How can I use the dodge and burn tools?

I’ve been gathering some questions from you – so let’s jump straight in and answer one!

One way I use the burn tool is to “ink” the edges of papers that I’ve clipped to a template.

For example on this template from The Daily Digi, I’ll use it on the scallops:

template
mgl scraps Colour Coded (no longer available)

Before:

plain

After burning the edges at 70px, Midtones, 30% exposure. You can play around with the settings for various different effects.

burn

Here I’ve used erasing, smudging and dodging to wrap part of this 12 inch long ribbon around a frame.

ribbon1

(Supplies: Colour Coded paper, Free Spirit Frame, In the Meadow Ribbon)

Dodging creates highlights in the much the same way – I’ve used dodge and burn to great the shadow and highlight where this needle goes through the ribbon.

Before:

pin1

(Supplies: Colour Coded paper, Free Spirit Frame, In the Meadow Ribbon, Chocolate Covered Cherries needle)

After:

pin2

(Supplies: Colour Coded paper, Free Spirit Frame, In the Meadow Ribbon, Chocolate Covered Cherries needle)

I love this tip from Elements Village on another way to dodge and burn!

Do you have questions on using Photoshop Elements? Why not leave me a comment and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Melissa