Dodging and burning can transform an image, but traditional tools aren’t always the best route. Instead, using curves adjustment layers in Photoshop lets you refine highlights and shadows with control and flexibility, bringing out depth in your images. Here's how.
Coming to you from Aaron Nace with Phlearn, this practical video explores how curves adjustment layers give you an edge over the standard dodge and burn tools. Nace points out that while Photoshop’s built-in tools are easy to find, they directly impact your background layer, which limits flexibility. Instead, he creates curves layers to adjust brightness and darkness on a separate layer. By painting selectively with a soft brush, you can control exactly where the effect appears, without permanently altering the original image.
One valuable tip here is adjusting your brush's flow to around 10%, which gives you a subtle, buildable effect. Nace explains that this allows you to gradually increase or decrease light on specific parts of your image, like a subject’s face or features, with multiple passes. Flow control is key to creating natural-looking adjustments, as you can intensify an area by simply painting over it more times, rather than applying a harsh, one-time adjustment.
Another technique Nace highlights is using the "Blend If" function, which can target specific tonal ranges like highlights or shadows. This lets you apply curves adjustments to only the brightest or darkest parts of your image, adding dimension without affecting midtones. Using "Blend If" allows you to target highlights for enhancement without having to manually brush over each light area. Nace explains how it’s particularly useful for refining skin tones and textures, as it naturally focuses on highlights, making skin appear more luminous and realistic. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Nace.
