 ppi
Octa Core (1.6 GHz Quad + 1.2 GHz Quad) Processor
Dual Shot; Sound and Shot; Drama Shot; Eraser and Dual Recording Support
Samsung Adapt Display; Samsung Adapt Sound; and Auto Adjust Touch Sensitivity
Also Available

»» Summary :

A flagship mobile that is designed to revolutionize the way smartphones are used in everyday life, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is not simply smart, it is technology that changes lives. The S4, touted to be a life companion, operates on the Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system and employs a first-of-its-kind, super powerful Octa Core processor, comprising of 1.6 Ghz Quad and 1.2 Ghz Quad processors, backed by 2 GB RAM and boasts of PowerVR SGX graphics for performance, speed and functionality which are literally off the charts.

A smartphone that is there for you, the Galaxy S4 lets life unfold in front of your eyes on the 5 inch capacitive super AMOLED touch screen with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a color depth of 16 M for unmatched clarity.

Photo and Video Features

Capture moments to engrave on the pages of your life with the 13 megapixel primary camera with LED flash and the 2 megapixel secondary camera. Taking photography to the next level, the Dual Shot and Sound & Shot features on the device lets you click simultaneous pictures on both cameras allowing the photographer to be in the frame as well and capture sound that can help you relive the photo exactly as it was taken any time, every time.

Tell stories better with a burst of photos of a moving object merged seamlessly into one dynamic picture with the Drama Shot capabilities of the Galaxy S4 which is also equipped with the Eraser feature that automatically removes unnecessary people who get captured in the frame. The S4 records crystal clear videos in full HD 1080 p with Dual Recording support, technology that the world has never seen before, which allows you to use both cameras simultaneously. Also, the phone lets you create albums with the Story Album feature and organize photos according to specific events, customize them to your liking and savor the moments and memories better.

Pump up the party music with Group Play that allows you to connect multiple Galaxy S4s wirelessly to play games and share media.

Connectivity Features

The tower of Babel won’t seem so confusing anymore with the S Translator that can translate any language making you a citizen of the world. Incredibly wide and surprisingly slim, the Samsung Galaxy S4 takes connecting with people to a whole new level with ChatON that lets you share your screen with friends or family for a more intimate chatting experience. The device comes with GPRS, EDGE, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity which can be used to tether the phone along with a microUSB, bluetooth and NFC support as well.

Samsung’s signature Air View allows you to view the contents of files and apps in preview mode without you having to open each folder individually while Air Gesture makes it so much easier to perform a variety of functions without ever having to even touch the screen.
Life is simpler with the Samsung Galaxy S4; revolutionizing the way you take care of yourself, the Galaxy S4 comes equipped with S Health that monitors your workouts, daily intake and weight levels in comparison with various charts and tracks your comfort level based on temperature and humidity to help you keep a constant check on where your health is headed.

Intelligence is its middle name; the Galaxy S4 is armed with Adapt Display and Adapt Sound that automatically optimizes its display and volume to suit you best. It also adjusts touch sensitivity to ensure that, regardless of whether you are using bare hands or gloved ones, the touchscreen remains sensitive to your needs.

A 2600 mAh battery juices the S4 that has a 16 GB internal memory which can be extended up to 64 GB with a microSD card.

»» GENERAL FEATURES :

In Sales Package : Headset, Charger, Handset, Battery, Data Cable
Brand : Samsung
Model Name : Galaxy S4
Model ID : i9500
Form : Bar
SIM Size : Micro SIM
SIM Type : Single SIM, GSM
Touch Screen : Yes, Capacitive

** Business Features : Document Viewer, Pushmail (Active Sync)

** Call Features :
Loudspeaker
Handset Color : White & Black Frost

** Platform
Operating Freq
GSM - 850, 900, 1800, 1900; UMTS - 2100

OS : Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
Processor : 1.6 GHz Quad + 1.2 GHz Quad
Graphics : PowerVR SGX

** Display
Type : Super AMOLED
Size : 5 Inches
Resolution : Full HD, 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Color : 16 M

** Camera
Primary Camera : Yes, 13 Megapixel
Secondary Camera : Yes, 2 Megapixel
Flash : LED

** Video Recording
Yes, 1920 x 1080, 30 fps
HD Recording
HD, Full HD

** Other Camera Features
Auto Focus, Flash, Zero Shutter Lag, BIS, Dual Shot, Dual Recording, Sound and Shot, Drama Shot, Story Album, 360 Photo, Animated Photo, Eraser, Night, Best Photo, Best Face, Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports, Image Editor

** Dimensions
Size : 69.8x136.6x7.9 mm
Weight : 130 g

** Battery Type : 2600 mAh

** Memory and Storage
Internal : 16 GB
Expandable Memory : microSD, upto 64 GB
Memory : 2 GB RAM

** Internet & Connectivity
- Internet Features
Email
Preinstalled Browser : Android, Chrome
GPRS : Yes
EDGE : Yes
3G : Yes, 42 Mbps HSPA
Wifi : Yes, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

** USB Connectivity
Yes, micro USB, v2
Tethering
Wi-fi Hotspot

** Navigation Technology : A-GPS, GLONASS, with Google Maps

** Bluetooth : Yes, v4, Supported Profiles (LE)
Audio Jack : 3.5 mm

** Multimedia
Music Player : Yes, Supports MP3, OGG, FLAC, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, apt-X, AMR-NB/WB, WMA, AC-3
Video Player : Yes, Supports DivX, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark, HEVC, H.264, MPEG4, DivX3.11, VC-1, VP8, H.263, Full HD

** Other Features
SAR Value : At the Head - 0.724 W/Kg
Call Memory : Yes
SMS Memory : Yes
Phone Book Memory : Yes

** Sensors : Proximity, Barometer, RGB light, Accelerometer, Gyro, Gesture, Geomagnetic, Temperature and Humidity

** Additional Features
Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Document, Play Games, S Translator, Optical Reader, Samsung Smart Scroll, Samsung Smart Pause, Air Gesture, Air View, S Travel (Trip Advisor), S Voice Drive, S Health, Samsung Adapt Display, Samsung Adapt Sound, Auto Adjust Touch Sensitivity (Glove Friendly), Safety Assistance, Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring, Samsung KNOX (B2B only), Samsung Hub, IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0, Home Sync

** Important Apps
ChatON, Samsung WatchON, Samsung Kies, Kies Air, YouTube, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads, Voice Search

** Warranty
Warranty Summary
1 year manufacturer warranty for Phone and 6 months warranty for in the box accessories

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[CUSTOM][ROM] CЯEED v3.5 - Galaxy Y | With AOSP Lockscreen [v3.0] Patch

=>> ChangeLogs :

ROM RELEASED v3.0
ROM RELEASED v3.1
ROM RELEASED v3.2
ROM RELEASED v3.2

Wats in Creeds' Fusion v3.0??
Basic Features Like:
-Root-(SU Access)
-Deodex
-ZipAligned
Other Stuffs:
-Creeds' Home v2.0 ~Hot
5 Docks
Auto Alphabetical Arrangement
4x4 Icons on one Page of Menu
(So You Get Total Of 21 Apps on one Page Instead Of Stock 16)
Infinite Home Screen Loop Removed
Upto 9 HomeScreens
Page Indicator At Bottom
Whole New Touchwiz UI

List View
Apps Background in List View
-System Themed Lunar UI
-Other Icon Packs of Lunar UI
-Swipe to Remove Notification
-Custom Bootanimation Enabled
-Creeds' Signature Animations and other UI's
-Transparent UI Look
(You Can see Live Wallpapers/Wallpaper behing all apps)
-Transparent Lockscreen
-Status Bar Mods (Use EDT App)
Change Clock Colours to your wish
Change Battery Style to Your Wish
Battery Percentage Optional
Add Your Custom Text On Status Bar
-Lidroid 14 Toggles
Use Quickpanel Settings to Toggle and Change Sequence (Optional,not included in rom)
Enabled Overscroll Mod in Toggles Area
Smaller Toggle area with no text or indicators like Cyanogen
-Using MIUI Music Player
-Keyboard Bug Fix from version 2.5 on transparent UI
-Smooth Scroll
-Minor Bloatwares Removed
Changes in Fusion v3.1
-This is a Common Bug Fix Update of 3.0 .Dont Update if You Dont Have any Problems Using v3.0.
-Apps Top Borders Fixed
-3x4 Keyboard Fix
-Added ICS Keyboard
-Some more, dun remember now
** Changes in Fusion v3.2
-Creeds Parts ~Hott
-Battery History,Information & Statistics via Creed Parts
-FlipMute for Incoming Calls via Creed Parts
-Window/Transition Animation Speed Set & Font Size Selection via Creed Parts
-Status Bar Toggles Selection/Order via Creed Parts
-Samsung Secret Codes , Startup Manager System App Mnager via Creed Parts
-Lockscreen Selection via Creed Parts
-Unlock Via Menu Key via Creed Parts
-Lockscreen Gestures and Custom Apps On Lockscreen via Creed Parts
-15 Status Bar -Added Wifi Hotspot
-8 Lockscreen Mod including:
CyanogenMod Sliding Tab Unlock
CyanogenMod Ring Unlock
CyanogenMod Lens Unlock
CyanogenMod Rotatory Unlock
CyanogenMod Rotatory Revamped Unlock
Samsung Circle Unlock
Samsung Sliding Tab Unlock
Samsung Circle Unlock
-Smooth Scrolling (Scrolling Cache Disabled)
-Creeds Home Improved
-Some Bloatware Removed
Changes in Fusion v3.5
-All the Major Problems Fixed (USB Lockscreen Problem + Signal Bars Problem)
-New UI Inspired from both Touchwiz and ICS
-Improved Status Bar Mods
-Battery Bar Options
-Options to Choose Battery Bar Height
-Battery Bar Color/Transarency Customizable
-Signal/Battery Text Options
-Custom Fonts Available for Clock and Signal Texts
-New Improved Touchwiz Launcher (Full Credits : zcop)
-5 Docks With Landscape Support
-System Performance Improves
-New Animations
-Much More Stable than Previous Versions
-Improved MMS app with theme support
-No Receipient limit on Message App
-No Auto SMS to MMS Coversion

=>> Instructions
:
~Not Very Hard~
-Download the Rom zip File
-Copy it to Sdcard Directly
-Power Off the Phone
-Boot into recovery by pressing (Vol. Key Up + Home Key + Power Key)
-Do a Data RESET
-Select Install Zip From SdCard
-Choose the rom zip
-Install
-Reboot to the Fusion !!!!

** Patches :
AOSP Lockscreen [v3.0]

=>> Common FAQs :
Quote: Q. Do i need to have a rooted phone for installing the Rom.
A. No you jus need to have a Galaxy Y.Rooted or not Rooted Dosnt matters.
Q. Is CWM Essential to Flash the package.
A. Again no ,You can directly Update from a Stock Rom.
Q. I dont like the Rom, what to do ?
A. Easy, there are many other Roms to fulfill your requirements,Check them out.
Q. I Bricked My Phone Using this Rom.
A. Well You can Come to My Place for your Phone Replacement. LOL xD
Q. You Seem to be Rude.
A. Oh! Thank You.

=>> Credits :
AndroidOn - For Smooth Scrolling by Disabling Scrolling Cache
Lidroid-For the 15 Status Bar Toggles
Lidroid-For Flipmute/Lockscreen Mod and More
Parasami-For Some reference to LockscreenMod
CyanogenMod Team -For their Lockscreen and Some More Settings
RomanBB For the StatusBar Tweaks
R3DX For the Lunar UI Theme


==> Download Links :
- Creeds' Fusion v3.0
- Creeds' Fusion v3.1
- Creeds' Fusion v3.2
- Creed v3.5

Read more »

How To HDR Effect With Only One Image With Adobe® Photoshop® Touch - Android Apps

Now I'm sure by now that more than a few of you have stumbled across what is referred to as an HDR photo on the internet at some point - you'll know when you see one. The striking, saturated and dreamlike colors make the entire photo pop from the screen - and often times it looks as if the photo was taken in a dream. Normally you'd need a somewhat advanced camera with the ability to take photos in RAW format to cause this effect... but what do you do for photos that you've already taken - and may be in good ol' jpeg format? You use my tutorial on how to (mostly) fake the effect, of course. Lets begin.

Choose your image to begin with

When choosing a starter image, you are going to want to be sure that its a picture that has the potential to really stand out when using the HDR effect. Most of the time, photos of people or pets will only end up looking washed out - so buildings, landscapes and other inanimate objects usually work best when applying this effect. But who am I to tell you what you can try it on? Don't let some random guy from the internet tell you what to choose - after learning the method I'm about to show you, try it on many different types of photos and see what works best for you.

My Setup

You will, of course, need Adobe Photoshop for this effect. I'm sure it can be done in other image editors - but this tutorial will cover only Photoshop. I myself use Adobe Photoshop CS (8) - if you have CS 1 or later all the options should be the same for you. I am using a PC (not a mac) so when you see steps such as 'right click' - if you are using a mac the selection method may be different. Shouldn't be too hard to figure out, if you didn't figure out you can right click on a mac too, check out my os x tutorial on how to right click with your mightymouse.

Getting Started

Open up the ol' photoshop along with your starter image, and we shall begin. Keep in mind that everything I say from this point forward is simply what I do to achieve this effect, and can be experimented upon and adjusted to fit your own personal style and what you enjoy for a final result better suited for what looks good for you. I'm just taking you along the path, feel free to deviate from it if you like. Always remember to save a backup copy of the original, just in case. Safety first.
Step One
Alright, here is our starter image. I chose a darkened castle scene (its usually best not to choose a picture that is too dark to begin with due to artifacting that occurs when brightening it in a later step, but I wanted to choose a photo that best showed results - more on that later) and I think you'll agree that it already looks like a dream of sorts before we even work on it. Who doesn't love castles?

Being that this is a medium level tutorial, I'll assume that you know where each option is located, and will only list in my text the commands that you need to use. For beginner level tutorials I will be mapping out all moves in the menus with photos, but I think mid level folks know their way around fine enough.

1a. Select the "Image" command from your top menu and proceed to "Image Adjustment" and finally to "Shadow/Highlight".

1b. In the menu that pops up there, be sure to tick the "Show More Options" box if it is not already selected. Then slide the bar or enter numerical values for the following:

If done correctly, your photo should look something like this:

Step Two

Alright, now we've got the first (and most important) step out of the way by setting the shadow/highlight values. Next comes our second layer.

2a. With your "Layers" menu visible, right click on your first (and base) layer and choose "Duplicate Layer". We'll name this new layer "Color Dodge" to emphasize the effect we'll put on the layer to make things less confusing later on.

2b. Right click on this newly created layer and choose "Blending Options". You'll want to set this layer to "Color Dodge" using the dropdown menu of options. This will give the photo the strong colors we need, and will fill very bright areas with pure white in most cases. If this happens, don't fret - we will fix it in the next step.

Alright - our photo should now be looking something like this:

Step Three

During this step, we'll basically be repeating step two but with a different result.

3a. Right click on the base layer you began with again - but this time choose "Linear Burn" as the name. Right click on this new layer and choose "Blending Options" - setting it this time to.. you guessed it! "Linear Burn". Don't be alarmed when the entire photo turns much darker, we will adjust this result soon enough.

Step Four

This step is very easy.

4a. Right click on the "Linear Burn" layer we just created for the last step and duplicate it. Name this one "Overlay". Right click on it again and choose "Blending Options", and then "Overlay". As you are probably understanding by this point, we're getting this effect by manipulating many layers and blending them all together. Clever, eh?

By about now we should be looking like this:

Step Five

Now its time to adjust a few of the layers to get the final blend of what we want to see.

5a. When you have a layer selected, you should see at the top of the "Layers" menu "Opacity". Changing this value will raise or lower transparency and will blend our image together. I found the following works best:


In some cases the setup would benefit more from a 45% 'Overlay' layer and 55% - 60% for the 'Linear Burn' layer. Depending on the photo - this is one area where you need to experiment and find what works best for the blend to get maximum eye popping results.

We've now reached what we'll assume is our final result:

Step Six

Artifacting may occur at some point while working with jpeg format instead of raw - not alot we can do if the picture did not choose to work with us that well during the course of this tutorial. Using a photoshop filter such as "Neat Image" or even using light amounts of blur may help clean it up - but this is one of the perils of "Faking It" so to speak.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and the result you ended up with. Try this on many photos and see what you come up with. Enjoy!

One final image for comparison:

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