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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Dodge/Burn maybe even EXPLODE and levels/Curves !
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 08/29/2005 05:47:28 AM · #1
hi ive done some reading and some playing about with Curves and Dodge and burn tools but im still a bit in the dark about how you should use them (ive also check out the tutorials here which are quite usefull)

1- If im right in my understanding Curves and Dodge/burn are essentially the same thing, the difference being that Curves alters the whole image tonality(is that the right word for it?) where as Dodge and Burn just affected the localised area you want to affect

2-Is is better the alter use the Curves first because it affect the whole image rather than dodging and buring first?

3-What is the difference between level and curves?

thx ALi


Message edited by author 2005-08-29 05:49:55.
 08/29/2005 05:55:54 AM · #2
Well I will try to help you but I am not a big fan of dodging and burning only because I have had a lot of bad results even though it was my own fault.

First curve and levels are essentially the same tool just in a different layout, a lot of people get scared when they see a graph in curves and stick to levels. The trick with curves usually is to stick to a gentle s shape which lightens whites and darkens blacks.

Levels will do the same thing you just donĂ¢€™t have the same amount of control.

I would recommend using either curves or levels before you go in dodging and burning that way you get the whole image to an acceptable place before you worry about minor touch-ups.

Hope this helped and donĂ¢€™t worry about experimenting just do it on a duplicate of the original so you always have it (the original) if you need it.

08/29/2005 07:06:35 AM · #3
Levels shoudl be used to set proper white and blacd points for the entire image, and that's about it. Curves is much more powerful, allowing you do do all that levels can do, plus correct color casts & colot temperature, adjust contrast, brighten/darken, and much much more. Curves is *the* one tool that you really do want to spend some time getting to know.
Dodge/burn are necessary when you want to darken or lighten smaller areas. For changes to relatively large areas, I prefer a curves adjustment layer. This has two benefits; first, it's reversible, and second, it's strength is adjustable through the opacity slider. You control what parts of the image it acts on by masking it (a layer mask is created by default with the adjustment layer)
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