PSC09: Layer Magic I

On today's Photoshop Corner, we'll talk about a few things that you can do better with layers than with some of the more traditional tools.

Blending Modes

Blending modes are the key to many layer operations, and depending on which modes you choose, you can get quite some different results.

Brightening Up

Original...

... and "screened"

Here's a first use for layers to brighten up an image without actually using the contrast and brightness tool or curves. Simply duplicate the image layer by dragging it to the New Layer icon on the bottom of the layers palette, then set the new layer's blending mode to screen. You can then adjust the strength of the effect by changing the layer opacity, and you can even use a layer mask in order to restrict the effect to certain areas of the image only.

And if you run one of the bigger Photoshop versions apart from Photoshop Elements, a curves layer will actually do the same thing for you (or a levels layer within Photoshop Elements), with the added bonus of not substantially increasing the size of the file. Just create a curves layer, click OK, and then set it's blending mode.

Darkening

By changing the blending mode to Multiply, you can actually get an inverse effect and darken your image...

Increasing Contrast

.. and by trying one of the Overlay, Hard Light or Soft Light modes, you'll increase your image's contrast. And again, using a layer mask will allow you to localize the effect to parts of your image.

Equalizing Contrast

And here's a very cool application of layers that will allow you to make darker areas of your image brighter and darken down the bright ones. I use this method a lot for very high contrast images because of its natural look.

First, duplicate your image to a new layer

then go to Image -> Adjustments and desaturate the new layer.

Go to Image -> Adjustments again and invert the layer.

Set the blending mode to Overlay...

... and then use some Gaussian Blur on that layer. The amount depends on the size of the image. For a 8MP image, a blur value of 60 pixels is a good start.

And last but not least, adjust the opacity of the new layer in order to adjust the effect. I love this method of equalizing brightness in an image, because I feel it looks more natural than many other methods out there, including Photoshop's Shadow/Highlight adjustment.

Experiment!

In the end, it's up you to try out different blending modes for different pictures and see what they do. You'll be amazed at the results you can get by experimenting in this area of Photoshop.