August 19, 2024 ~1 minute minutes read Admin

Dodging and Burning Techniques for Grain Control

Techniques to manipulate exposure during printing to shape the final image.

Dodging and Burning Techniques for Grain Control

Analog printing allows for adjustments that digital editing cannot easily replicate.

Dodging Highlights

  • Use a piece of cardboard to block light from specific areas.
  • Perform dodging in short bursts to prevent uneven edges.
  • Helps recover detail in clouds or bright sunlit foliage.

Burning in Shadows

  • Expose dark areas for longer periods to lift shadows.
  • Requires precise timing to avoid losing texture.
  • Creates a moodier, deeper look in the image.

Practice these methods on scrap paper to build muscle memory.