Dodge and burn is an editing technique that allows you to selectively adjust brightness and darkness in specific areas of an image. This technique can add depth and dimension but can also lead to some common mistakes. This great video tutorial will show you three common mistakes and how to fix them.
Coming to you from Andrea Livieri, this insightful video covers three critical mistakes people often make when dodging and burning, and how to correct them. The first error highlighted is incorrect exposure parameter settings. Instead of using the exposure slider, which can reduce local contrast and cause color shift, Livieri recommends using the curves tool. That way, you maintain natural contrast and avoid unwanted color shifts, resulting in a more natural effect.
A second important mistake is ignoring discoloration. When you lighten or darken an area, it can affect the color saturation and appearance of that area. To solve this problem, Livieri recommends using a color layering technique in Lightroom, which helps maintain the natural tone of the adjusted area. This method is similar to techniques used in Photoshop, allowing for more nuanced color adjustments without losing saturation or creating unnatural color differences.
Livieri recommends starting with a fairly dark photo and using a dodge technique to selectively highlight it. This technique allows you to effectively direct the viewer’s eye and maintain a balanced light-to-shiny ratio. Advanced tips are provided regarding using the Glow Range tool in Lightroom. This tool allows you to target specific areas based on their brightness values, fine-tuning and tightening adjustments for precise control. Check out the video above for the full list from Livieri.
