How can you specifically improve only the underexposed areas of a digital image?

Improving only the underexposed areas of a digital image can be effectively achieved by using dodging. This technique involves selectively lightening specific areas of an image, which is particularly useful when addressing underexposure.

When you dodge, you can apply adjustments such as lightening or brightness enhancements solely to the parts of the image that are too dark without affecting the well-exposed areas. This is accomplished either through post-processing techniques in software or during the printing process. The goal is to bring out detail in the shadows, enhancing the overall quality of the image while maintaining the integrity of other regions.

The other options do not specifically address the need to improve underexposed areas:

• Burning involves darkening areas of an image and would not be suitable for correcting underexposure.

• Masking refers to creating a digital mask to protect certain areas during editing, but it requires additional steps to better adjust the underexposed regions.

• Layering typically involves stacking images or elements, which can be useful for various effects but is not specifically aimed at correcting exposure issues.

Thus, dodging is the most appropriate and direct method for improving underexposed areas in digital photography.