Create a Dramatic Scenery by Using Dodge and Burn in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to create a very dramatic and strong effect in Photoshop using nothing but just Dodge and Burn tools.

First take a picture you’d wish to work on. Then turn it to black and white by going Image – Adjustments – Black and White and play around with the sliders til you are satisfied with the results. Since every picture has different tones and colors then every picture has its best black and white values and therefore it is not possible to give the exact values to use for everyone.

Now take the Burn tool, set the exposure from the upper bar 15-20% and start giving more darkness to the darker areas of the picture. Pay special attention to the sky.

Now take the Dodge tool and do the opposite – make the light parts lighter.

Give the picture more sharpness by going to Filter – Sharpen – Smart sharpen and your picture is done! You can see the difference in before and after.