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Non-destructive Photoshop dodge/burn

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

Sometimes it's more intuitive to dodge and burn instead of using curves, here I dodged some detail into the smoke and burned the shadows a bit more for drama.

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

Did it ever bug you that dodging/burning in Photoshop is destructive and can not be changed after you used the tools? I have good news for you - with a little trick it's possible to do your dodging and burning in a separate layer.

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

First, create a new layer via Layers>New Layer. If you use the "New Layer" icon in the layers palette, press the alt or option key simultaneously.

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

Name the layer as you wish (I chose dodge/burn for the obvious reasons) and set the Blending Mode to Overlay, this will reveal another option at the bottom "Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray)". Select that option.

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

Now you can dodge (lighten) and burn (darken) to your hearts content. You'll find adjustments for brush size, range (highlights/midtones/shadows) and Exposure right under your menu bar.
Here's the best part - you won't need to worry anymore if you screw up, simply go into the dodge/burn layer and paint in your mistakes with the 50% gray color (use the eyedropper to pick it up from an untouched area)

Non-destructive dodge and burn layer, Photoshop tutorials by Markus Hartel

this is how the dodge/burn layer looks by itself. Instead of using the dodge/burn tools, you could paint white or black with different opacities in the d/b layer.

Comments (7)

Ju.:

Beautiful tutorial ! Congratulation ! I use this all the time, thanks ;)

mayra Covarrubias:

I really love your work!

Cool. Thanks for that. I always used a dublicated layer of the bg.

Daniel:

An excellent tutorial indeed. Straight and to the point. Very helpful! I was just looking for that.

I was looking for a simple and effective explanation of the famous 50% gray layer D&B, for people who already know it's so easy than don't explain anything. But with this wonderful tutorial now I understand the idea and I'm ready to start using it. Big thanks.

One problem with the 50% gray layer D&B is that you lose the "range" ability that the regular dodge and burn tool allows. You no longer can burn just midtones or dodge shadows etc.

That's why for many situations working on a duplicate layer is necessary. Other times the overlay layer is just fine though.

ummmm... you can adjust the opacity of your tool to achieve subtle effects.

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