36 25 May 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH LAYERS
Combine photos
One of the simplest ways to blend two layers is
to lower the opacity of the top layer so that the
layer below partially shows through. We do this
by adjusting the layer opacity at the top of the
Layers Panel. The opacity slider is also very
useful for altering the overall strength of an
Adjustment Layer.
Adjust tones
Adjustment Layers are tonal effects that affect
all the layers below them. To add one, click the
circular ‘Create Adjustment Layer icon in the
Layers Panel. Here a Levels Adjustment lets
us boost contrast and add a colour cast. The
settings can be edited at any time by double-
clicking the layer thumbnail.Create composites
Layer Masks allow us to create composites by
hiding or revealing parts of a layer, so that the
layers below show through. We simply add a
mask, then paint with black over the image to
hide areas, or white to reveal them. It’s like an
eraser, only nothing is ever lost but is only
hidden from view.Technique PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS
Layers and workfl ow
One of the biggest benefi ts of using Layers is the control it
gives you over your workfl ow. When you fi rst open an image
it’ll appear as the ‘Background’ Layer. The wrong thing to do
is to start making changes to this layer. Instead, if you want to
alter it, fi rst duplicate it (either hit Cmd/Ctrl+J or drag it to the
New Layer icon in the Layers Panel) and then start making
changes to the duplicate layer. Your original image is
untouched, so you can always go back to it if necessary or
make another copy to try something different. This is the basis
for a simple non-destructive workfl ow. It might sound dull, but
‘non-destructive’ is a hugely creative way to work, as it gives
you the freedom to try out different effects and experiment
with tonal treatments, so you can take an image in all kinds of
creative directions. Here by making our duplicate layer black &
white (using Enhance>Convert to Black and White), we can
always revert back to the colour version if we need to.
Using layer masks
you can combine
images together for
a flawless resultYou can convert separate layers to black & white in the stack