In article <CXQgj.95778$036.38085@fe1.news.blueyonder.co.uk >,
nonense@blueyonder.co.uk says...
>
>Can anyone offer a step by step on how to correct this picture?
>thanks
>
>http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...4433_00010.jpg

Three places to start:
Curves
Levels
Highlight & Shadow

The exposure is pretty bad. I hope you have a high-rez version to work with.
I'd look at Curves, but that can be daunting, if you do not know that
adjustment well. Next, Levels will get you into the "ballpark," and is a bit
easier, though not as robust as Curves. Last, run Highlight & Shadow, but you
may need to make all sorts of adjustments, until you have done the best, that
you can. Be ready to Ctrl-z (Undo) quite often.

You might also want to start with Ctrl-j (Duplicate Layer) a few times, and
play with the Blending Modes of the dupe Layers. You need to build up the
detail in the darkest areas. When/if, you find a good combo, Save_As PSD, then
Flatten the Layers to begin the above methods. Then, Save_As another version
with the Flattened Layers.

It will not be easy, as the image is underexposed pretty badly. Color
correction will probably be your last step, as will some form of noise
reduction, but if you get close, you can experiment with the final touches.

Hunt