SUMMARY
Adobe has replaced Photoshop's Brightness/Contrast slider with a new Light adjustment layer that incorporates Camera Raw controls, offering a nondestructive workflow for exposure and tone adjustments. This layer provides sliders for exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks, mirroring the functionality found in Camera Raw and Lightroom. Photographer Aaron Nace recommends using this new layer and demonstrates techniques for effective masking, including isolating adjustments for subjects and backgrounds to achieve precise tonal control. Users can revert to the legacy Brightness/Contrast behavior if needed, but the new Light layer aligns with Adobe's ongoing integration of Camera Raw features into Photoshop.
TAKEAWAYS
Photoshop's Brightness/Contrast slider is replaced by a new Light adjustment layer.
The Light layer integrates Camera Raw controls for nondestructive editing of exposure and tone.
Nace demonstrates advanced masking techniques for subject and background isolation.
Users can access a 'Legacy' option to revert to the old Brightness/Contrast functionality.