For me, layers and mix modes together with masks are the true energy of Photoshop. Mix modes are mathematical equations that decide how the pixels on a layer work together with the layers under. I began with Photoshop extractions, which you’ll lean extra about on this article.
Layers
There are lots of various kinds of layers. Your picture is on a layer, whereas coloration corrections and artistic results may be added with adjustment layers.
Adjustment layers are clear layers that ship directions to the layers under to vary coloration, distinction, publicity and extra to the layers under. Consider layers as sheets of paper or acetate. The one on prime is the one you’ll be able to see and the sheets (layers) under shall be seen or behave in another way relying upon the layer that’s on prime.
As you take a look at the Layers panel, observe the differing mix modes with masks blocking or permitting particular areas on that layer to work together. For instance, there’s a Sharpening layer that’s solely utilized to sure locations on the hummingbirds to convey them a refined little bit of consideration.
Mix modes
Photoshop mix modes are separated into sections. A traditional layer at 100% will cowl something under. Change to a darker or multiply mode and it’ll darken the picture. Change to a lighten mode equivalent to display and the picture will turn into lighter.
I extremely advocate that this can be a place the place you go play to be taught what modes accomplish. As you attempt the totally different modes, ‘What you see is what you get’ (WYSIWYG).
WYSIWYG with mix modes is likely one of the nice playgrounds in Adobe Photoshop. I’ll provide you with one head begin in understanding 4 of the mix modes.
Multiply will darken your picture as if it acquired one full cease much less of sunshine throughout publicity. If you wish to darken a picture by a 3rd of a cease, change the Multiply Layer opacity to 33%. Conversely, Display screen will lighten by a full cease of sunshine.
The opposite two modes I’ll point out do completely nothing with pixels which might be 50% gray. Pixels darker than 50% gray will darken and react with these under and people which might be lighter will lighten these under. Overlay and Tender Mild are these modes and are sometimes used with textures and a decrease opacity for a lot of fascinating results. Each are comparable, with Overlay seeming to be a bit extra aggressive than Tender Mild mode.
Masks
What when you solely need some of what’s on the upper-most layer to be a part of the mission? That’s when the magic of masks comes into play. Portray on a masks of a layer with something darker than white will block it from interacting with the layers under. Consider it this manner, black conceals what’s on this layer. White reveals what’s on this layer. and gray partially reveals what’s on this layer. This permits for great management.
In use
Right here’s one of many last photos. I say one in every of as a result of many variations with differing coloration palettes, tones and extra may be produced from a single picture. In the event you begin doing this sort of work, you’ll want to label your information one thing like Model 1, 2, 3, and so on. Each time I see what I believe may be the most effective rendition I save a model, layers and all. Then I’m going again a number of days later and throw away the lower than great variations.
Yours in Inventive Pictures, Bob
