Photoshop Tip of the Week: Dodge and Burn Overdose
Dodge and burn are techniques used way back in film darkrooms to enhance the exposure of images.
Burning is a common practice in film darkrooms wherein the light is increased or an area burned in a print makes it darker. Dodging on the other hand is the opposite. The light is being blocked from the enlarger so it will prevent it from reaching the photo paper and the result would be a lighter print on that blocked area.
Most Photoshop newbies would be awed with the “powers” of dodge and burn, thus, have the tendency to overdo it. It is important that highlights, mid tones and shadows be kept in mind when editing an image. Mid tones are often neglected, as a result, the edited images would come out flat. This is usually the case when burning is overused when editing hair to make it darker, or too much dodging when a portion of the face is being emphasized.
The trick is to go subtle when editing images, especially of people or animals. Just a slight touch of dodge or burn would do, and again: remember that there are highlights, mid tones and shadows.
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