Capture one dodging on different layers

[funonthebeach75]

I just downloaded capture one and I'm trying to do some portrait retouching. It's working well but I'm having an issue with the dodge style brush.

I'm trying to dodge the eyes and hair on separate layers. The eyes went well but I created a new layer to dodge the hair and it won't let me dodge on the new layer. I create the new layer and select the dodge style brush but as soon as I click to dodge, it swaps to the eye layer.

I'm trying to keep them on separate layers so that I can adjust the opacities independent of one another but the program is very insistent about wanting them on the same layer.

I've read articles saying that it's possible to dodge on separate layers like this, so what is it that I'm doing wrong here?

Thanks and have a wonderful day.

 

[Abbott Schindler]

I just downloaded capture one and I'm trying to do some portrait retouching. It's working well but I'm having an issue with the dodge style brush.

I'm trying to dodge the eyes and hair on separate layers. The eyes went well but I created a new layer to dodge the hair and it won't let me dodge on the new layer. I create the new layer and select the dodge style brush but as soon as I click to dodge, it swaps to the eye layer.

I'm trying to keep them on separate layers so that I can adjust the opacities independent of one another but the program is very insistent about wanting them on the same layer.

I've read articles saying that it's possible to dodge on separate layers like this, so what is it that I'm doing wrong here?

Thanks and have a wonderful day.

I suspect that what’s happening is that Capture One wants to keep all adjustments with a particular brush on one layer, so every time you select the Dodge style brush, it resumes working on the same Dodge layer. This often works pretty well, as the brushes are set to a very low flow and they’re intended to let you precisely control the effect by multiple brush strokes, as opposed to what you seem to be trying to do.

A simple thing to try is changing the name of the Dodge layer C1 created to, something like “Dodge Eyes”. That might trick C1 into creating a new Dodge layer that you can use for other things. I haven’t tried it, but it might work.

My preferred approach is to create my own layers and adjust the brush as needed for that layer. In your case, I might let C1 create its Dodge layer and use that for eyes. Then I’d create another layer, select the Brush tool, Option-click and adjust the brush Flow and Opacity and so on to whatever you want; probably low Flow for example. Then brush that layer.

Frankly, with most of their adjustment brushes, I prefer to create a layer and adjust the brush as needed to work that layer. For example, a part of the subject may require burning, dodging, and maybe sharpening. Using Style brushes will separate those adjustments, vs adjusting the brush as needed for each adjustment on a part of the object.

Hopefully I explained this understandably.

 

[Abbott Schindler]

OK; I just tried this and it worked:

1. Select the Dodge (or another) Style Brush and brush away.

2. Create a new layer. DO NOT start brushing.

3. Select another brush.

4. Click on your new layer and then re-select the original brush or whatever other brush you want and brush away.

BTW: there are other ways to do what you seem to be trying to do. Are you aware that once you've created a mask, you can add/subtract/vary the strength of any adjustments on that layer. That's in addition to changing the layer's opacity. And keep in mind that you can always Feather and/or Refine masks on any adjustment layer. You might find it easier to just brush a mask in and then vary individual sliders as needed.