Everyone knows that the power of good photographic retouching often lies in the details, and that’s especially true when you’re using Photoshop’s powerful dodge and burn tools. With these tools, you’ll be able to bring out the particulars in any photo, from the smallest of blemishes to the most subtle of highlights. Read on to learn how to use this helpful editing feature to perfect your images like never before.
1) Mastering the Dodge and Burn Tools in Photoshop
Getting to grips with the Dodge and Burn tools in Photoshop can take some practice. A combination of the right knowledge and technique can get you sharpening and restoring your images with maximum accuracy.
So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Begin by getting comfortable with the Dodge and Burn tools, here is a quick overview of all you need to know:
- Dodge tool – lightens and brightens specific areas.
- Burn tool – darkens and shades specific areas.
Once you’re happy with the basics of Dodge and Burn, try this trick to give your images an extra boost. Create a Quick Selection of the areas you want to work on, select the same Dodge and Burn options you had and then run through the same process as before. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can take your image to the next level!
2) Exploring the Benefits of Dodge and Burn Tools
Dodge and burn tools are a powerful ally for any photographer. Digital photography means that there are no darkroom processing issues to worry about. A simple touch of the brush can improve an image, adjusting the exposure and highlights in a way that a mere single click of the mouse can’t.
Using Dodge and Burn Tools to Highlight
Many elements can be enhanced by the use of dodge and burn tools. Take color saturation and contrasts, for example. With slight changes, you can make a duller color element shine. Arranging settings in such a way that shadows and highlights balance each other can bring pleasing effects as well – something which cannot be achieved with a simple filter or adjustment.
Using Dodge and Burn Tools to Enhance Textures
Textures are another sure winner for when you use dodge and burn tools. Adding texture to an image does not require the use of complicated techniques. All it takes is a few cursor clicks and color adjustments for dramatic effects. Unwanted textures can be quickly and easily erased, making way for more pleasing effects.
Using Dodge and Burn Tools for Portrait Retouching
Dodge and burn tools can also be used to their fullest potential when it comes to portrait retouching. By selectively lightening and darkening areas of a portrait, photographers can take a simple moment and bring it to its fullest potential. Here are few points to remember when using dodge and burn tools:
- Start by establishing an even mid-tone.
- To bring out small details in a portrait, avoid working on large areas.
- Work slowly and methodically.
- Create a “burn” mask for future adjustments.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment!
3) Unlocking the Power of Dodge and Burn Tools
Although Photoshop can be an immense source of diverse tools, two timeless ones that should be heavily utilized are Dodge and Burn tools. Despite their primitive looking design options and the lack of intuitive properties, these two tools have been victorious since the early days of post-processing.
From highlighting features of the image to intuitively toning shadows, the Dodge and Burn tools are the go-to for creating a timeless classic look with Adobe’s Photoshop.
- To use Dodge, select the part of the image you want to bring out, then adjust the ‘Exposure’ and let the magic happen.
- For Burn, choose the layer of the image you want to dull down, adjust the ‘Shadows’, and you will find that the tones become much more elegant and soft.
An end result of perfection is only achieved by carefully balancing the effect of Burn and Dodge within the image. Since both the tools have their own unique qualities and presentation options, mastering them can be satisfying, but challenging. Ultimately, Dodge and Burn are staples in post-processing and serve as powerful manipulators at any photographers disposal.
4) Key Steps for Achieving Professional Results with Dodge and Burn Tools
Dodge and burn tools in Photoshop are quick and simple to use, and when used correctly can produce amazing professional results. Here are 4 key steps for using dodge and burn tools for achieving professional results:
1. Set Colour Range and Exposure Before you get to adjusting shadows and highlights, it is important to make sure you have set the appropriate colour range and exposure. The work you do with the dodge and burn tools is highly dependent on the colour range and exposure settings you make at the outset.
2. Start Off Softly Your next step is to start off softly with the dodge and burn tools. Make each brush stroke gentle so you can go back and build up the amount of dodging and burning gradually. This process allows you to create a more professional looking result.
3. Soften and Blur It is good practice to finish off with a little softening and blurring. This will help to blend any adjustments you have made and give a more natural looking result. You can use softening and blurring techniques such as the Gaussian blur, Unsharp Mask and the Motion blur.
4. Work in Multiple Layers The best way to dodge and burn for professional results is to work on separate layers. This way you can make adjustments and blend without affecting other areas of the file. You can work in multiple layers to add adjustment and colour layers for more control.
5) Polish Your Photos using Dodge and Burn Tools
Dodge and burn tools are powerful and effective methods to polish and refine your photos. This technique has been around for centuries, however it is only in recent years that digital darkroom techniques made it as accessible and flexible. In this section, we will look at how to use dodge and burn tools to give your photos the perfect finish.
- Create the Layers: Open the image in your editing software and create two new layers: the dodge layer and the burn layer. Make sure that you name the layers, so you can easily keep track of them.
- Test the Strength: Initially, set the strength of your brush for both the dodge and burn layers to a low level, around 10%. This will let you test out the effects of each brush before you increase the strength of your brush.
Once you are familiar with the effects of each tool, you can adjust the strength of the brush and start dodging and burning your image. Make sure to use a brush with a soft edge, so you don’t create harsh lines or shape. The results should be subtle, seamless and natural. You can work on each area with the dodge and burn tools until you are happy with the result.
Dodge and burn tools are an essential part of any post-processing workflow and can be used to create stunning, polished photos. Just keep in mind that like any other editing tool, it should be used with caution and moderation to avoid over-editing your photos.
Now you have the knowledge and the confidence to use the Dodge & Burn tools in Photoshop to great effect. Remember that there are a multitude of creative possibilities when it comes to photo editing, and by mastering these simple yet powerful tools you can take your creative vision to the next level. Take some time to experiment and explore the endless possibilities of the Dodge & Burn tools, and have fun in the process.
