dodgingburning

Dodging and burning are photographic techniques used to adjust tonal values in prints or digital images by selectively lightening (dodging) or darkening (burning) areas. Originating in traditional black-and-white printing, they help compensate for exposure variations and shape the image for emphasis or detail.

In the darkroom, dodging shields portions of the paper from light during exposure to keep them lighter, while burning increases exposure to darken selected areas. Both techniques are feathered to create smooth transitions and are often applied iteratively to balance shadows, midtones, and highlights.

In digital editing, dodging and burning are simulated with local adjustments. Common methods include layer-based workflows using Curves or Levels with masks, or brush-based painting on lightening or darkening layers. The aim is to recover detail in blown-out regions or to add depth to shadows while maintaining a natural look and avoiding obvious artifacts.

Applications and considerations include balancing dynamic range in a scene, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the subject, and restoring detail without creating an artificial appearance. Best practices emphasize restraint, regular evaluation at multiple magnifications, and maintaining consistency with the image’s overall tonal mood. Overuse can lead to halos, banding, or an unreal look, so adjustments are typically subtle and iterative, tailored to the specific photograph and viewing conditions.