Richard Lynch

Advanced Blending with Blend If

Yet another means of combining and targeting content changes can be found lurking in the palette in the Photoshop Layer Styles. We have already looked at some of what the Layer Styles dialog can do when exploring layer styles in Chapter 5. However, Blend If is a more advanced feature on the Layer Styles dialog that offers opportunities separate from masking and clipping that we will definitely want to explore in order to round out the layer experience ( Figure 7.1 ).

Chapter 9 – Taking an Image through the Process

Weve looked at multiple facets of image correction and adjustment, and now it is time to put them all together. Using a sample image supplied on the CD, we will step through the process of correction and adjustment from start to finish in order to show how the process works in practice.

Making a Layered Collage or Composite Image

We have looked at quite a lot of things that layers can do, and the important thing now is to continue to follow through using the techniques you have learned. We looked at the entire process of evaluating and correcting an image in Chapter 9. One step beyond just working out the issues with a single image is combining images for a finished result.

The Basics of Layers: Layer Functions and Creation

Understanding how to work with layers starts with understanding some basics about what layers are, what their capabilities are, what functions are in the layers palette, and how to locate all that you need to apply basic layer power. In this chapter we explore the layers palette, see how all the basic layer functionality fits into the layers palette and menus, learn how to create layers, access and apply basic layer functions, and look at how to adjust the layer viewing preferences. Well run through a hands-on no-knowledge-necessary example of using layers and see some simple effects that can be achieved in the world of layers. Even if you feel comfortable with layers, this chapter will help make sure we are all starting off with the same basic familiarity with layers and how they are accessed as tools. With that under our belt, we can look forward to applying layers to images.

Object and Image Area Isolation in Layers

One of the fundamental values of working in layers is the ability to isolate image areas for change. This gives you the freedom to correct image areas independently, and revisit those changes as part of image development and workflow. Once you begin to use layers to isolate changes, you can make adjustments, and then fine-tune adjustments in ways that are impossible using selection alone.

Exploring Layer Modes

Layer Modes are an enigma. They are located in a drop list at the top of the layers palette in a very prominent spot, which suggests they are one of the most important tools in the layers palette. The modes have names, but few people really understand how to work with them or what they do from the name alone, unless they read about changing a mode in a tutorial.