Photoshop-Burn/Dodge Question

goldilocksandmy3bears

Does anyone have any good tutorials for using the burn and dodge tool. I have been trying to use these tools on some colorful photographs however it looks overdone and when I unclick the mouse and start in a new area it leaves a very noticable line. Can you also post some of your pictures where you have used these tools. Thanks!
Court

Ric Grupe

http://www.thelightsright.com/search/node/dodge

colourbox

The best way to dodge and burn is to not use the dodge and burn tools. It's much easier to control if you use a separate layer for it. Then it's easier to fine-tune the effect than with the dodge and burn tools.

Google turned up this technique that I like, and it's actually from this very forum!
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=2478

Tee Why

Try using a brush that is a little bigger than you think you need. Also make sure that the brush has soft edges to prevent that streak look.
Try midtones only and exposure of about 10% or so and make small wipes with the brush.

It takes a little trial and error to get comfy with dodging/burning.

Good luck.

Ric Grupe

colourbox wrote:

The best way to dodge and burn is to not use the dodge and burn tools. It's much easier to control if you use a separate layer for it. Then it's easier to fine-tune the effect than with the dodge and burn tools.

Google turned up this technique that I like, and it's actually from this very forum!
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=2478

Hold down the alt key while selecting a new layer by clicking the icon for a new layer in the layers panel. This will bring up the new layer dialog box...name the layer...set the mode to overlay...opacity to 65%...check the "fill with 50% gray" check box. Now you can paint with black or white to dodge or burn. Press the x key to toggle between the two. Remember to have the brush soft and at a low opacity.:D Sounds difficult...but it's not!

No need to select different shades of gray...just increase or decrease the opacity of the brush.

pathfinder

What Ric said.

Ric is describing what we called the "Cletus" technique here on dgrin several years ago, although even Cletus would say that the he did not invent the technique.

The original Dodge and Burn tools were very crude tools, a little improved in CS 4 now, but still crude compared to the control of Overlay blending on an adjustment layer.

colourbox

I'll back up and say that if you must use the Dodge and Burn tools, at least be doing it in Photoshop CS4. They made some changes to make the use of those tools less crude, like adding a little intelligence in the new Protect Tones and Vibrance options. Here's an article about that.

I still use an adjustment layer though. It provides the ultimate control. You can alter any dodge and burn edit without depending on Undo or History.

goldilocksandmy3bears

thanks everyone for your input! I have been trying out the links and help you all provide soon I will have this technique down all thanks to you all!!

goldilocksandmy3bears

Ric Grupe wrote:

Hold down the alt key while selecting a new layer by clicking the icon for a new layer in the layers panel. This will bring up the new layer dialog box...name the layer...set the mode to overlay...opacity to 65%...check the "fill with 50% gray" check box. Now you can paint with black or white to dodge or burn. Press the x key to toggle between the two. Remember to have the brush soft and at a low opacity.:D Sounds difficult...but it's not!

No need to select different shades of gray...just increase or decrease the opacity of the brush.

Thanks I couldn't figure out how to set my color to 50% grey thanks!