Apogee Photo Magazine

Converting a Color Image to BW in Photoshop Elements
Extra: An alternative burning and dodging tool.

A tutorial by Michael Fulks
Part 2.

Now let's do some burning and dodging. This is a much simpler method than we discussed in previous tutorials, but just as effective. After you try this, try the old way as well. See which you like the best. Easier isn't always better.

While the MIDDLE Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer is selected, click on the "New Layer" icon. This should put a new blank layer between the two existing Adjustment Layers. Change the Blend Mode of this new layer to "Overlay." (I have changed the name of this layer to "darken sky".)

Next make sure the default colors (1, see below) are set to black as the foreground and white as the background as shown below. Next click on the Gradient Tool (2). In the tool Options bar at the top, select the Black to Transparent option (3) and select the Linear gradient option. (4)

Placing the cursor at the top of your image, drag straight down. (1) This should create an effect of a gradual burn from top to bottom. (2) You can change the opacity of this layer if you feel you over did it. (3)  If you need to increase the effect, make a copy of this layer above this one.

As you can see we have made the sky darker and let the clouds show through more. (This layer could also be used to do an edge burn instead of just burning the sky. Can you guess how? The answer is at the end of this article)

Next we are going to create a nondestructive layer for our burning and dodging, so we are not working on the actual image. While holding the Alt key down click on the New Layer icon, You will get the dialog box below. Change the Mode to Softlight as shown and check the "Fill with Soft-Light-Neutral color..." box and the click OK.

Now you will paint into this new layer. Choose the Brush tool. Make sure the Opacity in the tool Option Bar at the top of the screen is set low to something like 15%.  Now when you paint in this layer with black, you will darken the image in the areas you paint. Conversely, if you paint with white, you will lighten the areas in those areas. Give it a try now and see. Remember to change the Opacity on the Option Bar at the top of the screen if you need more or less effect.

Here is how my image looks after I am done working on it. Check out the icon in this layer to see where I painted black and white strokes.

While this is an effective tool for burning and dodging, and also pretty simple, many of my students prefer the method described in my previous tutorial <http://www.apogeephoto.com/feb2006/mfulks2_2006_2.shtml> because of the way it affects the colors as well. On color images you may want to try both to see which one you like best.

Lastly, when you are satisfied, you may want to add a final Level Adjustment Layer to the top of the stack to make sure your tonal range contains whites and blacks.

If you like, try adding some color back into your image. Make a duplicate of your original background layer and drag it to the top of the layers stack.

Pull down the Blending Mode menu and change the blending mode to either "Color", "Overlay", or "Hard Light" and see what each one does. Play with the "Opacity Slider" to change how much the mode affects your picture. You probably will need to take it down to around 50% to keep the effect from being too overwhelming. But as you will see, each one does something a little different.

Here's the original:

Here's what my final black and white and "hand tinted" editions look like.

That's it! Try it on more of your images to get the hang of it.