Contrast/Brightness

Increase contrast and increase brightness if the image is too dark

To adjust contrast/brightness open the image and choose Image > Adjust > Brightness/Contrast.

Low contrast

Decrease contrast and increase brightness to fade out the picture and use it for backgrounds

To adjust contrast/brightness open the image and choose Image > Adjust > Brightness/Contrast:

Drag sliders to get the above effect - increase brightness to 100 and decrease the contrast to -80.