Adjustment curves layer not showing on background image

[Svenom]

Hi all, 

I am trying my hand at fine art editing and I followed a youtube tutorial for dodging and burning parts of an image. I created a curves adjustment layer, moved my curve to lighten the image then inverted to hide the adjustment. Then tried using the dodge brush to brighten some areas of the image. Nothing happens when i do this. 

If I make my background layer active and use the dodge tool, this works but of course I don't want to edit this layer directly. 

I am using Photoshop 2023 (I was using 2022 yesterday and had the same issue). Is there a step I am missing here? 

I have attached screen shots for reference. 

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

What do you expect the Dodge Tool to achieve on a black Layer Mask? 

Try using the Brush Tool to paint with white on the Layer Mask. 

[Svenom]

Thanks for the reply. I'm new to photoshop and clearly didn't watch the tutorial properly haha. This worked, thanks. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Maybe you also want to check out this method: 

https://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-editing/dodge-burn/