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Posted on 27/08/10 1:24:04 PM
Stefano Giacomuzzi
Modernist Maestro
Posts: 146

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Using the Dodge and Burn tools
Hi all,
I'm working on the ashtray of 100% photoshop book.
I'm trying to add some shading to the base of the ashtray using the dodge and burn tools with my new pen tablet. I use a soft edged brush with these settings: Range: Midtones and Exposure: 100%
This is the result:

I think the effect is too strong, especially in the center. What's wrong?
Thank you





Posted on 27/08/10 4:03:49 PM
GKB
Magical Montagist
Posts: 3882

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Re: Using Dodge and Burn tools
Hi Stefano,

The 'Dodge and Burn' tool does not allow you to change anything once you have used them. Instead of using the 'Dodge and Burn' tool, try this.

Create a new layer above the ashtray and fill it with 50% grey. Do this by using Shift + Backspace. Clip this layer to the ashtray layer and change the blending mode to 'Hard Light'. The grey will now disappear from your image but it is still there.

Now press 'D' to change your colours to black and white.

Next select the paintbrush and change the softness to what ever value you like. The softer the brush the softer the edge will be. Now change the brush transparency to a very low number, say 5%, and paint on the Hard Light layer with either black or white. You will see the same effect as you would with the Dodge and Burn tool.

Experiment with different brush sizes, softness and transparency to see how it affects your image.

If you don't like it you can throw the layer away and start again.

Gordon



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Why isn't 'phonetic' spelled the way it sounds?

Posted on 30/08/10 11:02:08 AM
Stefano Giacomuzzi
Modernist Maestro
Posts: 146

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Re: Using Dodge and Burn tools
Hi Gordon,
many thanks for the advice. I've just finished the ashtray and this is the result. I think it works, doesn't it?




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Stefano

Posted on 18/09/10 11:17:05 PM
trevor
*
Posts: 35

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Re: Using Dodge and Burn tools
I was surprised at how often Steve uses the dodge and burn tools in 100% Photoshop. It was years and years since I'd last even thought to use them, but they allow you an immediacy that you don't get with the 50% grey and other blend mode methods, and it keeps things flowing IMO. You can make things too complicated sometimes.

It's also useful being able to target a tonal range, and there is this new protect feature in CS5, but I am not entirely sure what that's all about.

Anyway. I am a convert.

Posted on 20/09/10 08:17:19 AM
Steve Caplin
Administrator
Posts: 6934

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Re: Using Dodge and Burn tools
Glad you've found their value, Trevor. The 'protect' feature stops the tools changing colours at certain modes: try the Dodge tool in Highlight mode, or the Burn tool in Midtones, and you should see the difference before and after.

Note that if you're using the tools mainly in greyscale, as I recommend in the book, then protecting colours will have no effect!

Posted on 13/11/10 1:04:04 PM
Andrea abbott
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Posts: 10

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Re: Using the Dodge and Burn tools
If I MUST use dodge and burn tools then i duplicate the layer, change its blend mode to overlay and use the dodge and burn set at highlights 100%

the other way and i feel much better is to add a new layer at the top of the stack edit-fill-50% gray blend mode overlay lower the opacity to around 30% and use a soft edge white brush to lighten and a soft edge black brush to add shadows .

I think with time we all find our own favourite way of doing things which is what makes us and each image unique

Posted on 15/11/10 07:34:23 AM
Steve Caplin
Administrator
Posts: 6934

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Re: Using the Dodge and Burn tools
I agree, Andrea - everyone has their own way of producing a similar effect, it's just a matter of what you're comfortable with.

Why do you dislike the Dodge and Burn tools, though? I find them invaluable. And, by the way, I use a similar technique to you, except that I use Hard Light rather than Overlay mode - it's a stronger version of the same thing.

Posted on 15/11/10 7:10:04 PM
Paul 2007 thru 2010
Lego Legend
Posts: 361

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Re: Using the Dodge and Burn tools
Andrea abbott wrote:
the other way and i feel much better is to add a new layer at the top of the stack edit-fill-50% gray blend mode overlay lower the opacity to around 30% and use a soft edge white brush to lighten and a soft edge black brush to add shadows .



That is my preferred way to "dodge and burn' I find it easier to revert to normal. I just have to paint over parts in 50% grey to get back.
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