Mastering Dodge and Burn with Curves in Photoshop for iPad

Dodge and burning are essential techniques for photographers and retouchers to enhance the contrast and depth of their images. While these techniques can be achieved manually, using Photoshop’s Curves Adjustment Layer provides a more precise and controlled approach. This tutorial will guide you through the process of using Curves to dodge and burn in Photoshop for iPad.

What you will need:

• Adobe Photoshop for iPad
• A photo you want to enhance with dodging and burning

Step 1: Open the Image and Create a New Adjustment Layer

1. Launch Photoshop for iPad and open the photo you want to edit.
2. In the Layers panel, tap on the “+” icon and select “Adjustment Layer” > “Curves.”
3. A new Curves Adjustment Layer will be added to the Layers panel.

Step 2: Adjust the Highlights

1. In the Curves Adjustment Layer, click and drag the point on the curve to the top right to brighten the highlights.
2. Use a soft brush to adjust the curve subtly, focusing on areas where you want to brighten the highlights, such as the eyes, forehead, and cheekbones.

Step 3: Adjust the Midtones

1. To enhance the midtones, add a point in the middle of the curve and drag it slightly upward.
2. Use a smaller brush than the one used for highlights to adjust the midtones more precisely.

Step 4: Adjust the Shadows

1. To darken the shadows, add a point on the curve below the center and drag it slightly downward.
2. Use a soft brush to adjust the curve subtly, focusing on areas where you want to darken the shadows, such as the under-eye area and crevices.

Step 5: Dodge and Burn Specific Areas

1. To dodge specific areas, create a new layer above the Curves Adjustment Layer.
2. Select the Dodge tool and set the brush size and opacity to your liking.
3. Brush over the areas you want to brighten, using light, feathered strokes.
4. To burn specific areas, create another new layer above the Curves Adjustment Layer.
5. Select the Burn tool and set the brush size and opacity to your liking.
6. Brush over the areas you want to darken, using dark, feathered strokes.
7. Adjust the opacity of the Dodge and Burn layers to control the intensity of the effect.

Step 6: Fine-tune the Adjustments

1. Use the Levels Adjustment Layer to further refine the contrast and brightness of the image.
2. For more precise adjustments, use the Dodge and Burn tools to selectively lighten or darken specific areas.

Step 7: Save and Export

1. Once you’re satisfied with the results, save your Photoshop for iPad document.
2. To export the image, tap on the “Share” icon and choose the desired export format and size.

Remember, dodging and burning are subjective techniques, so experiment with different settings and brushes to achieve the desired effect for your image.