Adaptive contrast

[Ridg]

This is one of the best tutorials i've ever read.

http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-retouching/adaptive-contrast.html

Basically it lets you adjust the contrast without blowing out the highlights or over darkening the shadows.

Here's a random image I've used it on.

this is with the mask off



and the mask on

[Winso]

I like it. Good find!