Kaboom Your Photography!

Got a question? Ask Jim!

Jim

Photoshop Elements >

Burning & Dodging >

Method for Several Small Areas -

Overlay Layer >

1 - Introduction

Use This Method . . .

. . . if you need to burn and dodge small areas.

Be sure to check off as you go along.

Preparation

1) Preserve your original file.

If you haven't already done so, go to Preserve Your Original File.

2) Create a Background copy layer.

If you haven't already done so, go to Create a Background Copy Layer.

Create an Overlay Layer

1) At the top of your screen, go to Layer > New > Layer, or press Ctrl + Shift + n.

In the New Layer window, do the following three actions.

1st Action

2) In the Name box, enter a word that describes the area that you're about to burn or dodge.

For example, if you're going to burn the sky, enter Sky.

2nd Action

3) In the Mode menu, change Normal to Overlay.

3rd Action

4) At the bottom of the New Layer window, select Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray).

5) Click OK.

The new layer will appear in the Layers panel (Layers palette).