Fix overexposed photos by using photo editing software to reduce overall brightness and recover details in highlights. Common tools include exposure sliders, tone adjustments, and localized brushes in apps like Lightroom, Photoshop, VSCO, or free mobile editors. Start with small changes and zoom in to check details, as severely overexposed areas may not fully recover.

Basic Adjustments

Lower the exposure slider first by -0.5 to -2.0 to darken the entire image without losing too much detail. Then reduce highlights to pull back brightness in the brightest spots, like skies or lights, and slightly lift shadows for balance. Increase contrast moderately to separate tones and add definition.

Targeted Fixes

Apply a radial gradient or adjustment brush over specific overexposed areas, such as sunlit regions, to darken them selectively. In Photoshop, try a Multiply blend mode on a levels adjustment layer and lower opacity for subtle darkening. Check the histogram to ensure no clipping in highlights occurs during edits.

Mobile and Quick Edits

On iPhone's Photos app, tap Edit, select Auto for instant correction, or manually adjust exposure, brightness, and shadows. Apps like YouCam Perfect or Fotor offer one-tap AI enhancement followed by sliders for exposure and contrast. For Lightroom mobile, use the basic panel's exposure, highlights, and whites sliders.

Creative Alternatives

Convert to black and white with high contrast if colors are blown out, or add grain for a film-like texture to mask flat areas. Lean into a high-key style by emphasizing bright moods with refined whites and shadows when full recovery isn't possible. Always edit non-destructively and compare before/after views.