Skip to main content
blwegrzyn
blwegrzyn
Known Participant
March 14, 2017
Answered

Doging Burning with Lightroom - Can it be same as PS?

  • March 14, 2017
  • 1 reply
  • 3132 views

Is there a way to dodge and burn in Lightroom in a same way as in Photoshop?

What should i use to doge or burn mid-tones in LR?

Is the below table correct understanding of how both applications work?

For me it seems like the dodging or burning with exposure or layers affect exposure in whole while old style PS tools affect shadows, highlights or mid-tones only.

ActionLightroomPhotoshop
Dodge Highlightsmake local adjustments with Increased highlights sliderDodge Highlights
Dodge Shadowsmake local adjustments with Increased shadows sliderDodge Shadows
Dodge Mid-tones???Dodge Mid-tones
Burn Highlightsmake local adjustments with decreased highlights sliderBurn Highlights
Burn Shadows make local adjustments with decreased shadows sliderBurn Shadows
Burn Mid-tones???Burn Mid-tones
Dodge Exposuremake local adjustments with increased exposure sliderUse layers and paint brush with white
Burn Exposuremake local adjustments with decreased exposure sliderUse layers and paint brush with black
    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Todd Shaner

    I am aware that there are videos about the brush tool but i cannot find any talking about the midtones.

    So my question is how do you burn or dodge the mid tones without affecting shadows and highlights?

    If my question is not proper or does not make any sense please let me know.


    blwegrzyn  wrote

    So my question is how do you burn or dodge the mid tones without affecting shadows and highlights?

    The LR Exposure control targets the midtone area. If you hover your mouse pointer in the Histogram over different levels it will show the control that for that area.

    1 reply

    JP Hess
    JP Hess
    Inspiring
    March 14, 2017

    The best tool to use in Lightroom would be the adjustment brush. You can adjust exposure, highlights, shadows and a number of other settings. Just dial in the adjustments you want to make and then brush across the area you want to affect.

    blwegrzyn
    blwegrzynAuthor
    Known Participant
    March 14, 2017

    My table above refers to adjustment brush in Lightroom.

    JP Hess
    JP Hess
    Inspiring
    March 14, 2017

    I guess you have to use some reverse logic in Lightroom. To dodge the mid tones, if that means to make them lighter, you would adjust exposure, shadows and blacks. You would increase those settings and then brush over the midtone area that you want to lighten. To burn the mid tones you would make the adjustments just the opposite.

    To answer your original question directly, there is no specific dodge and burn tool in Lightroom. You use the brush adjustments to accomplish the effect you are looking for. You probably already realize this. But after you have brushed an area you can go back and adjust the sliders even more as long as you have the area brushed still highlighted.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices