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This lesson demonstrates how to bring to life monochromatic photographs by increasing the contrast with the Dodge and Burn tools. The image I am working with can be found Here. Unzip the file and open it onto Photoshop’s workspace.
To convert photographs to monochrome, from the top menu choose Image, then Desaturate. Alternatively, link Here for a comprehensive lesson.
Undo and Navigation Steps
Two ways of undoing steps are from the top menu, Edit then Step Backwards. Alternatively, click a previous snapshot in the History Palette.
Navigate (zoom in and pan) your image using the Navigator Palette,
or the Zoom Tool. 
Activate The Hand Tool by tapping the Spacebar, keeping the Spacebar pressed, pan your image in the usual way. 
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Open an image onto Photoshop’s workspace, and remove its colour as explained in my tutorial here.
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Then from the toolbar, activate the Burn Tool.
And set the following Shadows attributes into its Options bar.
Note
The Dodge Tool darkens either Highlights, Midtones or Shadows, and it is important to build up the effect gradually. If you utilise the default Exposure, and paint over your photograph - the result will be much too dark.
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Therefore, always set the Exposure to a minimum, and no higher than 6%. The amount of Exposure depends on your photograph, 2% is fine for the image I am working with.
Quickly adjust the brush size!
To adjust the brush size, press your keyboard’s left-side (or right-side), bracket keys - ensuring the keyboard is set to lower case, and Not capitals!
Lesson continued
Now, working with an Exposure of 2%, and the Range set to Shadows, left-click the foreground area, (as shown below), and slowly drag your cursor over the image. This darkens the area slightly. Now, gradually work around the photograph, slowly building the darkening effect. This process cannot be rushed, however, it is not a difficult technique to master. Continue moving around the image, until it has been evenly darkened. Remember, at present, you are altering just the dark areas of your photograph.
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When you have completed this step, your image will be suitably darkened.
Tip
If you over darken the image, either Step Backwards, or click a previous snap shot in the History palette.
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From the Toolbar, activate the Dodge Tool. 
And set the following attributes into its Options bar.
The Dodge Tool brightens light areas of photographs, and has the same principles as the Burn Tool. Therefore, always set a low Exposure, and increase the effect, gradually. You are looking to lighten the foreground rocks, water and bridge - or naturally highlighted areas of your photograph. Remember to take your time and build the effect, slowly.
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Occasionally, depending on your image, it can be beneficial to lighten or darken the Midtones - using the Dodge and Burn tools. To darken the sky a little, change the Burn tool’s Range to Midtones, and with an Exposure of 3%, carefully apply the brush over the sky.
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When you are completely happy with your result, from the top menu, choose Filter then choose Sharpen then choose Sharpen, or your choice of filter - my sharpening images lesson can be found Here. Finally, link Here to save your work!
Wendi E M Scarth. Top of Page - Home.
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