I asked this in another current thread, but the topic is so tense that I doubt it will get answered. I know fully how to dodge in a film darkroom, but I'm still trying to relate those talents to this digital darkroom thing. So, I have one small area that’s too dark in a great photo, how do I dodge that to bring out the true colors and detail?
In photoshop (or other program) select the dodge tool and choose "shadows" so you dont blow out highlights. Then choose the exposure percentage and draw on the photo as you with with the airbrush tool. It will lighten up all the dark areas.
Thanks Ben. I use Paint Shop Pro 7 but don't see a dodge tool on the toolbar. Perhaps I need to upgrade to a better package. I also have PS Elements but haven't looked there.
Create a new layer and set its mode to overlay and check the "Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray)" box. Use the brush tool and set the opacity to about 30%. Set your foreground color to white and paint the area you want to dodge. Since the opacity is less than 100%, you can paint over an area again if the effect isn't strong enough the 1st time. If you want to burn, just switch your foreground color to black. If you want to can the whole thing, just delete the entire layer and start anew.
Hi Wolfy, Paint Shop Pro does have a dodge & burn tool it is in the "retouch" tool. Once you open the retouch tool and see the options, there is a drop down menu that lists those items, among others. You'll want to make sure you adjust the opacity, etc.
PSP has the dodge tool in the retouch submenu on the side toolbar. The hand with the forefinger pointing down. Just click on that and go to the tool options rollup and then click on the bottom dropdown menu to find it.
sorry. too slow.
the overlay method is much more effective than using any of the dodge/ burn or retouch brushes - particulary as you can filter the overlay layer, blurring it or adjusting levels etc, to vary the amount of dodging/ burning done with a great deal of control.
