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To use this set of helper layers, first select both of them
in the Layers panel, group them together (Command­G
[PC: Ctrl­G]), and name the group “D&B Helper.” Then,
toggle the group on/off every few strokes while mak­
ing your corrections. Generally, work with just the Luminosity
layer, and use the Negative layer now and then to help
spot problem areas or over­correction. The goal is to keep
from creating harsh transitions or pushing a bit too far.
You can also toggle the Solar layer on and off while the
D&B helper group is active. The result is insanely contrasty!
Those barely shaded areas and hidden edges will suddenly
pop out. If you toggle all the helper layers on and off, you’ll
get a really good idea of how subtle shading can affect body
shapes and smoothness. And, be sure to toggle the Dodge
& Burn groups on and off to see your progress.
These helper layers can bring out stuff you’ve never
noticed in your images, giving you more power and control
over your retouching. To make the best use of them, here
are some general tips:

• Keep your helper layers in a single group so you can
  combine them and more easily see a before/after by
  turning them on and off together. Discuss this Issue ALL IMAGES BY SCOTT VALENTINE

sets: one for fine details that you’ll use with the mid peak

method above, and one for shaping to be used with this

luminosity/negative helper.

• When working at close detail, be sure to zoom out
  every few minutes to keep perspective. The Bird’s Eye
  view is one way to do this (press­and­hold the letter
  H on your keyboard and then click­and­hold in your
  image), or open your image in a second window using
  Window>Arrange>New Window for [name of file].


• Tweak the various settings on each layer to get the most
  out of it. The whole point is to give you a different view
  of your image to pick out areas that need correction.

Remember that

these are “helpers,”

so only use them

when they make

sense. Don’t feel

obligated to add

them to every proj­

ect, but do get used

to how they func­

tion. And, of course,

see if you can come

up with other types

of helper layers to

make your retouch­

ing job easier, such

as saturation or hue

helpers. If you find something useful in your explorations,

share it online with us! n

Before

After

Before After