I'm sure a PS expert who isn't an ignoramus like me will be able to solve this in a flash!

I'd like to darken the bright central area in the attached photo, so that it matches the surrounding shadow, but not to change the underlying pattern of the paving.

A simple step-by-step guide for a child of five would do fine.

Thanks in advance.

Click to view attachment

Jeremy

Since no one responded I'll throw a couple things out.

1. The retouching forum at dpreview.com is pretty good for this kind of question.

2. I'd try duplicating the layer and then get the shadow to look the way you want. Try a curve. Then use a mask to blend it in. Brute force. There is probably something more elegant but that's what I would try first.

I would be tempted to try using the clone stamp tool. Pick a source point in the shadow area where the pattern looks as if it matches the one where the light area is, and go to it. It might take a few tries to get it positioned right, but I think it should work.

As you might have guessed, I tend to use the clone tool a lot, such as for brushing my teeth and washing dishes. 

Good luck with it!

Eric

Quick & dirty:

1 load image into PS and duplicate background (Ctrl + J)

2 Create a selection based on luminance (Ctrl + Alt + ~)

3 Add a curves adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves). The adjustment layer will contain a layer mask which protects the shadows and allows the curve adjustment to affect only the highlight (the tiles). Play with the curve until you have what you want.

done.