Photoshop Fundamentals: Using Layer Blend Modes for Much Improved Edits (VIDEO)

Layer Blend Modes are simple instruments that ship superior outcomes when working with layers. Sadly, they’re ceaselessly ignored—both as a result of some photographers do not know they exist, or due to a false impression that they are tough to make use of.

In primary phrases, Blend Layers instruments are based mostly upon any mixture of Saturation, Luminosity or hue, and so they work their magic in a non-destructive method—which means they modify output with out altering pixels. In different phrases, a redo is all the time doable in case you don’t just like the outcomes.

Using this method is among the many quickest and handiest methods to create actually superb pictures. Furthermore, Blend Modes can be found outdoors of layers and will be present in Portray Instruments Sensible Filters, and elsewhere in Photoshop.

Within the tutorial beneath from German photographer, author and respected educator Rainer Hoffman you may be taught the fundamentals of how Layer Mixing Modes work, the varied choices obtainable, and find out how to put them to make use of. If you wish to take a deeper dive after watching this primer, take a look at the hyperlink within the description beneath the video.

There are quite a few Blend Modes from which to decide on, and fairly than itemizing all of them right here, we’ll let Hoffman run you thru the whole lot that is obtainable. As you see, the “Regular” default setting supplies two colour wheels with a grayscale bar beneath. On this mode all opaque pixels of the highest layer are, nicely, opaque. Subsequently, they merely block the view of corresponding pixels within the background layer that incorporates the picture you are engaged on.

Hoffman explains why issues get way more fascinating whenever you skip the default setting in favor of different Layer Blend Modes. That is as a result of the Luminosity and colour of the pixels on the highest layer are mixed with the corresponding pixels within the background layer, “in response to pertinent mathematical guidelines” (that we cannot bore you with right here).

Let’s simply say that, relying upon the mode you select, values could also be added, subtracted or multiplied. In some instances, what occurs below the hood could also be extra complicated than that. What’s extra necessary than these theoretical concerns, is the distinction between the varied Layer Mixing Modes, and the way they have an effect on the look of a picture.

And that data is precisely what Hoffman supplies, with the usage of simply comprehensible graphics. By the point you are achieved watching, you may be impressed to provide these instruments a attempt. And when you do there is a good probability that Layer Mixing Modes will earn a everlasting place in your image-editing workflow.

Hoffman’s instructional YouTube channel has far more to supply, so be sure you pay a go to when you might have time.

We additionally encourage you to look at the sooner tutorial we posted, explaining why some topics look significantly better when shot in b&w—with professional suggestions for getting the job achieved.