Page 162 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

160 APPLYING | DODGING AND BURNING

LIGHTENING AND DARKENING

Dodging and burning are simple but useful ways too far and aim to retain some detail in the area you
to improve selected areas of an image. Dodging is are working on. Both tools let you vary the strength
lightening an area of a photo and burning means to of the adjustment. It is a good idea to start with a
darken an area. Both terms come from techniques low strength and apply the effect gradually. If you
used in the darkroom on analog prints. As with any need to correct a photo’s overall exposure, do that
image enhancements, you must be careful not to go before dodging and burning.

Size: 750 px

Hardness: 0%

10 19 700 750
Dodge Tool
Burn Tool
Sponge Tool Size: 750 px
25 50 Hardness: 49%

ASSESS THE PHOTO CHOOSE THE BRUSH SIZE CHANGE THE HARDNESS
Open the photo in editing software A brush that is more than 1,000 Use the Hardness slider to set
(Adobe Photoshop was used here), and pixels in size is ideal for adjusting large how marked the adjustment will be.
decide which areas of your photo you areas of a photo, such as sky. However, A high value creates a very crisp-edged
would like to adjust. Select either the for a more targeted adjustment, such as effect. A low value results in a more
Dodge or Burn tool. here, select a smaller brush size. subtle adjustment.

Shadow
Range: Midtones Exposure: Exposure: 15% Protect Tones Exposure: 15% Protect Tones
Highlights
Woman_with_white_hair.psd

SET THE TONAL RANGE SELECT THE EXPOSURE SELECT PROTECT TONES
Use the Range menu to select the Adjust Exposure to control the Check Protect Tones, so that
part of the tonal range of your photo that tool’s strength. Start with a low value so color will only get lighter or darker
you want to change with the tool. Here, that you can increase the effect slowly. as you brush. If it is left unchecked,
Midtones has been selected. You can always raise the exposure. the colors can change.

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