How to use dodge? Nothing happening ...

[gumbo23]

I have the dodge brush selected, and am trying to use it to lighten part of an image, but nothing is happening. 

Where might I be going wrong?

I'm attaching an image of the work area.

Thanks

[RNKLN]

It looks like the background layer is locked. Could it be that?

[Alfred]

An opacity setting of 20% is quite low, especially with hardness at less than 70%, so any effect might be too subtle for you to see easily. Try increasing the opacity to 80% or more to convince yourself that it’s working, and then reduce it to a level where you have the desired amount of fine control.

1 minute ago, RNKLN said:

It looks like the background layer is locked. Could it be that?

Locking a layer should only prevent you from transforming it, not painting on it.

[Xzenor]

increase opacity to 100 to see if it's really not doing anything

[Dan C]

If the above does not change the result, try unticking Protect Hue on the context toolbar and let us know if this helps

[gumbo23]

I managed to get it working, but it just makes it look like I have a skin condition. 

Is there a better way to light the right side of the image, or do I just need to get better at using dodge?

[Dan C]

Could you please provide a copy of the image/.afphoto document so we can try this here for you?

[carl123]

7 minutes ago, gumbo23 said:

Is there a better way to light the right side of the image, or do I just need to get better at using dodge?

Are you trying to remove the "black eye" effect?

[gumbo23]

18 hours ago, carl123 said:

Are you trying to remove the "black eye" effect?

Yes - the lighting was overlooked, to say the least

[Xzenor]

20 hours ago, gumbo23 said:

I managed to get it working, but it just makes it look like I have a skin condition. 

Is there a better way to light the right side of the image, or do I just need to get better at using dodge?

Try improving the lighting with curves or levels. Then invert the layer and paint with white to only have the effect where you need it. Use a soft brush with low flow.

[kirkt]

You can add an adjustment layer (like curves) and set the blend mode to Screen.  You do not need to do anything to the curve.  Invert the layer mask (just select the layer and CMD-I or CTRL-I) to hide the screen effect and then use a white rush with low flow and 100% opacity to gently brush in the screened layer.  You can also clone the catchlight from the right eye onto the left eye.

Kirk